Crack Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders are baked under a dreamy, ranch-cheese sauce and topped with crispy bacon to make a dish that’s rich, comforting, and so addictive.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy chicken tenders under a cheesy, creamy ranch layer
• Salty, crunchy bacon adds texture and flavor
• Super simple to assemble and bake
• Feels indulgent but makes a great weeknight dinner
• Crowd-pleaser: perfect for game nights or family meals

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Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1.5 lb (about 680 g) chicken tenders
• 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
• 1 package ranch seasoning mix
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup cooked bacon bits, crumbled
• Olive oil or cooking spray for greasing

Optional:

• Chopped green onions or chives, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven
   • Preheat your oven to 190 °C (375 °F).
   • Line a baking sheet or casserole dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Mix the Creamy Topping
   • In a bowl, mix the softened cream cheese with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar.
   • Stir until everything is well combined and smooth.
3. Set Up the Chicken
   • Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in your prepared baking dish.
   • Lightly coat the tenders with a thin layer of olive oil or cooking spray.
4. Top the Tenders
   • Spread the creamy ranch-cheese mixture over each chicken tender, covering them well.
   • Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
   • Finally, evenly distribute the crumbled bacon bits over the cheese layer.
5. Bake
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20–25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature ~75 °C / 165 °F) and the top is bubbly and slightly golden.
6. Serve
   • Remove from oven and let sit for a few minutes so the topping can set.
   • Garnish with chopped green onions or chives if you like.
   • Serve hot with sides like steamed veggies, salad, or mashed potatoes.

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You Must Know

• The cream cheese should be well softened so it mixes smoothly with the other ingredients.
• Spread the topping evenly to make sure each tender gets plenty of flavor.
• Check doneness of the chicken with a thermometer — you want it cooked but still juicy.
• Let the dish rest a few minutes after baking so the topping firms up a little and doesn’t slide off.

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Storage Tips

• Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Rewarm in an oven set to ~175 °C (350 °F) for 5–10 minutes to keep the topping creamy.
• Freezing: After baking and cooling, freeze individually in a single layer, then reheat from frozen in the oven.

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Ingredient Substitutions

• Chicken: Use chicken breasts cut into strips or thighs if you prefer.
• Bacon: Turkey bacon or cooked sausage can be used instead of bacon bits.
• Cheese: Try a mix of cheddar and Monterey Jack, or smoked cheese for variation.
• Seasoning: You can use a low-sodium ranch mix, or adjust the garlic and onion powder to your liking.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a spicy dip.
• Pair with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
• Use leftover tenders in wraps or sandwiches the next day.

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Pro Tips

• Use parchment paper for the baking dish — makes cleanup so much easier.
• If the topping looks too thick, whisk in a little milk to loosen it.
• To add even more flavor, sprinkle paprika or chili flakes on top before baking.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes — place coated tenders in the air fryer basket, cook at 190 °C (375 °F) for about 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is cooked and the cheese is bubbly.

→ Can I make the creamy mixture ahead?
Definitely — mix the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and cheddar ahead of time and store in the fridge. Spread on the chicken just before baking.

→ Is this recipe low-carb?
Yes, it can be pretty low-carb if you skip high-carb sides; the tenders and creamy cheese topping are keto-friendly.

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✨ These Crack Chicken Tenders are cheesy, savory, and so addictive — a comfort food winner that’s easier than it looks. Enjoy!

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