These Crack Chicken Tenders are irresistibly crispy, juicy, and loaded with flavor. Coated in a creamy, cheesy, ranch-infused mixture with crispy bacon bits, they’re baked or air-fried to perfection. This easy, family-friendly recipe is perfect for game day snacks, quick dinners, or party appetizers.
Recipe Overview
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer:
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and crumbled bacon.
3. Coat the Chicken Tenders:
Pat the chicken tenders dry. Add them to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Add Crunch:
In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil for extra crispiness. Dredge each coated chicken tender in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Cooking Options:
- Oven: Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Air Fryer: Place tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and fully cooked.
6. Serve:
Remove from the oven or air fryer. Let them rest for 3 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for a fresh finish.
Serving Suggestions
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch dressing, honey mustard, spicy mayo, or buffalo sauce.
- Side Dishes: Serve with crispy fries, coleslaw, potato wedges, or a fresh green salad.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip the breadcrumbs and bake directly with the creamy mixture for a keto-friendly version.
Tips & Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy twist or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Bacon Substitute: Use turkey bacon or omit for a lighter version.
Storage & Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) to maintain crispiness.
These Crack Chicken Tenders are insanely addictive—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with cheesy, bacon-ranch goodness. Perfect for any occasion, they’ll disappear in no time!
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Crack Chicken Tenders
These Crack Chicken Tenders are irresistibly crispy, juicy, and loaded with flavor. Coated in a creamy, cheesy, ranch-infused mixture with crispy bacon bits, they’re baked or air-fried to perfection. This easy, family-friendly recipe is perfect for game day snacks, quick dinners, or party appetizers.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- Fresh chopped green onions or parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer:
- Oven: Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, and smoked paprika until smooth. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and crumbled bacon.
3. Coat the Chicken Tenders:
Pat the chicken tenders dry. Add them to the bowl with the cream cheese mixture and toss to coat evenly.
4. Add Crunch:
In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil for extra crispiness. Dredge each coated chicken tender in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Cooking Options:
- Oven: Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
- Air Fryer: Place tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and fully cooked.
Notes
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
- Cheese Options: Swap cheddar with pepper jack for a spicy twist or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Bacon Substitute: Use turkey bacon or omit for a lighter version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: ~420 kcal per serving