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35-Minute Crack Chicken Tenders That Will Blow Your Mind

crack chicken tenders
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Crispy, cheesy chicken tenders topped with bacon and cheddar for a flavorful and easy dinner.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 2 tsp ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tbsp milk (optional, helps eggs thin out)
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers (optional but extra crunchy)
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
  • Cooking spray or 2–3 tbsp melted butter (for baking crispiness)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or cheddar jack)
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • Ranch or sour cream for drizzling/dipping (optional)
  • Chopped parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a sheet pan with parchment and place a wire rack on top. Spray rack lightly.
  2. Pat chicken dry. Toss with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and ranch seasoning.
  3. Set up breading station: Bowl 1: flour, Bowl 2: eggs + milk (optional), whisked, Bowl 3: panko + crushed crackers + paprika (optional).
  4. Dredge chicken in flour, dip in egg, then press into panko mixture until well coated.
  5. Arrange on rack. Spray tops with cooking spray (or lightly brush with melted butter). Bake 16–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (165°F).
  6. Sprinkle cheddar over tenders and return to oven 2–3 minutes to melt. Top with crumbled bacon (and parsley if you want).
  7. Drizzle with ranch (optional) and serve with ranch on the side.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, use a wire rack on the baking sheet.
  • Air Fryer Option: Air fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Add cheese for the last 1–2 minutes, then top with bacon.

Nutrition

Keywords: crack chicken tenders, cheesy chicken tenders, bacon cheddar chicken, crispy chicken strips, panko chicken tenders, easy chicken dinner

Find it online: https://jessicarecipe.com/crack-chicken-tenders-recipe/