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Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 24 reviews

Crack Chicken Tenders are a deliciously creamy and savory baked chicken dish featuring tender chicken strips smothered in a flavorful ranch cream cheese mixture, topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or game day snack, this recipe combines comforting flavors with minimal prep and cook time.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Toppings

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • ½ cup cooked bacon bits
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)

Seasoned Cream Cheese Mixture

  • 6 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder

For Cooking

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Make Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
  3. Prep Chicken: Arrange the chicken tenders evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly coat each tender with olive oil or spray with cooking spray to help keep them moist and add some crispness.
  4. Spread Mixture: Spoon and evenly spread the cream cheese mixture over each chicken tender, ensuring good coverage for maximum flavor.
  5. Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of each chicken tender, followed by the cooked bacon bits for a savory crunch.
  6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden and bubbly.
  7. Garnish: Once baked, remove from the oven and optionally sprinkle chopped green onions over the chicken tenders before serving hot.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, broil the chicken for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch carefully to prevent burning.
  • You can substitute turkey bacon or omit bacon to make the dish slightly leaner.
  • Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • For a low-carb option, this dish is suitable as is; for gluten-free ensure the ranch seasoning mix does not contain gluten.

Nutrition

Keywords: crack chicken tenders, baked chicken recipe, creamy chicken, ranch chicken, cheesy chicken tenders, easy chicken dinner, bacon chicken

Find it online: https://platedandproud.com/crack-chicken-tenders-recipe/