Why Make This Recipe
Crack Chicken Tenders are a fun and delicious way to enjoy chicken. They are crispy, cheesy, and full of flavor. This dish is perfect for family dinners, game days, or even a quick snack. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll love how these tenders turn out!
How to Make Crack Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or oil
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease it.
- In one bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, beat the eggs.
- Dip each chicken tender in the beaten eggs, then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
- Place the coated tenders on the baking sheet.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top of each tender.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
- Serve immediately with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Serve Crack Chicken Tenders
Crack Chicken Tenders are great on their own or served with a variety of dipping sauces. You can pair them with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or honey mustard. They also go well with a side of fresh vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.
How to Store Crack Chicken Tenders
To store leftover Crack Chicken Tenders, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can also use a microwave, but the oven helps keep them crispy.
Tips to Make Crack Chicken Tenders
- Make sure to press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto the chicken to get a nice coating.
- For an extra kick, add some cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- You can use other types of cheese if you prefer, like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- If you want to cut down on prep time, you can buy pre-cooked bacon to save a few minutes.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe! Try adding spices like Italian seasoning or onion powder for more flavor. You could also coat the chicken tenders in different sauces before baking for a twist.
FAQs
Can I use whole chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can use whole chicken breasts, but make sure to adjust the cooking time. They may need a few extra minutes to fully cook.
Can I freeze these tenders?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked, coated tenders. Place them on a baking sheet to freeze individually before packaging them in a freezer-safe bag. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Are Crack Chicken Tenders spicy?
No, they are not spicy as written. You can make them spicier by adding more seasoning or using a spicy dipping sauce.
