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Crack Chicken Tenders


  • Author: Georgiana
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: About 12 tenders 1x

Description

These Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, cheesy, and packed with bacon and ranch flavor! They can be baked or air-fried for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, or meal prep.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Tenders

  • 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk (for marination)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder

For the Coating

  • 1 cup crushed pork rinds or Panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley

For the Crack Mixture

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ¼ cup cooked and crumbled bacon
  • ½ cup ranch dressing
  • 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)

Optional Dipping Sauces

  • Ranch dressing
  • Honey mustard sauce
  • Buffalo sauce

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a mixing bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
  2. Add chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for extra tenderness).

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

  1. In a separate bowl, mix together:
    • Crushed pork rinds or Panko breadcrumbs
    • Grated Parmesan cheese
    • Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried parsley
  2. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

  1. Remove chicken tenders from the buttermilk marinade and let excess liquid drip off.
  2. Dredge each tender in the coating mixture, pressing firmly to ensure a thick, even layer.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Air Fryer Method

  • Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  • Arrange tenders in a single layer in the basket.
  • Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.

Oven Method

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Place tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet for even crisping.
  • Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping once halfway.

Step 5: Make the Crack Topping

  1. In a bowl, mix together:
    • Shredded cheddar cheese
    • Cooked crumbled bacon
    • Ranch dressing
    • Cream cheese (softened)
  2. Spread the mixture over the cooked chicken tenders.

Step 6: Melt and Serve

  1. Return the tenders to the oven or air fryer for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
  2. Let them rest for 5 minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauces.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, double-coat the chicken by dipping it in buttermilk twice.
  • For a spicier version, add hot sauce or extra cayenne to the buttermilk marinade.
  • To make it gluten-free, use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.
  • For meal prep, store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the air fryer or oven for best results.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer or Main Dish
  • Method: Baked or Air Fried
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 tenders
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 9g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g (varies with coating)
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg