Description
Crack Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and addictive dish combining crispy chicken tenders with a creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy sauce. The blend of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and bacon adds a perfect balance of flavors.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken tenders
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Stir until well combined.
- Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, lightly sear the chicken tenders for about 2-3 minutes per side, just to get a golden brown color.
- Once seared, transfer the chicken tenders to the prepared baking sheet.
- Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture over each chicken tender.
- Bake the chicken tenders for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the topping is golden and bubbly.
- If desired, garnish with chopped green onions for an added burst of flavor and color.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add a teaspoon of hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy twist.
- For a vegetarian option, skip the bacon or use a plant-based bacon substitute.
- Swap the cheddar cheese with mozzarella or gouda for a different flavor profile.
- For a quicker option, cook the chicken tenders in an air fryer at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, topping them with the cream cheese mixture for the last few minutes of cooking.
- Store leftover Crack Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-12 minutes or use a microwave for quicker reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
