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Crack Chicken Tenders

Crispy golden chicken tenders coated with ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits for an addictive comfort food twist.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken Tenders
  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders or chicken breast strips
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix 1 oz
  • 2 eggs large, beaten
  • 1.5 cups breadcrumbs panko preferred
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup bacon bits cooked and crumbled
  • 0.5 cup cream cheese softened
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • 2 tbsp butter melted, for brushing

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Baking sheet or Air fryer
  • Tongs
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheet or grease basket.
  2. Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
  3. Mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and half of ranch seasoning in a bowl.
  4. Whisk eggs and milk in a second bowl; combine breadcrumbs, cheddar, and bacon in a third.
  5. Coat chicken in flour, dip in egg, then coat in breadcrumb mixture.
  6. Place on baking sheet, brush with butter, and bake 18–22 minutes or air fry 14–16 minutes until golden.
  7. Mix cream cheese, remaining ranch, and milk to make sauce. Drizzle over cooked tenders.
  8. Serve with extra cheddar, bacon bits, and green onions.

Notes

For extra crispiness, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch into flour. Air fryer method yields lightest crunch.