Irresistible Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe: Addictive Crispy Goodness

Crispy, golden-brown chicken tenders dancing with a creamy crack chicken seasoning tantalize every taste bud.

The magic happens when ranch, cheese, and bacon unite in a mouthwatering fusion.

Each tender bite promises a flavor explosion that will leave you craving more.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet irresistible recipe.

Home cooks adore how quickly these tenders come together with minimal effort.

The combination of savory ingredients creates a comfort food masterpiece that everyone will devour.

Prepare to experience a dish that transforms an ordinary meal into an extraordinary culinary adventure.

Tools That Help You Prep Crack Chicken Tenders

• Baking Sheet: Essential for roasting chicken tenders evenly and catching any drips.
• Parchment Paper: Prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• Large Bowl: Perfect for tossing chicken with oil and seasoning.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately add ranch seasoning.
• Cheese Grater: Optional tool for grating fresh cheddar cheese.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing green onions as a garnish.

Steps To Cook Crack Chicken Tenders Crispy And Flavorful

• Oven Warmup

Set the oven to a toasty 400 degrees, creating the perfect environment for your chicken adventure. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or give it a quick spray of cooking oil.

• Flavor Fusion

Massage the chicken tenders with olive oil and ranch seasoning, ensuring every inch gets a delicious coating. This is where the flavor magic begins!

• Cheesy Bacon Transformation

Spread the seasoned chicken across the baking sheet, keeping each tender comfortable with some breathing room. Generously rain down shredded cheddar and crumble crispy bacon over the top, creating a mouthwatering landscape.

• Baking Brilliance

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven and let the chicken dance for 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is perfectly cooked and the cheese turns into a melty, golden wonderland.

• Final Touch

Sprinkle some fresh green onions over the top for a pop of color and extra flavor. Serve immediately while everything is hot and irresistible.

Ways To Modify Crack Chicken Tenders To Your Taste

• Ranch Flavor Boost: Experiment with different ranch seasoning blends, from spicy to classic, to add a unique twist to your chicken tenders.
• Low-Carb Transformation: Replace regular ranch seasoning with a keto-friendly version and use crispy bacon bits for a low-carb, high-protein meal that fits perfectly into ketogenic diets.
• Gluten-Free Friendly: Ensure all seasoning mixes and ingredients are certified gluten-free to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease.
• Meal Prep Magic: These chicken tenders can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, making them a perfect option for quick weeknight dinners or lunch prep.

How To Serve Crack Chicken Tenders For Any Meal

• Flavor Explosion Platter: Create a colorful serving board with the chicken tenders as the centerpiece, surrounded by fresh dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, and sriracha mayo.
• Family-Style Feast: Serve directly on a large wooden cutting board with scattered chopped herbs, allowing everyone to grab tenders family-style and enjoy the communal eating experience.
• Classic Comfort Combo: Pair the tenders with crispy waffle fries, creamy coleslaw, and a small side salad for a complete and satisfying meal that balances protein and fresh elements.
• Game Day Presentation: Arrange tenders on a platter with toothpicks for easy grabbing, accompanied by cold beer or refreshing soft drinks, perfect for casual gatherings and sports watching.

Storing Crack Chicken Tenders For The Next Day

• Quick Batch Preparation: Make extra chicken tenders and store them in airtight containers for easy weekly meal prep. These delicious tenders reheat perfectly within 2-3 days, providing a fast protein-packed lunch or dinner option.
• Refrigeration Strategy: Cool chicken completely before storing in sealed containers. Place tenders in single layers separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain crispy texture. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days maximum.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Wrap individual chicken tenders in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat in oven at 350F to restore original crispiness and flavor.
• Reheating Technique: Restore crispy exterior by warming tenders in oven instead of microwave. Spread on baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and heat at 350F for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165F. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 504 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients Required For Crack Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, lean protein perfect for a quick meal, choose fresh, uniform-sized tenders for even cooking.
• Olive Oil: Helps seasonings stick and creates a delightful golden crust, opt for extra virgin for richer flavor.

• Ranch Seasoning: Zesty blend that transforms ordinary chicken into a crave-worthy dish, look for packets with bold, balanced spices.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds creamy, sharp tang that melts beautifully, select full-fat cheese for maximum meltiness.
• Crumbled Bacon: Introduces smoky, crispy texture that elevates the entire dish, use freshly cooked bacon for best crunch.

• Green Onions: Bright, mild onion flavor that provides a fresh contrast, choose vibrant green stalks with crisp edges.

Crispy Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

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Description

Crack chicken tenders elevate classic comfort food with irresistible flavors from scratch. Crispy, seasoned chicken delivers a mouthwatering experience guaranteed to satisfy home cooks and casual diners alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs (680 g) chicken tenders
• 1 cup (100 g) shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cup (115 g) cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Ignite the oven to a robust 400F (200C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the surface to prevent sticking.
2. Flavor Infusion: Massage chicken tenders with olive oil and ranch seasoning, ensuring each morsel is comprehensively coated with the aromatic blend.
3. Strategic Arrangement: Position the seasoned chicken tenders in a single, uncrowded layer across the prepared baking sheet, allowing optimal heat circulation and even cooking.
4. Cheese and Bacon Enhancement: Lavishly distribute shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the chicken, creating a decadent and indulgent topping that promises rich, savory complexity.
5. Roasting Finale: Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, tracking the internal temperature until the chicken reaches a safe 165F (75C) and the cheese melts into a golden, bubbling crust, simultaneously crisping the bacon to perfection.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions across the surface, introducing a vibrant burst of color and fresh flavor, then serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and irresistibly aromatic.

Notes

• Prevent Overcrowding: Ensure chicken tenders are spread in a single layer without touching to guarantee even cooking and crispy edges.
• Seasoning Pro Tip: Massage ranch seasoning and olive oil thoroughly into chicken for maximum flavor penetration and consistent taste in every bite.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches exactly 165F (75C) for food safety without drying out the meat.
• Bacon Crispiness Hack: Pre-cook bacon slightly before crumbling to enhance crunchiness and prevent soggy texture when baked with chicken.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 504
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 1152 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 43 g
• Cholesterol: 139 mg