There’s something irresistible about the combination of crispy, golden chicken tenders coated in a rich, cheesy sauce that’s both tangy and indulgent. These Crack Chicken Tenders take ordinary chicken to the next level with a creamy, dreamy blend of cream cheese, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main course, these tenders are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Trust me, once you try them, you’ll understand why they’re called “crack” chicken they’re that addictive!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating a dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Crispy on the Outside, Tender on the Inside: The perfect breading ensures each bite is crunchy and satisfying while keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Creamy Sauce: A luscious blend of cream cheese, ranch dressing, and melted cheddar coats the chicken for an explosion of flavor in every bite.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep time and straightforward steps, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or game-day gatherings.
Customizable: Add your favorite spices or toppings bacon bits, green onions, or hot sauce to make each batch unique.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. Who can resist the irresistible combo of crispy chicken and gooey cheese?
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips for easy cooking and snacking.
All-Purpose Flour: Provides structure and helps create a crispy coating.
Eggs: Act as a binding agent for the breading. Beat them lightly before using.
Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs work best for maximum crunch, but regular breadcrumbs will do in a pinch.
Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt add depth and flavor to the breading.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese forms the base of the creamy sauce.
Ranch Dressing: Adds tanginess and freshness to balance out the richness of the sauce.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully into the sauce for extra cheesiness.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat for easy cleanup.
Prepare the Breading Station: In three shallow bowls, set up your breading station. Place flour in the first bowl, beaten eggs in the second, and seasoned breadcrumbs in the third.
Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in flour, shaking off any excess. Dip it into the beaten egg, then coat generously with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick.
Bake to Perfection: Arrange the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece for even cooking. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
Make the Sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, and shredded cheddar in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth and fully melted.
Assemble and Serve: Drizzle the creamy sauce over the baked chicken tenders or serve it on the side for dipping. Garnish with chopped green onions or bacon bits if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 350
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
How to Serve Crack Chicken Tenders
These tenders pair wonderfully with various accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Vegetables: Serve with carrot sticks, celery, or cherry tomatoes for a balanced meal.
Side Salad: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed with ranch or lime vinaigrette for added freshness.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, these tenders are hearty enough to enjoy on their own. Simply dip them in the creamy sauce and savor every bite!
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Chill the Breading: For an extra-crispy coating, chill the breaded chicken tenders in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes before baking. This helps the breading adhere better during cooking.
Use Store-Bought Tenders: Save time by using pre-cut chicken tenders if you’re short on prep time. Just season and bread them as instructed.
Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the recipe for dipping or drizzling. It’s impossible to have too much!
Freeze for Later: Breaded chicken tenders can be frozen unbaked. Simply bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Add Heat: For those who like it spicy, stir in a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the creamy sauce for a kick of heat.
FAQ Section
1. Can I fry the chicken instead of baking it? Yes! Fry the breaded chicken tenders in hot oil for a crispier texture. Adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
2. What type of cheese should I use? Shredded cheddar works perfectly for melting into gooey perfection. You can also experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for added flavor.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time? You can prepare the breaded chicken tenders up to a day in advance and refrigerate them. Bake just before serving for optimal crispiness.
4. How do I store leftover chicken tenders? Keep them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results.
5. Can I freeze this dish? Yes, breaded chicken tenders freeze well. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving. The sauce can be made fresh when ready to eat.
6. Can I double the recipe? Definitely. Doubling the recipe is simple and ensures you have plenty for leftovers or feeding a crowd.
7. Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet? Not as written, but you can replace breadcrumbs with almond flour or pork rinds for a lower-carb option.
8. Can I skip the cream cheese? You can, though the cream cheese adds richness and thickness to the sauce. Substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
9. Do I need to use ranch dressing? Ranch dressing enhances the flavor, but you can substitute with mayo or another creamy dressing if preferred.
10. Can I add vegetables to the dish? Absolutely! Roasted broccoli, cauliflower, or bell peppers would pair beautifully with the cheesy sauce and crispy chicken.
Conclusion
There you have it a delicious and indulgent Crack Chicken Tenders recipe that’s sure to become a go-to meal in your kitchen. With their crispy exterior, juicy interior, and decadent cheesy sauce, these tenders are a treat that satisfies both your cravings and creativity. So gather your ingredients, fire up the oven, and let’s cook something amazing together! Your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Crack Chicken Tenders
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, cheesy, and incredibly flavorful! Coated with a rich mayo-Parmesan mixture and topped with crunchy Ritz crackers, this is a family favorite you’ll make again and again.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet Ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). - Make the Coating Mixture:
In a mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, Parmesan cheese, Ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth. - Coat the Chicken:
Coat each chicken tender in the mayo mixture, then dredge in the crushed Ritz crackers, ensuring an even coating. - Bake:
Arrange the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden and fully cooked through.
Notes
- Cheese Variations: You can experiment with different types of cheese like sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack for added flavor.
- Healthier Option: For a lighter version, try using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce the fat content.
- Seasoning Variations: Feel free to add extra seasoning like smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: To make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken tenders ahead of time, coat them with the mayo mixture and breadcrumbs, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Serve With: These tenders go great with a side of veggies, mashed potatoes, or a dipping sauce like ranch or BBQ sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg