Introduction
Crack Chicken Tenders are the ultimate easy and delicious dinner that brings together juicy, tender chicken and a creamy, cheesy sauce packed with bacon flavor. This dish is simple to prepare and delivers a rich, comforting taste that’s truly addictive. The combination of savory bacon, creamy cheese, and tender chicken makes these tenders a hit with anyone who tries them. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an effortless dish for a casual gathering, Crack Chicken Tenders are guaranteed to impress.
The first time I made these, I was amazed at how quickly they came together. Dipping the chicken tenders in a creamy sauce and letting them soak up all those delicious flavors was as easy as it was rewarding. The sizzling aroma of bacon cooking with the sauce made everyone eagerly wait for the first bite. By the time they were ready, the tender chicken combined with that rich sauce was irresistible—no one could stop at just one!
What I love most about Crack Chicken Tenders is how customizable they are. You can add a little extra heat with some red pepper flakes or spice them up with a dash of hot sauce. Serve them with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, steamed veggies, or a crisp salad, and you’ve got a full meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. With minimal effort and maximum flavor, these tenders will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Quick weeknight meals
- Game day snacks
- Casual gatherings
- Chicken lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Crack Chicken Tenders will be your new go-to dinner:
- Rich and Creamy Sauce: The combination of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and bacon creates an incredibly flavorful and creamy sauce that coats the chicken perfectly.
- Quick and Easy: With only a few ingredients and a short cooking time, this recipe is ideal for busy nights when you need something delicious and satisfying.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild flavors of the chicken and creamy sauce make it a favorite for kids, with no complaints at the dinner table.
- Comforting and Filling: This dish is the ultimate comfort food, with cheesy, creamy goodness in every bite.
- One-Pan Meal: You can make everything in one skillet, minimizing cleanup while maximizing flavor.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 400-450 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 25g
Ingredients
Gather these ingredients to make your Crack Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup ranch seasoning mix (or 1 packet)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: Green onions or parsley
Ingredient Highlights
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the sauce, making it smooth and decadent.
- Ranch Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs and spices that brings bold, tangy flavor to the dish.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a sharp, savory note to the sauce.
- Bacon: Adds a savory crunch and smoky flavor, taking the dish to the next level.
- Chicken Tenders: Tender and juicy, these pieces of chicken are the ideal base for this creamy, cheesy dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the Chicken: Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken tenders and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Crack Sauce:
- Make the Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix, stirring until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing it to melt and thicken the sauce.
- Add the Bacon: Stir in the crumbled bacon until evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
Combine and Serve:
- Return the Chicken to the Skillet: Place the cooked chicken tenders back into the skillet, spooning the creamy sauce over the top. Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure the chicken is coated in the sauce and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley for an added burst of color and flavor.
How to Serve
- With Vegetables: Serve alongside roasted or steamed vegetables, like broccoli or green beans, for a balanced meal.
- Over Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Spoon the chicken and creamy sauce over rice or mashed potatoes for a filling, comforting dinner.
- With Salad: Pair with a simple side salad for a light, fresh contrast to the creamy chicken.
- As a Wrap or Sandwich: Place the chicken tenders and sauce in a wrap or sandwich bun for a delicious handheld meal.
- With Garlic Bread: Serve with garlic bread for a perfect addition to your comfort food spread.
Additional Tips
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a bit of milk or chicken broth to the cream cheese mixture.
- Customize the Bacon: If you love bacon, feel free to add extra crispy bacon bits or even use bacon crumbles for added crunch.
- Add Spice: For a spicy twist, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Make it Low-Carb: Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a low-carb version of the dish.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the sauce and chicken ahead of time, then store in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop when ready to serve.
Recipe Variations
- Buffalo Crack Chicken Tenders: Add buffalo sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a tangy, spicy kick.
- Garlic Parmesan Crack Chicken: Mix in garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese for a rich, garlicky flavor.
- Creamy Mushroom Crack Chicken: Add sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy addition.
- BBQ Crack Chicken Tenders: Swap the ranch seasoning for BBQ sauce and top with additional crumbled bacon for a smoky twist.
- Herb-Infused Crack Chicken: Add fresh herbs, like thyme or rosemary, to the sauce for a fragrant, savory dish.
- Cheesy Jalapeño Crack Chicken: Mix in chopped jalapeños and pepper jack cheese for a spicy, cheesy version.
- Italian Crack Chicken: Stir in Italian seasoning and top with mozzarella cheese for a Mediterranean-inspired dish.
- Lemon Crack Chicken Tenders: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the sauce for a zesty, fresh flavor.
- Crispy Crack Chicken: For extra texture, coat the chicken tenders in breadcrumbs and bake them until crispy before serving with the creamy sauce.
- Spinach and Artichoke Crack Chicken: Add chopped spinach and marinated artichokes to the sauce for a rich, veggie-packed version.
Freezing and Storage
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken tenders with the sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in a skillet.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Special Equipment
- Air Fryer: For a crispy texture without deep frying, the air fryer is a great tool to cook chicken tenders evenly and quickly.
- Meat Mallet: Use a meat mallet to tenderize the chicken tenders, ensuring they cook more evenly and absorb seasonings better.
- Cast Iron Skillet: Ideal for searing the chicken tenders, giving them a crispy outside and juicy interior when cooked on the stovetop.
- Baking Sheet: If you prefer to bake the tenders, a good non-stick baking sheet or one lined with parchment paper helps prevent sticking.
- Cooking Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, a meat thermometer is essential for checking the internal temperature (165°F).
- Mixing Bowls: You’ll need a variety of mixing bowls to combine the breading ingredients, sauces, and seasonings.
- Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken tenders or transferring them from one dish to another without messing up the breading.
- Food Processor: If you’re making your own breading or crumbing ingredients, a food processor helps quickly break down crackers or other coatings.
- Wire Rack: Elevates the chicken tenders in the oven or air fryer to allow heat circulation around them for an even cook.
- Small Saucepan: For melting any sauces like ranch dressing or cream cheese, a small saucepan can help you prepare the creamy dip or sauce for the tenders.
FAQ
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, boneless chicken breasts can be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness. - Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, the chicken and sauce can be made in advance and reheated when ready to serve. - What can I serve with this dish?
Serve it with vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a salad for a complete meal. - Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or jalapeños to the sauce to increase the heat. - Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella, pepper jack, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Tenders are an easy, delicious, and comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. Tender, juicy chicken is enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce and topped with crispy bacon crumbles for an extra burst of flavor. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also packed with savory, satisfying goodness, making it a sure-fire family favorite.
Whether you serve it with a side of mashed potatoes, vegetables, or a simple salad, Crack Chicken Tenders are versatile and guaranteed to please. They’re perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend meal, and they’re so tasty that everyone at the table will be asking for seconds.
I can’t wait to see your Crack Chicken Tenders creations! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make this dish your own. Don’t forget to share your favorite sides or tips in the comments. Happy cooking!