Introduction
Craving a dish that’s bursting with flavor, incredibly easy to make, and sure to become a family favorite? Look no further than Crack Chicken Tenders! This recipe takes the addictively delicious flavors of traditional “Crack Chicken” – usually made with shredded chicken – and transforms it into crispy, juicy chicken tenders. Get ready for a creamy, cheesy, bacon-loaded experience that will leave you wanting more. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or any occasion where you need a quick and crowd-pleasing meal.
Making the Best Crack Chicken Tenders
What Makes These Tenders So Good?
- Creamy Goodness: The base of the “crack” flavor comes from a blend of cream cheese and ranch dressing. This combination creates a tangy, rich, and utterly irresistible sauce.
- Bacon, Bacon, Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a salty, smoky flavor that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. Don’t skimp on the bacon!
- Cheddar Cheese: A generous helping of cheddar cheese melts into the sauce, adding a sharp, cheesy element that brings everything together.
- Juicy Chicken Tenders: Using chicken tenders ensures quick cooking and juicy, tender results.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve these tenders as an appetizer, a main course, or even in sandwiches or wraps.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Tenders: About 1.5-2 pounds, fresh or thawed.
- Cream Cheese: 8 ounces, softened. Softening the cream cheese is key for a smooth sauce.
- Ranch Dressing: 1 packet of Ranch dressing mix or 1 cup of prepared Ranch dressing.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1-2 cups, shredded.
- Bacon: 8-12 slices, cooked and crumbled.
- Green Onions: 2-3, thinly sliced (optional, for garnish).
- Salt and Pepper: To taste.
- Optional: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika for seasoning the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and any optional spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
- Cook the Chicken: You can bake, pan-fry, or air fry the chicken tenders.
- Baking: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through.
- Pan-Frying: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the tenders for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Air Frying: Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until cooked through.
- Make the “Crack” Sauce: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing until smooth.
- Assemble the Tenders: Once the chicken is cooked, place it in a baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the tenders.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the cream cheese mixture.
- Bake (If Necessary): If the chicken wasn’t baked originally, place the baking dish in the oven for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you baked the chicken originally, you can skip this step or broil for a minute or two to melt the cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with sliced green onions (optional) and serve immediately.
Tips and Variations
- Use Different Cheese: Experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Colby Jack.
- Add Spice: Mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
- Breaded Chicken Tenders: For extra crispy tenders, coat them in breadcrumbs before cooking. Dip in an egg wash followed by seasoned breadcrumbs.
- Slow Cooker Option: Cook the chicken in a slow cooker with the cream cheese, ranch dressing, and a little chicken broth. Shred the chicken and then top with cheese and bacon before serving.
- Make it Keto: Use keto-friendly ranch dressing and sweeteners if desired.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Tenders are a guaranteed hit! The combination of creamy, cheesy, bacon-y goodness is simply irresistible. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a fun appetizer, or a crowd-pleasing snack. Give it a try, and you’ll understand why it’s called “crack” chicken – you won’t be able to stop eating it! Enjoy!
