If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s quick, delicious, and full of flavor, this Easy Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe is the answer. These chicken tenders are juicy, cheesy, and seasoned with the irresistible combination of ranch, cheddar, and crispy bacon—everything you love about “crack chicken” in bite-sized form. I tried baking them in the oven instead of frying, and they turned out perfectly golden and tender inside. Whether you serve them as a family dinner, party appetizer, or game-day snack, these cheesy ranch chicken tenders will disappear fast!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Crack Chicken Tenders are everything you want in comfort food: creamy, crispy, and packed with bold flavor. They’re made with simple ingredients you probably already have—no fancy prep needed. The ranch seasoning gives them a tangy kick, the cheese adds gooey richness, and the bacon brings smoky crunch. Plus, they can be baked or air-fried for a lighter option without sacrificing taste. Serve them with a dipping sauce or as part of a meal, and watch them become an instant favorite for both kids and adults.
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Easy Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe – Crispy, Creamy, and Completely Irresistible
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Easy Crack Chicken Tenders are juicy, crispy chicken strips coated in a flavorful mix of ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Baked or air-fried to golden perfection, they’re the ultimate addictive comfort food that’s simple to make and perfect for weeknight dinners or game day snacking.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Nonstick cooking spray or olive oil (for baking)
- Optional garnish: chopped green onions or parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, black pepper, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
- Coat each chicken tender first in flour, then dip in egg, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat well.
- Place tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet or in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- For baking: lightly spray tenders with cooking spray and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
For air frying: cook for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through. - Sprinkle with chopped green onions or parsley before serving if desired.
- Serve hot with ranch dressing or honey mustard for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crunch, mix crushed cornflakes with panko breadcrumbs.
- To make it spicy, add 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the coating mix.
- These chicken tenders reheat well in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked or Air-Fried
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Tenders: The star of the dish—boneless, skinless chicken tenders stay juicy and cook quickly. You can also cut chicken breasts into strips.
Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and helps bind the coating. Soften before mixing for easy blending.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a rich, cheesy flavor that melts beautifully during baking.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: The key to that signature “crack chicken” taste—zesty, herby, and savory.
Bacon: Crispy chopped bacon adds smoky crunch and depth of flavor.
Eggs: Help the coating stick to the chicken and keep it moist while baking.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Create the perfect crispy crust—light, golden, and crunchy.
Garlic Powder: Enhances the savory flavor of the chicken and ranch mixture.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings to balance all the rich flavors.
Green Onions (optional): Fresh and mild, they make a great garnish for serving.
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
In a small bowl, mix softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Stir in half of the cooked, crumbled bacon.
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. In another shallow bowl, spread out the panko breadcrumbs.
Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over each tender, then dip them into the beaten egg, followed by the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the coating sticks. Arrange them in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C). For extra crispiness, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Top the baked tenders with the remaining bacon and a sprinkle of green onions before serving. Serve warm with ranch dressing or honey mustard for dipping.
Essential Equipment
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 servings (8–10 tenders).
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Perfect for serving 4 people as a main course or 6 as an appetizer.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as it may make the coating soggy. You can also freeze the cooked tenders for up to 2 months; reheat straight from frozen in an air fryer or oven.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Crack Chicken Tenders: Add cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture for a kick.
Air Fryer Version: Cook at 380°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Keto-Friendly Option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs for a low-carb version.
BBQ Twist: Mix barbecue sauce into the cream cheese filling for a smoky-sweet flavor.
Buffalo Style: Add a splash of buffalo sauce to the ranch mixture for spicy buffalo ranch tenders.
Cheese Lover’s Upgrade: Combine cheddar with mozzarella or pepper jack for extra gooeyness.
Honey Mustard Coating: Replace ranch with honey mustard seasoning for a tangy-sweet twist.
Herb Infusion: Add chopped parsley or dill to the cream cheese mixture for freshness.
Baked Nuggets: Cut chicken into bite-size pieces for snack-sized crispy bites.
Double-Crunch Coating: Coat tenders twice in egg and panko for extra crispness.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, simply slice them into strips about 1 inch thick.
2. Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Absolutely! Air fry at 380°F for 10–12 minutes until crispy.
3. What dipping sauces go best with these tenders?
Ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy mayo are all excellent choices.
4. How can I make it less rich?
Use reduced-fat cream cheese and cheese without sacrificing flavor.
5. Can I prepare them ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate them for up to 12 hours before baking.
6. Can I make them gluten-free?
Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
7. How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Pat the chicken dry before coating and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto each piece.
8. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
No, raw chicken works best so it cooks evenly with the coating.
9. How do I make them extra crispy?
Bake on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet to allow air circulation.
10. Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Yes, serve with roasted broccoli, green beans, or a fresh salad for balance.
Conclusion
This Easy Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe combines the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and crispy textures with that signature ranch-bacon flavor everyone loves. It’s an effortless meal that feels indulgent but comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy nights or entertaining guests. Whether you bake or air fry them, these tenders are guaranteed to satisfy every craving and become a family favorite in no time. Serve them hot, dip generously, and enjoy every delicious bite!