Crack Chicken Tenders

ByLovely Recipes

Introduction

These Crack Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food! Juicy, crispy chicken tenders are coated in a creamy, cheesy ranch mixture with crispy bacon for the perfect balance of flavor and crunch. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, game night, or just a delicious snack, these tenders are sure to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Crispy & Flavorful – A perfect blend of cheese, bacon, and ranch seasoning.
  • Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and minimal prep time.
  • Family-Friendly – Loved by kids and adults alike.
  • Great for Any Occasion – Perfect for lunch, dinner, or a party appetizer.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
  • Cooking spray or olive oil for baking

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with cooking spray.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

  1. In a bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  2. In a separate bowl, add the ranch dressing.
  3. In another bowl, mix the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders

  1. Dip each chicken tender into the ranch dressing, ensuring it is fully coated.
  2. Roll the coated chicken in the cheddar cheese and bacon mixture.
  3. Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture until evenly coated.

Step 4: Bake the Chicken

  1. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
  2. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

  1. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.
  2. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
  3. Serve with extra ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Tenders

  • Use Panko Breadcrumbs – They provide the best crispy texture.
  • Don’t Skip the Cheese & Bacon – These add incredible flavor to the coating.
  • Air Fryer Option – Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
  • Serve with Dipping Sauce – Ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo sauce pair perfectly.

Storage & Reheating

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5 minutes.
  • Freeze uncooked tenders for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

These Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—perfect for any meal or snack! Enjoy!