Crack Chicken Tenders take everything you love about the famous Crockpot Crack Chicken — bacon, ranch, creaminess, and cheese — and transform it into crispy, juicy chicken tenders you can bake or fry. These tenders are ultra-flavorful, thanks to a seasoned coating, melty cheese, and crumbled bacon. They’re addictive, dippable, and perfect for both kids and adults.
Serve them with ranch or honey mustard, or turn them into sliders and wraps. However you serve them, they’ll disappear fast!
Ingredients (in grams)
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 600 g chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
- 2 large eggs (100 g)
- 60 ml milk
- 120 g all-purpose flour
- 80 g breadcrumbs or panko
- 20 g dry ranch seasoning (about 1½ tbsp)
- 1 teaspoon paprika (2 g)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder (3 g)
- ½ teaspoon salt (2 g)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper (1 g)
- 50 g cooked bacon, chopped finely
- 100 g shredded cheddar cheese
For Garnish/Optional:
- Fresh chopped parsley or green onions
- Ranch dressing (for dipping)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Breading Stations
- In one bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
- In a second bowl, combine flour, breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and chopped bacon for extra flavor in the coating.
Step 2: Bread the Chicken
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off.
- Coat thoroughly in the seasoned breadcrumb mix, pressing to help it stick.
Step 3: Bake or Fry
To Bake: 6. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with oil. 7. Place tenders on the sheet and spray tops with oil. 8. Bake for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
To Air Fry: 9. Air fry at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
To Fry: 10. Heat oil in a deep skillet to 175°C (350°F). Fry tenders in batches for 3–4 minutes per side, until crispy and golden. Drain on paper towels.
Step 4: Serve
- Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley. Serve with ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Fat: 27 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Sugar: 1 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
Nutrition varies based on cooking method and cheese used.
Tips and Tricks
- Use panko for a crispier texture when baking or air frying.
- Spice it up with a little cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the egg wash.
- Make ahead: Bread the tenders and refrigerate for up to 1 day before cooking.
- Make it gluten-free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer.
Ways to Serve Crack Chicken Tenders
- In wraps with lettuce, tomato, and ranch
- Chopped on top of a loaded salad
- With waffles for a sweet-and-savory brunch
- Turned into sliders with pickles and ranch
- As a game-day finger food with dipping sauces
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Crack Chicken Tenders are:
- Packed with ranch, bacon, and cheesy flavor
- Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside
- Totally customizable for spice, cheese, or coating
- Kid-approved and great for lunches or snacks
- Versatile for meal prepping, parties, or busy weeknights
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