Description
Savor southern-style Crack Chicken Tenders that deliver irresistible flavor in every crispy bite. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, these tender chicken pieces promise a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup ranch seasoning mix
Dairy and Wet Ingredients:
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- Optional: chopped chives for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a mixing bowl, thoroughly blend softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, and shredded cheddar cheese until smooth and well-combined.
- Coat each chicken tender completely in the creamy ranch mixture, ensuring full coverage.
- Create a three-part breading station: mix flour with salt, pepper, and garlic powder in one dish; whisk eggs in another; place panko breadcrumbs in the third dish.
- Dredge each coated chicken tender first through seasoned flour, then dip in beaten eggs, and finally roll generously in panko breadcrumbs, pressing crumbs to adhere.
- Arrange breaded tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch each other.
- Drizzle olive oil lightly over the tenders to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and coating turns deep golden brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes to set the crispy coating.
- Garnish with chopped chives if desired and serve immediately while hot and crunchy.
Notes
- Create a gluten-free version by swapping panko breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or gluten-free breadcrumbs for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Reduce overall fat content by using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and cream cheese, maintaining creamy texture while adding extra protein.
- Elevate flavor complexity by experimenting with different seasoning mixes like Cajun, taco, or Italian blends to transform the classic ranch profile.
- Prep tenders ahead of time by assembling and coating them, then refrigerating for up to 24 hours before baking to save time during busy weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 540
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 1000 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg