Crack Chicken Tenders
These Crack Chicken Tenders are ridiculously delicious—crispy, cheesy, bacon-y, and absolutely addictive! They’re the perfect snack, appetizer, or even a quick weeknight dinner when you’re craving something super flavorful. Warning: You might not be able to stop at just one!
Ingredients:
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/4 cup ranch dressing (your favorite brand)
8 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or oil for baking
Instructions:
Preheat and prep: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Mix up the crack topping: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and ranch dressing. Add the cooked, crumbled bacon into the mix—try not to eat it all before it goes into the recipe! Set aside.
Bread the chicken tenders: In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Coat the tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the crack mixture, coating them well. Then, dredge each tender in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure they stick.
Bake to crispy perfection: Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Spray the tops with cooking spray or lightly drizzle with oil to help them crisp up. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the tenders are golden brown and the chicken is cooked through.
Serve: Serve these cheesy, crispy, bacon-loaded chicken tenders hot with extra ranch for dipping, or your favorite sauce!
These tenders are seriously addictive—like, once you take a bite, you’ll understand why they’re called Crack Chicken Tenders. Whether you’re serving them for game day or a quick dinner, they’ll be gone before you know it! Enjoy every crispy, cheesy bite.