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Crack Chicken Tenders

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Crack Chicken Tenders are the perfect comfort food—crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with irresistible flavor. These chicken tenders are coated in a flavorful blend of ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheese, making them a dish that’s sure to be a hit at any table. They’re easy to prepare and are perfect for serving as a snack, main dish, or at a gathering. Whether you’re making them for dinner or a party, these tenders are guaranteed to disappear fast!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into tenders)
  • 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or your preferred crackers)
  • ½ cup grated cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 large egg
  • ¼ cup milk
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Ingredient Highlights

  • Ranch Seasoning: The ranch seasoning provides a savory and tangy flavor that’s a key part of the “crack” factor, making the tenders irresistible.
  • Cheddar Cheese: The cheddar adds a rich, gooey texture and a bold cheese flavor that pairs perfectly with the ranch seasoning and bacon.
  • Bacon: Crispy bacon bits lend a smoky and crunchy element to the tenders, elevating the overall taste.
  • Crackers: Crushed crackers create a crispy, golden coating that makes the chicken tenders extra crunchy.

Instructions

Prepare the Coating:

  1. Preheat the Oven or Heat the Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if baking, or heat a large skillet over medium-high heat if frying.
  2. Prepare the Breading: In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, grated cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and ranch seasoning mix. Stir to combine.
  3. Prepare the Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until smooth.
  4. Season the Chicken: Season the chicken tenders with a little salt and pepper to taste.

Coat the Chicken Tenders:

  1. Dip the Chicken in the Egg Wash: Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, coating it evenly.
  2. Coat with the Breading: After dipping in the egg wash, dredge the chicken tenders in the cracker mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well.

Cook the Chicken Tenders:

  1. Fry (or Bake) the Tenders:
    • For frying: Heat the olive oil in the skillet. Once hot, add the chicken tenders and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C).
    • For baking: Arrange the breaded tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
  2. Rest the Tenders: Allow the tenders to rest for a few minutes after cooking to help the juices redistribute.

Nutrition

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