Crack Chicken Tenders: Easiest Dinner EVER (Ready in 30!)

Crack Chicken Tenders – The Easiest Dinner Recipe You’ll Ever Love! That’s right, I said it! Some nights, you just need a meal that’s quick, comforting, and undeniably delicious. My friends, these Crack Chicken Tenders – The Easiest Dinner Recipe You’ll Ever Love! deliver on all fronts—and then some! I remember nights when my kids were little and dinner had to be ready stat. This recipe came to the rescue time and time again.

This isn’t just your average chicken tender recipe. It’s infused with a creamy, cheesy flavor that will have everyone begging for more. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when you are short on time. So, ditch the drive thru and get ready to enjoy crispy, juicy, flavorful chicken tenders that the whole family will adore. Flora is especially good at making these a family favorite!

Why You Will Love This Crack Chicken Tenders – The Easiest Dinner Recipe You’ll Ever Love! Recipe

These Crack Chicken Tenders are pure comfort food perfection. They’re incredibly quick to make, using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. The creamy, cheesy flavor is addictive, and the crispy coating adds the perfect crunch. It’s also really easy to adjust this recipe based on what you have on hand.

I love this recipe because it’s a total crowd pleaser. I’ve served it at parties, family dinners, and even brought it as a potluck contribution. It’s always a hit, and I always get asked for the recipe. Plus, if you are looking for another family favorite, try the Authentic Southern Cornbread Recipe with these tenders!

But the best part? It’s so easy that even a novice cook can nail it. These tenders are perfect for busy weeknights when you need a delicious dinner on the table fast. Now, there is no need to order out for dinner again! If you like these, you might also enjoy these Crispy Homemade Baked Chicken Tenders.

Ingredients Needed for This Crack Chicken Tenders – The Easiest Dinner Recipe You’ll Ever Love! Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up these amazing Crack Chicken Tenders:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

How to Make This Crack Chicken Tenders – The Easiest Dinner Recipe You’ll Ever Love! Recipe

Follow these simple steps to create the most irresistible chicken tenders you’ve ever tasted:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon. Mix well until everything is evenly incorporated.
3. Season the chicken strips with salt and pepper.
4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken strip.
5. In a shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.
6. Dredge each cream cheese coated chicken strip in the panko mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere.
7. Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
9. Let the tenders cool for a few minutes before serving.

How to Serve This Crack Chicken Tenders – The Easiest Dinner Recipe You’ll Ever Love! Recipe

These Crack Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile and can be served in so many ways. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces like BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch dressing, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
• Side Dishes: Pair them with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.
• Sandwiches: Use the tenders to make delicious sandwiches or sliders. Add lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a complete meal.
• Salads: Slice the tenders and add them to a salad for a protein-packed and flavorful addition.

How to Store This Crack Chicken Tenders – The Easiest Dinner Recipe You’ll Ever Love! Recipe

Proper storage will keep your Crack Chicken Tenders fresh and delicious.

• Refrigeration: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the cooked tenders. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer them to a freezer bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: To reheat refrigerated tenders, bake them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. For frozen tenders, bake for 20-25 minutes. You can also microwave them, but they may not be as crispy.

Tips to Make This Crack Chicken Tenders – The Easiest Dinner Recipe You’ll Ever Love! Recipe

Here are a few tips to ensure your Crack Chicken Tenders turn out perfect every time:

• Softened Cream Cheese: Make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to ensure a smooth and creamy mixture.
• Even Coating: Press the breadcrumbs firmly onto the chicken strips to ensure they adhere properly during baking.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can prevent the tenders from getting crispy. Work in batches if necessary.
• Ingredient Swaps: You can swap out the cheddar cheese for another one if you like (like swiss). Also, if you want to make it extra spicy, add some red pepper flakes!
• For a kick, try adding a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.

Helpful Notes for This Crack Chicken Tenders – The Easiest Dinner Recipe You’ll Ever Love! Recipe

A few extra notes that will help make this the best dinner ever:

• Ranch Dressing Mix: You can find dry ranch dressing mix in most grocery stores. If you can’t find it, you can make your own using a combination of dried buttermilk, herbs, and spices.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are larger and lighter than regular breadcrumbs, which results in a crispier coating. You can find them in the Asian or international aisle of most grocery stores.
• If possible, use fresh bacon to make the bacon bit crumbles, it really adds extra flavor! Remember, you may want to check out Flora’s tips to make sure get the best flavor.

Variation of This Crack Chicken Tenders – The Easiest Dinner Recipe You’ll Ever Love! Recipe

Want to mix things up a bit? Here are a few variations to try:

• Spicy Crack Chicken Tenders: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
• BBQ Crack Chicken Tenders: Substitute BBQ sauce for the ranch dressing mix for a smoky and sweet flavor.
• Jalapeño Popper Crack Chicken Tenders: Add diced jalapeños to the cream cheese mixture for a fun twist on jalapeño poppers.
• If you love chicken bone broth you could change up these tenders with all of the various ingredients!

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

So there you have it: Crack Chicken Tenders – The Easiest Dinner Recipe You’ll Ever Love! These tenders are guaranteed to be a hit with your family and friends. Give this recipe a try, and let me know what you think in the comments below! I hope you find these chicken tenders as much of a hit as my family and I do!

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Crack Chicken Tenders: Easiest Dinner EVER (Ready in 30!)

These Crack Chicken Tenders are the easiest and most flavorful dinner recipe you’ll ever love. Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly addictive, they’re perfect for busy weeknights!

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition:

Calories: 350
Protein: 20g
Carbs: 15g
Fat: 25g

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking sheet.
2. In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, cheddar cheese, and bacon.
3. Season chicken strips with salt and pepper.
4. Spread cream cheese mixture on each chicken strip.
5. Combine panko breadcrumbs and melted butter in a dish.
6. Dredge cream cheese coated chicken in panko mixture.
7. Place on baking sheet.
8. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through.
9. Cool slightly before serving.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture. Make sure to use soften cream cheese for better mixing.