Crack Chicken Tenders

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crack Chicken Tenders are packed with flavor! The creamy ranch mixture creates a rich, savory coating for the chicken tenders, while the melted cheese adds a delicious gooey texture. The combination of ingredients makes these tenders so addictive, you’ll want to make them over and over again. They’re easy to make, kid-friendly, and can be served with your favorite dipping sauces or side dishes. If you love ranch and cheesy chicken, these tenders are about to become your new favorite!

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) chicken tenders (or chicken breasts, cut into strips)

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch seasoning)

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional for garnish)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter

• Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the oven:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil.

2. Prepare the chicken tenders:

Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season them with a little salt and pepper. This will help the coating stick and enhance the flavor.

3. Make the creamy ranch mixture:

In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning mix, (if using), and 1 tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter. Mix everything until smooth and well combined.

4. Coat the chicken tenders:

Dip each chicken tender into the creamy ranch mixture, coating it evenly. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet. You can also sprinkle a little extra cheddar cheese on top of the tenders if you want a cheesier finish.

5. Bake the tenders:

Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating is golden brown and bubbly. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

6. Serve:

Once the tenders are done, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard) and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes

• Total Time: 30-35 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Crack Chicken Tenders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the ranch mixture for a spicy kick.

• BBQ Crack Chicken Tenders: For a smoky flavor, drizzle some BBQ sauce over the chicken tenders before baking.

• Crispy Coating: If you prefer a crispier coating, dip the tenders in breadcrumbs or crushed crackers after coating them in the creamy ranch mixture before baking.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover Crack Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the tenders in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them up again, or microwave them for 1-2 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, you can cut chicken breasts into strips or cubes to use in this recipe. Make sure to adjust the cooking time as chicken breast pieces may take a few minutes longer to cook than tenders.

2. Can I make these tenders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the tenders and store them in the fridge until ready to bake. Just coat them and refrigerate them for up to 24 hours before baking.

3. Can I freeze these tenders?

Yes, you can freeze the uncooked, coated tenders. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze them individually before transferring them to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

5. Can I make these tenders gluten-free?

Yes, if you need a gluten-free version, use gluten-free ranch seasoning and replace breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers for added texture.

6. What can I serve with these tenders?

These tenders pair wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables, French fries, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad. You can also serve them with dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ, or honey mustard.

7. Can I use low-fat cream cheese and cheese?

Yes, you can use low-fat versions of cream cheese and cheese for a lighter version of this dish. It will still be delicious!

8. How do I prevent the cheese from burning?

Make sure the chicken is fully coated with the creamy ranch mixture, which will protect the cheese from burning. You can also cover the tenders with foil during the first 10-15 minutes of baking if you’re worried about the cheese getting too dark.

9. Can I use store-bought ranch dressing instead of seasoning?

Yes, you can use about 1/4 cup of store-bought ranch dressing instead of ranch seasoning, but it might change the texture slightly. The seasoning mix provides more concentrated flavor.

10. How do I know when the chicken tenders are done?

The chicken tenders are done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). You can check with a meat thermometer to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Tenders are a rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With the cheesy ranch coating and tender chicken, they are comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re serving them for a casual dinner, game day, or a special occasion, these tenders are bound to impress. They’re quick to make, easy to customize, and full of flavor—perfect for any occasion!

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