Crack Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both delicious and easy to make, then crack chicken tenders are the perfect choice for you. These crispy, flavorful chicken tenders are sure to impress your family and friends, making them a go-to option for any occasion. In my kitchen, this recipe has quickly become a favorite, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of ranch dressing mix, cheddar cheese, and bacon creates a flavor explosion that will have you coming back for more.
- With just a few simple ingredients, this recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.
- These crack chicken tenders are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to go whenever you need it.
Ingredient Notes:
- Fresh chicken tenders: These provide a tender and juicy base for the dish.
- Ranch dressing mix: Adds a savory and herby flavor to the chicken.
- Cheddar cheese slices: Melty and gooey, these slices add a delicious cheesy element to the dish.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a salty and smoky crunch to the chicken.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a shallow bowl, mix the ranch dressing mix with the cheddar cheese slices.
- Coat each chicken tender in the ranch and cheese mixture, then wrap with a slice of bacon.
- Place the wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken tenders in the ranch dressing mix before coating them.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon instead of wrapping the chicken tenders.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Make sure to use thick-cut bacon for the best results, as it will crisp up nicely in the oven.
- If you prefer a spicier version, you can add some hot sauce to the ranch dressing mix before coating the chicken tenders.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve these crack chicken tenders with a side of creamy mashed potatoes and a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store any leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the chicken tenders in a 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
- Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but you may need to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
- Yes, you can assemble the chicken tenders ahead of time and bake them when you’re ready to eat.
- Can I freeze the cooked chicken tenders?
- It’s best to freeze the chicken tenders before baking them, then bake from frozen when you’re ready to eat.
- Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
- Yes, turkey bacon can be used as a leaner alternative, but keep in mind that it may not crisp up as well as regular bacon.
Conclusion:
I hope you give these crack chicken tenders a try and enjoy them as much as I do. With their irresistible flavor and easy preparation, they’re sure to become a favorite in your kitchen as well. Don’t forget to share your feedback and let me know how they turn out!
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Crack Chicken Tenders
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25-30 mins
- Total Time: 35-40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These savory Crack Chicken Tenders are loaded with flavor from ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. A perfect appetizer or main dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Main 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 Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Chicken: In a bowl, coat chicken tenders with ranch dressing mix.
- Assemble: Wrap each chicken tender with half a slice of cheddar cheese and bacon.
- Cook: Place chicken tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes until fully cooked.
- Serve: Enjoy hot as an appetizer or main dish.
Notes
- Feel free to add your favorite seasonings or spices to customize the flavor.
- For a healthier version, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tender
- Calories: 260 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Chicken tenders, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, bacon, appetizer, main dish