Description
Irresistible Crack Chicken Tenders featuring tender chicken, topped with a creamy, cheesy, ranch-flavored sauce and savory beef bacon bits. Simple to prepare, yet delivering extraordinary flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner or party appetizer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 6 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup cooked beef bacon bits
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly coat the chicken tenders with olive oil or cooking spray. Place on a baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Bake for 20-25 minutes (or air fry for 12-18 minutes), flipping halfway, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- While chicken cooks, in a medium microwave-safe bowl, combine softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Stir in ¾ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the warm cream cheese mixture until melted and fully incorporated, creating a rich sauce.
- Arrange the cooked chicken tenders on a serving platter. Generously drizzle or spread the warm, cheesy sauce over the tenders. Sprinkle with cooked beef bacon bits, the remaining ¼ cup shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped green onions (if using). Serve immediately.
Notes
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 150mg