Crispy Crack Chicken Tenders: Quick Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)

Simple Crack Chicken Tenders recipe for a fuss-free dinner. Juicy, cheesy chicken tenders ready fast. Perfect for busy evenings!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Contains Meat

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders
02 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 1 tbsp olive oil

→ Flavor Boosters

04 - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
05 - 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
06 - 1/4 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

→ Coating & Crunch

07 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
08 - 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbles (about 6-8 slices of bacon)

→ Finishing Touches

09 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced

# Instructions:

01 - Alright, first things first! Lay out your chicken tenders on a cutting board. If they’re a bit thick, you can gently pound them to an even thickness. This helps them cook through at the same rate. I usually pat them dry with a paper towel too; it helps the seasoning stick better. Honestly, this step is crucial for even cooking, and I've learned the hard way that skipping it leads to unevenly cooked chicken. Just a quick pat, and you're good to go.
02 - Now, get a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of olive oil. While it’s heating, sprinkle your chicken tenders generously with a little salt and pepper. Once the pan is hot, sear the chicken for about 2-3 minutes per side until it’s beautifully golden brown. We’re not cooking them all the way through here, just getting some nice color. I always smell that amazing sizzle, and it makes my mouth water. Don't crowd the pan, or they won't brown properly – do it in batches if you need to.
03 - Once all your chicken is seared, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the cream cheese to the pan, right in with the chicken. Let it start to soften, then stir it around gently, coating the chicken. This is where the magic really begins! The cream cheese will start to melt and hug the chicken. I honestly didn't expect it to work so well the first time, but it just does!
04 - Sprinkle in that glorious ranch seasoning mix over the chicken and cream cheese. Stir it all together until everything is well combined and the cream cheese is fully melted into a luscious sauce. Next, add about half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until it’s melted and gooey. This forms the incredible "crack" sauce that defines these Crack Chicken Tenders. Don't overmix, just enough to combine and melt.
05 - Now for the crunch! Stir in most of your cooked bacon crumbles. Keep a few aside for garnish later, because who doesn't love extra bacon? The bacon adds that salty, smoky depth that makes these Crack Chicken Tenders so addictive. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, a few crumbles always escape the pan, but it's worth it.
06 - Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon crumbles over the top. Cover the skillet for a few minutes, just long enough for that cheese to melt into a beautiful, bubbly blanket. The aroma at this point is just incredible. Garnish with those fresh green onions, and you’ve got yourself some seriously irresistible Crack Chicken Tenders. They look so vibrant and inviting.

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken dry; it helps get a better sear and keeps the chicken from steaming.
02 - Don't be shy with the ranch seasoning; it really makes the dish, so add a bit more if you're a fan.
03 - Freshly shredding your cheese makes a huge difference in how smoothly it melts into the sauce.
04 - Serve these over rice or with a simple side salad to balance the richness.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - cutting board
03 - knife
04 - spatula

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 32g
Total Carbohydrate: 7g
Protein: 32g

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