Crack Chicken Tenders
These Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, creamy, and bursting with ranch, cheddar, and bacon flavor. An easy, addictive dinner or party hit, oven-baked or air-fried to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1½ lbs chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked crumbled bacon
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp chopped chives or parsley for garnish
- Olive oil spray for baking/air frying
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 400°F.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar, and bacon until well combined.
- Pat chicken tenders dry. Spread the cheese mixture over each piece to coat.
- Press coated tenders into panko breadcrumbs on all sides.
- Place on a lined baking sheet or in air fryer basket. Spray lightly with oil.
- Bake for 20–22 minutes or air fry for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Garnish with chives or parsley. Serve hot with dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crisp, broil for 2–3 minutes at the end.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy kick.
Use crushed pork rinds for a low-carb coating.
Delicious with ranch, honey mustard, or buffalo dip.