Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
These Crack Chicken Tenders are a flavorful, cheesy, and crispy chicken dish made with fresh chicken tenders coated in ranch seasoning, topped with cheddar cheese, and wrapped in crispy bacon. Perfect as a hearty appetizer or main course, they combine creamy, savory, and smoky flavors with an easy preparation method.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 35-40 minutes
- Yield: 10 chicken tenders (serves 4-5) 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 10 fresh chicken tenders (about 1 ½ pounds)
Seasoning
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix
Toppings
- 5 (1-oz) cheddar cheese slices, cut in half
- 10 slices bacon
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better seasoning adherence.
- Season the chicken: Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken tenders, rubbing gently to coat all sides for consistent flavor.
- Add cheese: Place two half slices of cheddar cheese on top of each chicken tender, ensuring the cheese covers the chicken evenly.
- Wrap with bacon: Carefully wrap each cheddar-topped chicken tender with one slice of bacon, securing the bacon around the chicken and cheese tightly. Use toothpicks if necessary to hold the bacon in place.
- Cook the chicken tenders: Place the wrapped chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the bacon is crispy and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve warm: Remove from the oven, let rest for a couple of minutes, remove any toothpicks, and serve the crack chicken tenders hot for maximum flavor and texture.
Notes
- You can secure the bacon with toothpicks to prevent unraveling during cooking.
- For extra crispiness, broil for the last 2-3 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
- Ensure chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for 2-3 days and reheated in the oven to preserve crispiness.
Keywords: crack chicken tenders, bacon wrapped chicken, ranch chicken recipe, cheesy chicken, baked chicken tenders
Find it online: https://busyrecipe.com/crack-chicken-tenders-recipe/