Description
Crack Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food featuring juicy chicken tenders with a golden, crispy coating and a gooey, cheesy interior. Seasoned with ranch and optionally enhanced with bacon bits, these tenders offer a perfect balance of crunch, creaminess, and flavor that makes them a family favorite and versatile dish suitable as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders, fresh
- 1 cup shredded cheddar and/or mozzarella cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese or 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 1 egg (for egg wash)
- Optional: 1/2 cup bacon bits, crispy
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring the coating adheres properly and crisps up during cooking.
- Mix the Cheese Filling: In a bowl, combine shredded cheese, cream cheese or sour cream, and a pinch of ranch seasoning. Mix thoroughly until smooth to create a creamy filling.
- Coat the Chicken: If stuffing, gently slice open each chicken tender and fill with the cheese mixture. Then dip each tender into the beaten egg wash, coating evenly. Next, dredge the tenders in the breadcrumb or crushed cracker mixture, pressing firmly to cover completely and create a crispy crust.
- Cook the Tenders: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow heat circulation and keep the bottom crispy. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked, the coating is deep golden, and the cheese inside is melted and bubbly. Alternatively, fry in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through.
- Add Bacon Bits and Serve: Immediately after cooking, sprinkle crispy bacon bits over the hot tenders for an added smoky crunch and enhanced flavor. Serve warm with your choice of garnishes and dipping sauces.
Notes
- Pat chicken dry to ensure maximum crispiness.
- Press breadcrumbs firmly onto tender to prevent them from falling off during cooking.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan or baking sheet to maintain even crisping.
- Use a wire rack when baking to keep tenders crispy underneath.
- Customize your cheese blend for varied flavor profiles such as sharp cheddar or pepper jack.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
Keywords: crack chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, cheesy chicken tenders, baked chicken tenders, ranch seasoned chicken
