Crack Chicken Tenders

Looking for a recipe that’s packed with flavor and sure to leave everyone asking for more? Crack Chicken Tenders are exactly what you need. These juicy, tender chicken strips are coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s so addictive, you won’t be able to stop at just one! It’s a recipe that’s perfect for dinner, parties, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent. Trust me, this dish will become a new favorite in your household—everyone will want to know your secret!

Why You’ll Love Crack Chicken Tenders

• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and cheese creates a creamy, savory sauce that coats every bite of chicken, making it irresistibly good.
• Quick and Easy: These tenders are incredibly easy to make, and they come together in no time—perfect for busy nights when you still want something delicious.
• Perfectly Tender: The chicken stays juicy and tender, thanks to the creamy coating that keeps it moist during cooking.
• Family-Friendly: With flavors that everyone loves—cheese, bacon, and ranch—these tenders are sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
• Versatile: You can serve these tenders on their own, with a side of veggies, or even in a sandwich or wrap for a tasty meal.

Ingredients in Crack Chicken Tenders

Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering tenders:

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, juicy strips of chicken that are perfect for this creamy coating.
• Cream Cheese: The creamy base for the sauce, giving it richness and a smooth texture.
• Ranch Seasoning: The secret ingredient that adds tons of flavor! It’s the perfect combination of tangy, savory, and herby.
• Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds that melty, gooey texture and bold cheesy flavor.
• Bacon: Cooked and crumbled bacon gives a smoky, savory crunch that perfectly complements the creamy sauce.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a fragrant garlic flavor to the sauce that ties everything together.
• Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken tenders and keeping them tender and golden brown.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make these addictive chicken tenders? Here’s how:

Prepare the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken tenders with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This will give the chicken some base flavor before it gets coated in the creamy ranch sauce.

Cook the Chicken Tenders

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken tenders to the pan. Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

Make the Crack Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese starts to melt and soften. Then, add the ranch seasoning and a bit of water or chicken broth to create a smooth, pourable sauce. Stir until the sauce is creamy and well combined.

Add the Cheese and Bacon

Once the sauce is creamy, add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it melts into the sauce. Then, add the crumbled bacon and mix everything together. The sauce should now be thick, cheesy, and packed with flavor.

Coat the Chicken Tenders

Return the cooked chicken tenders to the skillet and coat them in the creamy sauce. Let the tenders simmer for a couple of minutes in the sauce so they can soak up all that cheesy goodness.

Serve and Enjoy

Once the chicken is coated in the crack sauce and everything is warm, serve it up! These tenders are amazing on their own, or you can serve them with a side of veggies, over rice, or even in a wrap. Enjoy!

How to Serve Crack Chicken Tenders

• With a Side of Veggies: Pair these tenders with steamed broccoli, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad to balance out the richness.
• On Rice: Serve these tenders over a bed of rice to soak up all that creamy, cheesy sauce.
• In a Wrap: For a fun twist, roll these tenders up in a tortilla with some lettuce, tomatoes, and extra ranch dressing.
• With Fries: You can’t go wrong with a side of crispy fries or even sweet potato fries for a hearty, satisfying meal.
• On a Sandwich: Add a couple of these tender strips to a sandwich with some greens, tomatoes, and a drizzle of ranch dressing for an incredible chicken sandwich.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: For a spicy kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or top the chicken with a bit of hot sauce before serving.
• Use Leftover Chicken: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover cooked chicken. Just shred the chicken and toss it in the creamy sauce for a quick and easy meal.
• Customize the Cheese: Feel free to swap out the cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese that melts well.
• Add More Bacon: If you’re a bacon lover, don’t be shy! Add extra bacon for a deliciously crunchy, smoky flavor.
• Make It a Casserole: You can take this recipe one step further and turn it into a casserole by adding pasta and baking everything together in the oven.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4 servings
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 700mg
Total Carbohydrates: 2g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 1g
Protein: 35g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
A1: Yes, chicken breasts will work! Just slice them into strips and follow the same cooking process.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: You can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then store them separately in the fridge. When ready to serve, reheat and assemble the dish.

Q3: Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
A3: Yes, turkey bacon is a great substitute! It will still give you that smoky, savory flavor without the extra fat.

Q4: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A4: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free! Just make sure that the ranch seasoning you use is gluten-free, as some store-bought mixes may contain gluten.

Q5: Can I add vegetables to the sauce?
A5: Absolutely! You can add sautéed onions, mushrooms, or spinach to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.

Q6: Can I make this in the oven?
A6: Yes! You can bake the chicken tenders in the oven at 400°F for about 15 minutes, then coat them in the sauce afterward.

Q7: Can I use a different type of cheese?
A7: Definitely! Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.

Q8: Can I make this dish spicier?
A8: Yes! Add some hot sauce, crushed red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeño to the sauce to turn up the heat.

Q9: How do I store leftovers?
A9: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Q10: Can I freeze this dish?
A10: Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce together in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven or stovetop until warm.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Tenders are the ultimate indulgence—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner or serving them at a party, these tenders are sure to impress. Easy to make, comforting, and absolutely irresistible, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy!

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