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Crack Chicken Tender Recipe

When I need something crispy, cheesy, and downright addictive, I always turn to these crack chicken tenders. They’re packed with bold ranch flavor, loaded with melty cheddar, and finished with crispy bacon—basically everything I love in one bite. Whether I’m serving them as a fun dinner or prepping them for game day, they never disappoint. The best part? They’re easy to make and totally customizable. I like mine with a side of ranch dip and some crunchy veggies on the side.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (or tenders)
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbled
  • 1/2 cup green onions chopped (optional for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Baking dish (9×13 inches works great)
  • Oven
  • Mixing bowl
  • Spoon or spatula
  • Foil or parchment paper (optional for easy cleanup)

Method
 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
  1. Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure the oven is ready for baking once your chicken is prepared.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
  1. In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with the ranch seasoning mix. Mix until the seasoning is fully incorporated into the cream cheese. Then, add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Stir until everything is evenly distributed.
Step 3: Season the Chicken
  1. Place your chicken breasts (or tenders) in a baking dish. Season them with salt and pepper. You can also rub a bit of olive oil on the chicken to keep it from drying out while baking.
Step 4: Spread the Creamy Mixture
  1. Spread the creamy ranch and cheese mixture generously over the chicken. Make sure to cover each piece of chicken evenly, as this will ensure that every bite is flavorful.
Step 5: Bake
  1. Cover the baking dish with foil (optional). Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be tender and the cheese sauce bubbly and golden.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
  1. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle with chopped green onions for a fresh, flavorful garnish (optional). Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in ranch seasoning and a little buttermilk for 30 minutes before coating. Always let the cooked tenders rest for a few minutes before serving so the juices stay locked in. If you’re making a large batch, keep them warm in a low oven (around 200°F) until ready to serve.