Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
Crack Chicken Tenders is a savory, irresistible dish that combines the rich flavors of bacon, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken tenders to create a dish that is nothing short of addictive. The name “Crack Chicken” is a nod to how delicious and “addictive” this dish is—one bite and you’ll understand why it has earned such a reputation.
In this recipe, the chicken tenders are coated in a creamy sauce made with ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and crispy bacon, then baked or cooked until golden and bubbly. The result is a juicy, tender chicken encased in a flavor-packed, creamy coating, perfect for serving with a variety of sides.
Whether you serve this for a family dinner, a party appetizer, or a weeknight meal, Crack Chicken Tenders are sure to please everyone at the table. This recipe is simple enough for beginners but flavorful enough to impress even the most experienced home cooks.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s go through the detailed steps to make the most flavorful Crack Chicken Tenders. From preparing the chicken to making the creamy crack sauce, we’ll guide you through each part of the process.
Preparing the Chicken Tenders
- Season the chicken tenders:
- Begin by placing the chicken tenders on a clean cutting board or plate. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps them sear better and ensures a crispy exterior.
- Season the chicken tenders generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the chicken itself before the creamy sauce is added.
- Sear the chicken tenders:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken tenders to the pan.
- Sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Once done, remove the chicken tenders from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
Making the Crack Chicken Sauce
- Prepare the sauce base:
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine 8 oz of softened cream cheese with the ranch seasoning mix. Use a spoon or whisk to mix the ingredients until the cream cheese is smooth and the seasoning is fully incorporated. If the cream cheese is too firm, you can microwave it for 10-15 seconds to soften it.
- Add the garlic powder, onion powder, and crumbled bacon to the mixture, stirring well to combine. The bacon should be evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Melt the cheese:
- Next, add 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce and the mixture becomes thick and creamy. If you prefer a cheesier sauce, feel free to add more cheddar cheese at this point.
Coating the Chicken
- Coat the chicken tenders:
- Once your chicken tenders are seared and the sauce is ready, it’s time to coat the chicken. Place the chicken tenders in a baking dish, making sure they are spread out evenly.
- Spoon the crack chicken sauce over each tender, ensuring that each piece is well-coated with the creamy mixture. If you like a thicker sauce, you can spoon a little extra sauce over the chicken tenders.
3.4 Baking the Chicken Tenders
- Bake the chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the baking dish with the coated chicken tenders in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbling and golden.
- During the last 5 minutes of baking, you can add extra shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken tenders for an extra cheesy finish. This will make the sauce even more decadent and gooey.
- Check for doneness:
- To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C). If it’s not fully cooked, let it bake for a few more minutes.
Final Touches
- Garnish and serve:
- Once your chicken tenders are baked and the sauce is golden and bubbly, remove the dish from the oven. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. You can also sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for more cheesy goodness.
- Serve the crack chicken tenders with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or steamed vegetables, and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Use fresh, high-quality chicken tenders: The fresher the chicken, the more tender and juicy the result will be. If you’re using frozen chicken tenders, make sure they’re fully thawed before cooking.
- Don’t skip the searing step: Searing the chicken before baking it helps to lock in moisture and creates a flavorful crust. Don’t rush this step — it’s important for texture and flavor.
- Customize the sauce: If you’re not a fan of ranch seasoning, you can experiment with other seasoning blends. Some people use taco seasoning, Italian seasoning, or a mix of garlic and onion powder for a different flavor profile.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the sauce to give it a little heat. If you like spicy foods, this will balance the creamy richness of the sauce.
- Add more cheese: For a cheesy, indulgent meal, don’t hesitate to add more cheese to the sauce or sprinkle extra cheese on top before baking.
- Use pre-cooked bacon: If you’re short on time, use pre-cooked bacon bits, which can save you a few minutes in the kitchen.
Variations
1. Bacon-Free Crack Chicken Tenders:
- If you’re not a fan of bacon or want to make the dish lighter, you can skip the bacon and use extra ranch seasoning for flavor. You could also add a bit of cooked chicken or turkey bacon for a healthier alternative.
2. Spicy Crack Chicken Tenders:
- To give the dish a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños to the sauce or mix in some hot sauce. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top for extra heat.
3. Gluten-Free Crack Chicken Tenders:
- This recipe is naturally gluten-free if you skip breading the chicken tenders. If you prefer breaded chicken, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or a gluten-free flour blend.
4. Low-Carb Crack Chicken Tenders:
- For a low-carb version, skip the breadcrumbs (if you prefer breaded chicken), and opt for a low-carb alternative like crushed pork rinds or almond flour for coating the chicken. You can also serve the dish with cauliflower rice instead of regular rice.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
1. Sauce Too Runny:
- If your sauce is too thin, try adding more cream cheese to thicken it up. Alternatively, you can simmer it on the stovetop for a few minutes to reduce and thicken the sauce before coating the chicken.
2. Chicken Not Crispy Enough:
- To get a crispier chicken exterior, you can pan-fry the chicken tenders in oil before adding the sauce, or bake the chicken tenders on a wire rack to allow air to circulate underneath for a crisp finish.
3. Chicken Overcooked:
- To avoid overcooking, use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) and no more. Overbaking can lead to dry chicken, so keep an eye on the oven.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Tenders are a rich, creamy, and indulgent dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, special occasions, or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer. The combination of juicy chicken tenders, a savory crack chicken sauce, and crispy bacon makes this dish a hit every time. Whether you make it spicy, extra cheesy, or with a twist, these tenders are sure to be a new favorite. Try it out today and enjoy a delicious meal that will leave everyone asking for more!
Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
Crack Chicken Tenders is a savory, irresistible dish that combines the rich flavors of bacon, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and chicken tenders to create a dish that is nothing short of addictive. The name “Crack Chicken” is a nod to how delicious and “addictive” this dish is—one bite and you’ll understand why it has earned such a reputation.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders (about 12-14 tenders)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tablespoons homemade)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 4-5 strips)
- 1 tablespoon ranch dressing (optional for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or vegetable oil for frying)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: If baking, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). If frying, heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Prepare the cream cheese mixture: In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with the ranch seasoning mix, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. If you like, you can also add a tablespoon of ranch dressing to the mixture for extra flavor. Stir until well combined.
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken tenders with a little salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the chicken:
For baking: Arrange the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with cooking spray. Spoon the cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken tender. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
For frying: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken tenders and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. After frying, place the tenders on a paper towel to drain any excess oil, then top with the cream cheese mixture. Cover the skillet with a lid to let the cheese melt for 2-3 minutes. - Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top of the chicken tenders for garnish, if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
- Add-ins: You can mix in extra ingredients into the cream cheese mixture, such as chopped green onions, garlic powder, or even a bit of hot sauce for extra kick.
- Low-carb version: For a lower-carb version, serve with a side of veggies like roasted broccoli or a simple salad.
- Chicken alternatives: If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders—just adjust cooking time as needed.