Introduction

Crack chicken tenders are a savory, cheesy, and irresistibly flavorful dish that’s a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for any occasion. Made with tender chicken strips, creamy ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and crispy bacon, these tenders have a cheesy, savory bite that will leave you wanting more. The name “crack” refers to just how addictive and delicious they are! This recipe is simple to make, and it delivers rich flavors with minimal effort.

The History of Ingredients

Chicken Tenders: Chicken tenders, or chicken strips, are cut from the tenderloin of the chicken, which is the most tender part of the bird. They became widely popular in the U.S. fast-food industry, where they’re often breaded and fried. In this recipe, we use them fresh and bake or cook them for a healthier alternative.

Ranch Seasoning: The flavor-packed ranch seasoning is a blend of herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. Originating from the American ranch culture, it was first used as a salad dressing before being made into a seasoning packet. Today, it’s commonly used in various dishes, including chicken.

Cream Cheese: Cream cheese adds a rich, creamy texture to dishes, and it’s often used in savory recipes for its mild tangy flavor. It’s been a staple in American kitchens since the early 20th century.

Bacon: Bacon has been enjoyed for centuries and is a versatile ingredient that brings a smoky, salty flavor to both breakfast and dinner dishes. It’s often paired with chicken to add crunch and depth of flavor.

Breakdown of Ingredients

Chicken Tenders: Fresh chicken tenders or chicken breast strips are the star of this dish. They provide protein and a tender texture.
Ranch Seasoning: Use a packet of ranch seasoning or homemade ranch mix to add flavor to the chicken and cream cheese.
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese brings richness and creaminess, helping the ranch seasoning coat the chicken evenly.
Bacon: Crispy bacon crumbles provide crunch and a smoky flavor that elevates the overall taste.
Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese is melted over the chicken for a cheesy, gooey finish that makes this dish extra comforting.
Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: These add depth and enhance the overall savory flavor profile.
Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and ensuring it doesn’t stick to the pan or baking dish.

Step-by-Step Recipe

Ingredients:

1 lb chicken tenders or chicken breast strips
1 packet ranch seasoning (or 2-3 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning)
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
4 strips of bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). If you’re using a skillet to cook the chicken, heat it over medium-high heat.
Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Drizzle with olive oil, making sure they’re well-coated.
Cook the Chicken:
- For Baking: Place the seasoned chicken tenders in a greased baking dish. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For Skillet Cooking: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: While the chicken is cooking, mix the softened cream cheese with the ranch seasoning in a bowl until smooth and well-combined.
Assemble the Dish: Once the chicken is cooked, spread the cream cheese mixture over the chicken tenders. Sprinkle crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Melt the Cheese: Place the chicken back in the oven (if baked) or cover the skillet, and bake or cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve the crack chicken tenders hot, with extra bacon or fresh herbs as garnish if desired.

Tips for the Perfect Crack Chicken Tenders

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Chicken tenders cook quickly, so be sure to monitor the cooking time carefully to prevent them from becoming dry.
Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For a richer and creamier texture, use full-fat cream cheese.
Cook Bacon Crisply: Ensure the bacon is crispy before crumbling it into the dish. This adds texture and crunch.
Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has added preservatives that can affect the meltiness. Freshly shredded cheese melts much better.

Variations and Customizations

Add Spicy Heat: Incorporate jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper to add some spice to your chicken tenders.
Use Different Cheeses: Try using mozzarella, pepper jack, or Parmesan for different flavors and textures.
Veggie Additions: You can add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or even broccoli to make it a more complete meal.
Low-Carb Version: To make this recipe lower in carbs, serve the chicken tenders with a cauliflower mash or a simple side salad instead of bread or rice.

Health Considerations and Nutritional Value

Chicken: Lean chicken breast is an excellent source of protein, but it can be higher in fat when paired with ingredients like cream cheese and bacon. Opt for skinless, boneless chicken breasts for a leaner version.
Cream Cheese: While cream cheese is creamy and delicious, it’s high in fat and calories. Consider using reduced-fat cream cheese for a lighter option.
Bacon: Bacon adds a lot of flavor but is also high in fat and sodium. You can reduce the bacon or use turkey bacon as a lighter alternative.
Cheese: Cheese is rich in calcium but can also be calorie-dense. Use a moderate amount to control the calories.

Approximate Nutritional Value (per serving):

Calories: 350-400 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 2-4g
Fat: 25g
Fiber: 1g

FAQ

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the chicken tenders and the cream cheese mixture ahead of time. Just bake or cook them when you’re ready to serve.
Can I use frozen chicken tenders? Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken before cooking it. Adjust the cooking time as necessary if starting from frozen.
Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe? Yes, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker on low for about 4 hours, then add the cream cheese mixture and cheese in the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free? Yes, you can substitute dairy-free cream cheese and dairy-free cheese options to make the recipe dairy-free.
Can I freeze these? Yes! You can freeze the cooked tenders, but it’s best to freeze them without the cheese and bacon toppings. Reheat them in the oven, then add the toppings once reheated.

Crack Chicken Tenders – Easy Dinner Recipe

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Servings 4

Ingredients

10 fresh chicken tenders about 1-½ pounds
1 1-oz package ranch dressing mix
5 1-oz cheddar cheese slices cut in half
10 slices bacon

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375ºF. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set a cooking rack on top.
Season the chicken on both sides with 1 tablespoon of Original Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix. Place half a slice of cheese on each chicken tender, then wrap each one with a slice of bacon. Arrange the chicken on the prepared rack and lightly sprinkle with more Ranch dressing mix.
Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Then, turn on the broiler and cook the chicken for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy.

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