Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
Crispy, juicy, and packed with cheesy, garlicky flavor, these easy Crack Chicken Tenders are perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or serving a hungry crowd. Featuring a creamy cream cheese and cheddar coating with smoky bacon and crunchy panko, this recipe delivers maximum taste and texture in under 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Pan-frying (optional baking)
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if using gluten-free breadcrumbs or substitutes)
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb chicken tenders, fresh
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon bits
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Coating Mix: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and cooked bacon bits. Stir until fully blended into a creamy, flavorful mixture.
- Coat the Chicken: Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture over each tender, then press each into the panko breadcrumbs to coat completely, ensuring a crispy crust after cooking.
- Cook the Tenders: Heat olive oil or melted butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add the coated chicken tenders and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the coating is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve Warm: Transfer cooked tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil slightly. Serve hot for a perfectly crispy and juicy experience.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier blending and better coating adherence.
- Pat chicken tenders dry before coating to help the mixture stick.
- Press the coating firmly onto the chicken to create an even crust.
- Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding, which prevents crispiness.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (approx. 2 tenders)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: crack chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, cheesy chicken tenders, quick chicken recipe, easy chicken dinner, ranch chicken, bacon chicken tenders
Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/crack-chicken-tenders-recipe/