Crack chicken tenders are a delicious and addictive dish that is perfect for any occasion. These crispy, cheesy, and bacon-wrapped chicken tenders are sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Plus, they are super easy to make!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The combination of ranch dressing mix, cheddar cheese, and bacon creates a flavor explosion in every bite.
- These chicken tenders can be ready in no time, making them perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer.
- They are great for meal prep, so you can make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
Ingredient Notes:
- Fresh chicken tenders: These are the star of the dish and provide a juicy and tender base for the other flavors.
- Ranch dressing mix: Adds a tangy and herby flavor to the chicken.
- Cheddar cheese slices: Melts beautifully over the chicken tenders, adding a rich and creamy texture.
- Bacon: Wrapping the chicken tenders in bacon not only adds a smoky flavor but also keeps the chicken moist during cooking.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix the ranch dressing mix with the cheddar cheese.
- Season the chicken tenders with salt and pepper, then coat them in the ranch dressing and cheese mixture.
- Wrap each chicken tender with a slice of bacon and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake in the oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon is crispy.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Helpful Tips:
- For a healthier version, you can use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon.
- Make sure to secure the bacon with toothpicks to prevent it from unraveling during cooking.
- To make the chicken tenders extra crispy, broil them for the last few minutes of cooking.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Marinate the chicken tenders in the ranch dressing mix for at least 30 minutes before cooking for maximum flavor.
- Use thick-cut bacon for a meatier texture and better wrapping around the chicken tenders.
- Serve the chicken tenders with a side of homemade ranch dressing for dipping.
Serving Suggestions:
These crack chicken tenders are delicious on their own but can be paired with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or mashed potatoes. They also go well with a light beer or a refreshing lemonade.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts cut into strips for this recipe. - Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 months. - Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?
Feel free to use any cheese you prefer, such as mozzarella or pepper jack.
Conclusion:
Make sure to try out these delicious crack chicken tenders for your next meal. They are sure to be a crowd-pleaser and will leave everyone craving for more. Don’t forget to share your feedback and tag us on social media when you make this recipe!
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Crack Chicken Tenders
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25-30 mins
- Total Time: 40-45 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Crack Chicken Tenders are a delicious combination of tender chicken, savory ranch seasoning, gooey cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!
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 the oven to 400°F.
- Prepare chicken: Coat the chicken tenders in ranch dressing mix.
- Assembly: Wrap each chicken tender with a half slice of cheddar cheese and a slice of bacon.
- Bake: Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until cooked through.
- Serve: Enjoy these flavorful Crack Chicken Tenders hot from the oven!
Notes
- You can customize this recipe by adding spices or herbs to the ranch seasoning mix for extra flavor.
- For a healthier version, you can use turkey bacon or reduce the amount of cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken tender
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg