Crack Chicken Tenders are the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken with a creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned coating that makes them irresistible. These tenders have gained a reputation for being “addictive,” thanks to the rich, flavorful sauce that envelops them. The recipe is easy to prepare and makes a perfect weeknight dinner or party appetizer. With minimal ingredients and maximum flavor, these Crack Chicken Tenders are sure to be a hit with the whole family.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for frying)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken tenders with a pinch of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Ensure the tenders are evenly coated with the seasoning on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the chicken tenders and cook for 3-4 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.
- Make the Crack Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the softened cream cheese. Stir until the cream cheese is completely melted and smooth. Add the ranch dressing and continue to stir until the mixture is well combined.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Once the sauce is creamy, add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon to the skillet. Stir the sauce until the cheese is fully melted and the bacon is evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Coat the Chicken: Place the cooked chicken tenders back into the skillet and toss them in the creamy sauce. Make sure each tender is well-coated with the cheesy bacon mixture.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chicken tenders are fully coated, transfer them to a serving plate. You can garnish with extra crumbled bacon or chopped green onions for added flavor. Serve these crack chicken tenders hot, with a side of your favorite dipping sauce or veggies.
Tips:
- For extra crunch, you can bread the chicken tenders with panko breadcrumbs before frying them.
- If you’re looking for a low-carb option, you can skip the breading and enjoy these tenders as they are.
- The crack chicken sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days, making it a great make-ahead recipe.
Conclusion: Crack Chicken Tenders are the kind of dish that leaves everyone coming back for more. With a rich, cheesy coating and crispy, tender chicken, these tenders are the perfect combination of flavors. Whether served as a dinner main course or a party appetizer, they’re sure to be a crowd favorite. The creamy ranch and bacon sauce gives them an addictive flavor that will have you craving them over and over again.