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Crispy Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe


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4.6 from 13 reviews

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

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.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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)

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