Crack Chicken Tenders is a ridiculously delicious, easy-to-make recipe that features crispy chicken tenders coated in a creamy, cheesy, ranch-flavored sauce. The nickname “Crack” refers to just how addictive and flavorful these tenders are—once you start, it’s hard to stop! They’re perfect for a weeknight dinner, game day, or whenever you’re craving something indulgent.
Here’s how to make Crick Chicken Tenders:
Crack Chicken Tenders
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken tenders (about 8-10 pieces)
- 1/2 cup ranch dressing (or ranch seasoning mix, if you prefer)
- 1/2 cup cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, your choice)
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (optional but recommended for extra flavor)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels, then season both sides with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken tenders to the pan in a single layer, cooking for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be 165°F/74°C). Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Crack Sauce:
- In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, ranch dressing, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and well-combined. If you like a little extra kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce at this point.
- Fold in the bacon bits (if using) for that extra savory, smoky flavor.
3. Coat the Chicken:
- Once the chicken tenders are cooked and set aside, reduce the heat in the skillet to low. Add the ranch sauce to the same skillet (without washing it first, for extra flavor) and stir to warm it up.
- Return the chicken tenders to the skillet, tossing them gently in the sauce until they are fully coated. Allow the tenders to heat through for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
4. Garnish and Serve:
- Once the chicken tenders are coated in the creamy ranch sauce, garnish with fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately!
Why This Recipe Works:
- Flavorful Sauce: The creamy, cheesy ranch sauce is the perfect match for the crispy tenders, and the addition of bacon takes it to the next level.
- Crispy Chicken: Pan-frying the tenders gives them a nice golden crust, while the ranch sauce keeps them moist and flavorful.
- Easy to Make: This dish requires minimal prep and can be made in less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick, satisfying meal.
Tips & Variations:
- Baked Version: If you prefer to bake the chicken, you can coat the tenders with the sauce after they’ve been baked at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, until cooked through.
- Spicy Version: Add some sriracha sauce or jalapeño slices to the ranch sauce for a spicy twist.
- Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, feel free to double the amount and use it as a dipping sauce on the side.
- Crispy Coating: If you want extra crispiness, you can dredge the chicken tenders in seasoned flour or breadcrumbs before pan-frying.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with mashed potatoes, fries, or rice for a full meal.
- Pair with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the chicken.
- If you’re serving this at a party, these are great for dipping in extra ranch dressing or a spicy buffalo sauce.
Crack Chicken Tenders are incredibly flavorful and super easy to make. With the creamy, cheesy ranch sauce and the crispy chicken, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit at your next meal. Enjoy!