Description
These Crack Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and crispy baked chicken dish coated in a creamy mixture of ranch dressing, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and spiced panko breadcrumbs, perfect for an easy yet indulgent meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
Coating Mixture
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Breadcrumb Coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 tsp paprika
Additional
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Mix until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency.
- Assemble Coating Station: Spread the panko breadcrumbs mixed with paprika evenly on a plate to create a coating station for the chicken tenders.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring it is completely coated. Then, roll the coated tender in the panko breadcrumbs until fully covered.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spaced apart to ensure crispiness. Optionally, sprinkle extra shredded cheddar cheese on top for added flavor.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until tenders are golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure doneness.
- Serve: Serve the crack chicken tenders warm. For extra indulgence, pair with additional ranch dressing for dipping.
- Side Suggestions: These tenders pair wonderfully with a fresh green salad, crispy sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or homemade potato wedges. Complement your meal with a refreshing sparkling lemonade or iced tea.
- Ingredient Substitutions: If ranch dressing isn’t preferred, try blue cheese or honey mustard dressings as alternatives in the coating mixture.
- Cooking Tips: Ensure chicken tenders are evenly sized for uniform cooking. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to maintain crispiness.
- Storage and Reheating: Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10-15 minutes. Freeze before baking if desired; bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes.
Notes
- Use evenly sized chicken tenders for consistent cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet to keep tenders crispy.
- Freeze the tenders before baking for easy storage and future meals.
- Try different creamy dressings for variation in flavor.
- Check internal temperature to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
