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Crack Chicken Tenders🍗

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Introduction

Crack Chicken Tenders are irresistibly crispy, creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory ranch flavor. The name comes from how addictively delicious they are—once you start eating them, it’s hard to stop! Perfect for game nights, parties, or a comforting dinner, these tenders combine crunchy coating with juicy chicken and bold seasoning.

Origin

This recipe is inspired by the popular “crack chicken” flavor combination—cream cheese, cheddar, ranch seasoning, and bacon—which became famous in home cooking for its rich, crave-worthy taste. Over time, cooks adapted the flavor into dips, casseroles, and crispy chicken dishes like this one.

Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1½ lbs (680 g) chicken tenders or chicken breast strips
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Coating

  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or buttery crackers
  • ½ cup breadcrumbs
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup cooked bacon bits

Binding Mixture

  • 4 oz (115 g) cream cheese, softened
  • ÂĽ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 egg

Optional Additions

  • Garlic powder or smoked paprika
  • Parmesan cheese in coating
  • Hot sauce for spicy version
  • Panko instead of breadcrumbs for extra crunch

Tips for Success

âś” Pat chicken dry before coating for better crispiness

âś” Press coating firmly onto chicken

âś” Bake on a wire rack for even crisping

✔ Don’t overcrowd pan—air circulation helps crisp texture

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven

Preheat to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet or place a wire rack on top.

2. Make Coating

In a bowl, mix crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning, cheese, and bacon bits.

3. Prepare Binding Mixture

In another bowl, whisk cream cheese, mayo, and egg until smooth.

4. Coat Chicken

Dip each chicken strip into cream mixture, then press into coating mixture until fully covered.

5. Bake

Arrange on baking sheet and bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

(Air fryer option: 375°F / 190°C for 12–15 minutes.)

Description

These tenders are crispy outside, juicy inside, and loaded with creamy ranch, smoky bacon, and cheesy flavor. Each bite delivers crunch followed by rich, savory goodness.

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)

  • Calories: 420
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Carbohydrates: 18 g
  • Fat: 25 g

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Tenders are a fun, indulgent twist on classic chicken strips. They’re easy to make, full of flavor, and guaranteed to be a hit with kids and adults alike.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with:

  • Ranch dressing
  • Honey mustard
  • Buffalo sauce
  • Garlic aioli
  • Fries or coleslaw

Healthful Indulgence Tip

For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of mayo and bake instead of frying. You’ll keep the creamy texture while cutting fat and calories.

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