Crack Chicken Tenders Bacon Cheese

These crack chicken tenders are my go to answer when I need something fast hearty and impossible not to love. Juicy chicken tenders get coated with ranch then hugged in cheddar and smoky bacon for a magic combination that everyone wants seconds of Every time I serve these whether for a quick weeknight meal or football snacks they vanish fast

Ever since I started doubling the batch at tailgate parties I never have leftovers Everyone raves about how cheesy and juicy these turn out My kids and their friends beg for crack chicken tenders any time we have movie night

Ingredients

• Chicken tenders: About one and a half pounds of fresh chicken tenders They cook quickly and stay juicy I always look for plump cuts at the butcher
• Ranch dressing mix: One ounce packet brings tangy herby flavor Look for a brand with no MSG for best taste
• Cheddar cheese slices: Five one ounce slices cut in half Pick a sharp cheddar for fullest flavor I prefer thick cut slices for the best melt
• Bacon: Ten slices wraps each tender with savory crispness Thick sliced bacon adds extra chewiness and keeps everything together Choose high quality bacon with balanced fat for even cooking

Step by Step Instructions

Prep the oven and pan:

Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit and allow it to preheat Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup and place a metal rack on top This setup helps bacon crisp up all over without turning soggy

Season the chicken:

Lay each chicken tender on a board and season both sides generously with ranch dressing mix patting it in lightly You want a full coat without clumps for big flavor

Layer the cheese:

Place a half slice of cheddar cheese over each ranch coated tender Try to cover the top surface so cheese melts into every bite

Wrap with bacon:

Take one slice of bacon for each chicken piece and wrap it snugly around the tender and cheese Start at one end rolling up tightly Tuck the ends underneath so bacon stays in place as it cooks Repeat with all tenders

Arrange on rack and season again:

Set each wrapped tender on your prepared rack Give a light sprinkle of more ranch mix across the tops for an extra hit of flavor and color

Bake until almost done:

Slide the tray into the oven and bake for twenty to twenty five minutes until bacon is mostly cooked and chicken is cooked through Use a thermometer to check for at least one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest point

Finish under the broiler:

Turn your broiler to high and move the tray up to the top rack Broil for one or two minutes just until bacon is bubbly and crisp but not burnt Watch closely it goes fast

Pin it

Bacon and cheese are my two comfort foods When my kids made me promise to pack these for every sports game I knew this would be a lifelong family favorite Watching my youngest sneak extra tenders off the tray before dinnertime always makes me laugh

Storage Tips

Let the tenders cool completely before refrigerating Store in an airtight container for up to three days They reheat best in the oven or air fryer to restore crispiness Avoid microwaving if possible since bacon will soften but the flavor stays great

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use turkey bacon for a lighter option or Monterey jack cheese for a milder cheese flavor If you cannot find tenders cut chicken breasts into thick strips and proceed as usual Any ranch packet works but homemade ranch seasoning really deepens the flavor

Serving Suggestions

Crack chicken tenders are delicious on their own or dipped in extra ranch Serve them with a crisp green salad roasted veggies or pile on slider buns for party sandwiches I sometimes add a drizzle of honey mustard for a sweet tangy twist

Fun Origin

This recipe is called crack chicken because it is so addictive no one can resist grabbing another piece The combo of ranch cheese and bacon is a Southern tailgate classic It became an internet favorite when busy parents needed something fast fun and always popular with kids

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different cheese instead of cheddar?

Yes, feel free to substitute cheddar with mozzarella, pepper jack, or any melting cheese you prefer for a twist in flavor.

→ Is it possible to prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely. Assemble the chicken tenders ahead of time and refrigerate. Bake when needed for a quick meal.

→ How do I ensure the bacon becomes crispy?

Finish the cooked tenders under the broiler for a minute or two. Keep a close watch to avoid burning.

→ Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, this dish can be gluten-free if the ranch seasoning mix you select does not contain gluten.

→ What side dishes pair well with these chicken tenders?

Great options include salads, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple slaw for added freshness.