Description
If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s crispy, creamy, and downright addictive, look no further than Crack Chicken Tenders. These tender, juicy chicken strips are coated in a flavorful blend of spices, baked or fried to golden perfection, and smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s so good, you won’t be able to stop eating them. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just craving some comfort food, this recipe is a game-changer.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- Cooking spray or oil for baking/frying
For the Crack Sauce:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (or 1 tsp dried dill, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder)
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken Tenders
- Preheat the Oven: If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
- Set Up Breading Stations: In three shallow bowls, prepare the following:
- Bowl 1: Flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Whisked eggs and milk.
- Bowl 3: Breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Cook the Tenders:
- Baking Option: Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking oil. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- Frying Option: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy. Drain on paper towels.
2. Make the Crack Sauce
- In a medium bowl, combine cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, ranch dressing, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Warm the sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.
3. Serve
- Arrange the cooked chicken tenders on a platter.
- Drizzle the crack sauce over the tenders or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and extra bacon crumbles.
Notes
- Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier coating, dip the tenders in the egg and breadcrumb mixture a second time.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko creates a lighter, crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Whether baking or frying, give the tenders enough space to cook evenly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Serves 4–6
- Calories: 520
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
Keywords: Crack Chicken Tenders