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Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe
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Quick and flavorful Crack Chicken Tenders featuring crispy, tender chicken coated in a rich, creamy cheese sauce with smoky bacon and savory spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a comforting, cheesy, and crispy meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb fresh boneless chicken tenders

Cheese and Dairy

  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Meat

  • 6 slices bacon
  • Bacon grease reserved from cooking bacon

Seasonings & Spices

  • 1 tsp ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Fat

  • 2 tbsp olive oil or butter

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness. Season lightly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for initial flavor.
  2. Cook the Bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon slices over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and crumble it, reserving some bacon grease in the pan for cooking the chicken.
  3. Sear the Chicken Tenders: Heat olive oil or butter in the bacon-fat-coated pan over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken tenders and sear each side until golden brown and fully cooked, about 3-4 minutes per side.
  4. Make the Cheese Sauce: Lower the heat. Add cream cheese to the pan with the chicken and stir until melted. Sprinkle in ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until the sauce is creamy and coats the chicken tenders evenly.
  5. Combine and Serve: Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the cheesy chicken tenders and gently mix. Let the flavors meld for a minute, then serve immediately for best taste and texture.

Notes

  • Dry Chicken: Always pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a crispier crust.
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spices and quality cheese improve the flavor significantly.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook chicken in batches if necessary to avoid steaming and keep the tenders crispy.
  • Let Rest Briefly: Allow cooked tenders to rest a few minutes before serving to lock in juices.
  • Customize Your Cheese Blend: Mixing cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack can add complexity and richness to the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: crack chicken tenders, cheesy chicken tenders, quick chicken recipe, crispy chicken, comfort food, bacon chicken tenders, easy dinner

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