Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
These Crack Chicken Tenders are baked to perfection with a rich combination of ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. They’re sure to become a new favorite in your household!
Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders (about 6-8 tenders)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or about 2 tablespoons homemade ranch seasoning)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6-8 slices of bacon)
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing (optional, for extra flavor)
- 2 tablespoons green onions (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with a little olive oil or use non-stick cooking spray.
2. Prepare the Chicken Tenders:
- Lay the chicken tenders flat in the greased baking dish. Season the tenders lightly with a little salt and pepper if desired.
3. Prepare the Crack Chicken Mixture:
- In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and ranch dressing (if using). Mix everything together until smooth and creamy.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon to the mixture and stir until fully combined.
4. Coat the Chicken:
- Spoon the crack chicken mixture over the tenders, spreading it evenly so the chicken is fully covered with the cheesy, creamy topping.
5. Bake the Chicken:
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
- Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.
- Serve hot with your favorite side dishes or dipping sauces.
Why You’ll Love These Crack Chicken Tenders:
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Rich, Flavorful Topping: The creamy ranch mixture with bacon and cheese makes these tenders incredibly rich and packed with flavor.
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Easy to Make: It only takes a few simple ingredients and minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
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Kid-Friendly: These tenders are a hit with kids and adults alike! The combination of ranch, cheese, and bacon is always a crowd-pleaser.
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Versatile: You can serve them with a variety of sides, like mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or even a side salad.
Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Tenders:
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Use Cooked Bacon: For convenience, you can use pre-cooked bacon or cook your bacon in advance and crumble it.
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Cream Cheese Temperature: Make sure the cream cheese is softened before mixing it, as it will blend much more easily with the other ingredients.
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Add More Spice: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for an extra kick.
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Make It Ahead: You can prep the chicken tenders with the cream cheese mixture and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it easier to just pop in the oven when you’re ready.
FAQs:
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
- Yes! You can use chicken breasts. Just be sure to cut them into strips or adjust the cooking time, as chicken breasts will take longer to cook than tenders.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
- Yes, you can prepare the tenders up to the point of baking and store them in the fridge for 24 hours. When you’re ready, just pop them in the oven and bake.
Q: Can I freeze Crack Chicken Tenders?
- Yes, you can freeze the assembled tenders (without baking) in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When ready to cook, thaw in the fridge overnight and then bake as directed.
