Print

Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 123 reviews

Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, tender chicken pieces smothered in a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with ranch seasoning and bacon. This addictive and flavorful dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, combining savory, tangy, and cheesy flavors for a satisfying meal cooked entirely on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce and Toppings

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels to improve browning. Season them evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to create a flavorful base.
  2. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the bacon strips starting from a cold pan. Cook until crispy, then transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. Once cool, crumble the bacon into small pieces, reserving the bacon grease in the skillet.
  3. Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet containing the bacon grease, add olive oil if necessary. Cook the chicken tenderloins in batches over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  4. Prepare the Crack Sauce: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and half of the crumbled bacon. Use an electric mixer to beat the mixture for 60 seconds until smooth and airy, ensuring a light, spreadable sauce.
  5. Combine Chicken and Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to low, return all chicken tenderloins to the skillet, and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over them. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, cover with a lid, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts thoroughly.
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with the remaining bacon crumbles and chopped green onions. Let the tenders rest for 3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and juices to redistribute before serving.

Notes

  • Overcooking chicken dries it out; use a thermometer and pull at 165°F for juiciness.
  • Soften cream cheese to room temperature at least 30 minutes prior to mixing for smooth sauce.
  • Cook bacon slowly to render flavorful fat and achieve crispy texture.
  • Do not apply sauce before searing chicken; it inhibits proper browning and sauce adhesion.
  • Let the dish rest briefly after cooking to enhance flavor and moisture retention.
  • Grate cheese fresh rather than using pre-shredded for better melting.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated up to 3 days or freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat in oven at 325°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain texture and flavor.

Keywords: crack chicken tenders, creamy chicken recipe, bacon ranch chicken, cheesy chicken tenders, easy dinner recipes, stovetop chicken recipe

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