Crispy Crack Chicken Tenders: Easy Weeknight Meal (Print Version)

Whip up these easy Crack Chicken Tenders for a flavorful weeknight dinner! Creamy, cheesy, and so simple, they're a family favorite you'll crave.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Meat

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken Base

01 - 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
02 - 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled

→ Flavor Powerhouse

03 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
04 - 1 (1 oz) packet ranch seasoning mix
05 - 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded (divided)

→ Crispy Coating & Finishing Touch

06 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
07 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get that bacon nice and crispy. Chop your bacon into small pieces – honestly, I just eyeball it, no need for perfection here. Cook it in a skillet over medium heat until it's perfectly crisp. Drain it on a paper towel-lined plate, saving a little of that glorious bacon grease for later if you’re pan-frying the tenders. While that's cooling, pat your chicken tenders super dry with paper towels; remember my soggy chicken disaster! This is crucial for getting that lovely golden crust on your <strong>Crack Chicken Tenders</strong>.
02 - Now for the good stuff! In a medium bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, the ranch seasoning mix, and about half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir it all together until it’s smooth and well-combined. This is the heart of the "crack" flavor, so make sure it's mixed thoroughly. I always give it a little taste test here – a tiny spoonful, just to make sure the seasoning is spot on. Sometimes I add a tiny pinch more ranch if I'm feeling extra bold!
03 - Alright, time to get hands-on! Take each chicken tender and spread a generous layer of that creamy cheese and ranch mixture over one side. Don't be shy! Then, sprinkle a good amount of your crispy bacon bits over the cream cheese mixture, pressing them gently so they stick. It's a little messy, but oh so worth it. This step is where the magic truly starts to happen, building those incredible layers of flavor for your <strong>Crack Chicken Tenders</strong>.
04 - Next up, the crunch factor! Lightly press the cheese and bacon-coated side of each tender into the panko breadcrumbs. You want a nice, even coating. I usually put my panko in a shallow dish for this, it just makes things easier and less messy. This is where I sometimes get a little distracted and get panko all over the counter, but hey, that's real cooking, right? Just ensure each tender is well-covered for that golden crisp.
05 - You've got options! You can bake these beauties at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Or, if you prefer a pan-fried crisp, heat a bit of that reserved bacon grease or some oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the tenders for about 4-5 minutes per side, until they're golden brown and the chicken is cooked through. I usually go for baking for less mess, but pan-frying gives a seriously amazing crust!
06 - Once your <strong>Crack Chicken Tenders</strong> are beautifully golden and cooked, transfer them to a serving platter. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese while they're still warm so it gets all melty and gooey – honestly, that’s my favorite part. Then, finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh green onions. They look so vibrant and add a lovely fresh counterpoint to all the rich flavors. Enjoy them immediately, because that crispy, creamy, cheesy goodness is best fresh!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat chicken dry for crispiness; it's a game-changer I learned the hard way.
02 - Leftovers are best reheated in the oven or air fryer to maintain that satisfying crunch.
03 - Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses; Monterey Jack works wonderfully too!
04 - Serving with a fresh side salad balances the richness beautifully, a personal favorite combo.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - baking sheet
03 - mixing bowls
04 - shallow dish
05 - paper towels

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: Approx. 450-550 kcal
Total Fat: Approx. 30-40g
Total Carbohydrate: Approx. 15-20g
Protein: Approx. 35-45g

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