Irresistible Crack Chicken Tenders 🧀🥓🔥
These Crack Chicken Tenders are insanely delicious, crispy, and packed with flavor! Coated in a creamy ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, they’re the perfect comfort food for any occasion.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
1 ½ lbs chicken tenders 🍗
1 cup buttermilk 🥛
1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
1 tsp onion powder 🧅
½ tsp salt 🧂
½ tsp black pepper ⚫
For the Coating:
1 ½ cups crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs 🥖
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix 🌿
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese 🧀
½ cup crispy cooked bacon, crumbled 🥓
For the Topping:
2 tbsp melted butter 🧈
2 tbsp chopped green onions 🌱 (optional)
Ranch dressing for dipping 🥣
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Add chicken tenders, coating them well.
Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour for extra juiciness.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers (or panko), ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar cheese, and crumbled bacon.
3. Coat the Chicken:
Remove chicken from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
Roll each tender in the cheese-bacon coating, pressing gently to help it stick.
4. Bake or Air Fry:
✔ Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place coated chicken on a greased baking sheet.
Drizzle melted butter over the top for extra crispiness.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
✔ Air Fryer Method:
Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place tenders in a single layer in the basket.
Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
Garnish with green onions and serve with ranch dressing for dipping!
Serving Ideas:
✔ Pair with crispy waffle fries 🍟.
✔ Serve alongside coleslaw 🥗 or roasted veggies 🥦.
✔ Drizzle with honey mustard for extra flavor! 🍯
These Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, cheesy, and absolutely addictive! Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or whenever you're craving something irresistibly delicious. 😍🔥