Quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor – that’s what makes Crack Chicken Tenders an absolute game-changer. I know weeknights can be a whirlwind, and finding something everyone loves that isn't loaded with guilt or takes forever to make can feel impossible. That’s where these tenders come in. They're simple, satisfying, and seriously addictive, in the best way possible. Trust me, once you try them, you'll be hooked!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
My earliest memories are in my grandma's cozy kitchen, which was like her laboratory. She'd cook something from scratch every evening, sometimes I would watch her and learn a few things. It wasn't until I moved out and had to cook for myself that I really appreciated how easy she made cooking look. I tweaked, experimented, and finally struck gold with this Crack Chicken Tenders recipe. And every time I make them, it’s like a little piece of her warm, comforting kitchen is right here with me.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Coating (Optional):
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making the Recipe
- Prep the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch thick tenders. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- Make the "Crack" Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, ranch dressing mix, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken tenders to the bowl with the "crack" mixture. Mix well to ensure each tender is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for even more flavor.
- Prepare the Coating (Optional): If using, in a shallow dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Coat the Tenders (Optional): One at a time, remove a chicken tender from the marinade and dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat. Place the coated tender on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren't overcrowded. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If using the breadcrumb coating, keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.
- Broil (Optional): For extra browning, broil the tenders for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: Let the Crack Chicken Tenders cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce or on their own!
Crack Chicken Tenders
Quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor – that’s what makes Crack Chicken Tenders an absolute game-changer. They’re simple, satisfying, and seriously addictive.
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch thick tenders. Pat them dry with paper towels.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- In a large bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, ranch dressing mix, softened cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, green onions, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well until everything is smooth and creamy.1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 packet ranch dressing mix, 4 oz cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup cooked, crumbled bacon, 1/4 cup chopped green onions, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Add the chicken tenders to the bowl with the “crack” mixture. Mix well to ensure each tender is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for even more flavor.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- If using, in a shallow dish, combine the Panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, paprika, and garlic powder.1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- One at a time, remove a chicken tender from the marinade and dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat. Place the coated tender on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they aren’t overcrowded. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If using the breadcrumb coating, keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn.
- For extra browning, broil the tenders for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Let the Crack Chicken Tenders cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce or on their own!