If you’re on the lookout for a sensationally delicious and downright addictive chicken dish, then look no further — this Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe is exactly what you need! Juicy, cheesy, and wrapped in crispy bacon with a tangy ranch kick, it’s simply heaven on a plate. Trust me, every bite will leave you craving more, and it’s surprisingly quick and easy to whip up.
Why You Should Make This Recipe
Incredibly flavorful: The combo of ranch, cheddar, and bacon delivers bold, crave-worthy tastes that will have you hooked from the first bite.
Quick and simple: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meals.
Kid-friendly: The cheesy, crispy, savory nature of these tenders appeals to even picky eaters.
Perfectly crispy and juicy: Using a baking rack ensures each tender cooks evenly and the bacon crisps up beautifully without any sogginess.
Ingredients & Substitutions
This recipe keeps things satisfying with a short list of essential ingredients that combine to create a perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Each brings its own magic — from the creamy ranch seasoning to the smoky bacon, every component works together to make this dish unforgettable.
- Chicken tenders: They’re tender and quick-cooking, which makes them ideal for this recipe; you can also use chicken breasts cut into strips as a substitute.
- Ranch dressing mix: The secret spice blend that adds tangy, herby flavor without any extra fuss — homemade ranch seasoning works great too.
- Cheddar cheese slices: They melt perfectly over the tenders; feel free to swap for pepper jack or mozzarella for a different twist.
- Bacon slices: Adds irresistible smokiness and crunch; turkey bacon can be a leaner option but may not crisp up quite the same.
How to Make Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 375ºF, ensuring it’s nice and hot to cook the tenders evenly. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup, and place a cooking rack on top—this helps air circulate so the bacon crisps perfectly. Pat your chicken tenders dry and season generously on both sides with about a tablespoon of ranch dressing mix for that signature tang.
Step 2: Add Cheese and Wrap with Bacon
Take half a slice of cheddar cheese and lay it on each seasoned chicken tender. Then, wrap each with a whole slice of bacon, securing that deliciousness in place. Arrange the tenders on the baking rack, and sprinkle a little extra ranch mix on top for an added flavor punch.
Step 3: Bake and Broil to Perfection
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the bacon starts to crisp. For that ultimate crispy finish, switch your oven to the broiler and broil the tenders for a minute or two more, watching carefully so the bacon doesn’t burn but achieves a perfect golden crunch.
How to Serve Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and add some fresh brightness, sprinkle chopped green onions or fresh parsley over the top. A light drizzle of ranch dressing or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can also brighten the bold flavors.
Side Dishes
This Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe pairs beautifully with crispy roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, or buttery steamed veggies. For a heartier meal, creamy mashed potatoes or a fragrant rice pilaf make perfect buddies to soak up every bit of that cheesy bacon goodness.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the tenders as sliders on mini buns with lettuce and tomato for bite-sized treats, or chop them up to top a hearty salad or crispy flatbread. They also make fantastic protein-packed additions to wraps or stuffed baked potatoes for a fun twist on leftovers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? No problem! Store your cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days, making for a perfect next-day meal or snack.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze the cooked tenders on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well in the freezer for up to 2 months—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF for 10-15 minutes to bring back that crispy bacon texture. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the bacon crisp, but if you’re in a rush, a quick zap in the microwave works too (just expect softer bacon).
FAQs
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Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins for this Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use chicken breasts, but cut them into strips similar in size to tenders so they cook evenly. Just be mindful of cooking times as thicker pieces might need a few extra minutes.
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Is there a way to make this recipe low-carb or keto-friendly?
This recipe is naturally very low-carb, especially since it skips breading. Just be sure to use a ranch dressing mix without added sugars if you are focusing on keto or low-carb diets.
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How can I make the bacon extra crispy on the Crack Chicken Tenders?
Using a cooking rack allows the heat to circulate evenly and fat to drip away, which helps crisp the bacon beautifully. Finishing the dish under the broiler for a couple of minutes seals the deal for that perfect crunch.
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Can I prepare these tenders in an air fryer instead of the oven?
Yes! Air frying can result in a nicely crisped bacon wrap and juicy chicken. Set your air fryer to 375ºF and cook for about 15-18 minutes, turning halfway through. Keep an eye on the bacon toward the end to avoid burning.
Final Thoughts
You truly can’t go wrong with this Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe—it’s simple to make, packed with flavor, and sure to become a fast favorite in your household. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend meal, these tenders bring comfort and joy to any table. So grab your ingredients, get cooking, and prepare to impress everyone with the perfect blend of bacon, cheese, and ranch goodness!
Print
Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, made by seasoning tender chicken with ranch dressing mix, topping with cheddar cheese, and wrapping in bacon before baking to perfection. This easy-to-make dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a satisfying snack.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 10 fresh chicken tenders, about 1–1/2 pounds
- 1 tablespoon Original Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix (from the 1 oz package)
- Additional Original Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix for sprinkling (approximately 1 teaspoon)
Toppings
- 5 (1-oz) cheddar cheese slices, each cut in half (10 halves total)
- 10 slices bacon
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375ºF (190ºC) and line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Place a cooking rack on top of the foil-lined sheet to allow even airflow and crispiness for the chicken tenders.
- Season Chicken: Season both sides of each chicken tender evenly with 1 tablespoon of the Original Hidden Valley Ranch dressing mix, ensuring the flavor coats the meat well.
- Assemble Tenders: Place a half slice of cheddar cheese on top of each seasoned chicken tender. Wrap each tender with one slice of bacon, securing the cheese and chicken together.
- Arrange on Rack: Place the wrapped chicken tenders on the prepared cooking rack spaced evenly. Lightly sprinkle the tops with a small amount of additional Ranch dressing mix to enhance flavor.
- Bake: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until fully cooked, the bacon starts to render fat, and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
- Broil for Crispiness: Switch the oven to broil and cook the tenders for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let rest a few minutes before serving. Serve hot as a delicious main dish or appetizer.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC).
- Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with pepper jack or mozzarella for a different flavor profile.
- For crispier bacon, use thick-cut bacon slices.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or air fryer.
