Crack Chicken Tenders
Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside chicken bites smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce with savory ranch seasoning and crispy bacon, delivering a rich, comforting flavor perfect for family meals, appetizers, or party snacks.
- Author: Mary
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup flour or breadcrumbs (optional, for coating)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp oil (for cooking)
Creamy Sauce
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp ranch dressing mix
Toppings
- 1/4 cup bacon bits, crispy
- Prepare the Chicken Tenders: Season the chicken tenders with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Lightly coat them in flour or breadcrumbs if you desire a crispier texture.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté the tenders for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, ensuring they remain juicy inside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, sour cream, and ranch dressing mix until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Top: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Pour the creamy sauce over the chicken and sprinkle with crispy bacon bits. Warm over low heat for a few minutes until hot and bubbly, allowing flavors to meld.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the Crack Chicken Tenders immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use room temperature cream cheese for a smooth sauce.
- Do not overcook chicken to keep it tender and juicy.
- Add fresh crispy bacon bits just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the crispy exterior and creamy sauce.
- Adjust seasoning and cheese amounts to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: crack chicken tenders, creamy chicken tenders, cheesy chicken, crispy chicken, ranch chicken tenders, bacon chicken tenders, party snacks, appetizer