There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a perfectly crispy, juicy chicken tender. These Crack Chicken Tenders take that experience to a whole new level. Packed with flavor from a seasoned coating and a creamy, cheesy finish, they’re completely irresistible. The name “crack chicken” comes from the addictive combination of ranch seasoning, cheese, and crispy texture—one bite, and you’ll understand why people can’t get enough of them.
Whether you’re making these for a family dinner, game night, or a fun appetizer, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and cook quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Crunchy – Thanks to a flavorful coating, these tenders turn out golden brown and perfectly crispy every time.
- Packed with Flavor – Ranch seasoning, cheese, and a well-seasoned breading ensure every bite is bursting with taste.
- Quick and Easy – With simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is great for busy nights.
- Kid-Friendly – These tenders are a hit with kids and adults alike. Serve them with their favorite dipping sauce for a meal everyone will love.
- Versatile – Enjoy them on their own, in a sandwich, or over a salad for a protein-packed meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying or spraying if baking)
How to Make Crack Chicken Tenders
Making these delicious tenders is simple. Whether you choose to fry or bake them, the process is easy, and the results are fantastic.
Step 1: Prep the Breading Station
Set up three bowls for breading:
- Flour Bowl – In the first shallow bowl, add the flour and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Egg Wash – In the second bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk until well combined.
- Breadcrumb Coating – In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
- Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess.
- Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered.
- Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, patting it down so the coating sticks well.
Repeat for all the chicken tenders and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method
Option 1: Frying for Extra Crispiness
- Heat about 1 ½ inches of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat (around 350°F).
- Fry the chicken tenders in batches, 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Option 2: Baking for a Healthier Option
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the coated tenders on the baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Option 3: Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once your tenders are golden brown and crispy, let them cool slightly before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Helpful Tips
- Double-coat for extra crispiness – If you want an even crunchier texture, dip the tenders back into the egg wash and breadcrumb mixture for a second coating.
- Use fresh cheese – Freshly shredded cheese melts better and adds extra flavor. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect texture.
- Don’t overcrowd when frying – Fry in batches so the oil stays hot and your tenders get that perfect crispiness.
- Let them rest on a wire rack – Instead of placing them on a plate, use a wire rack to keep them crispy while they cool.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Frying, Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Notes
- For extra crispy tenders, let the coated chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking. This helps the breading adhere better.
- Don’t skip the ranch seasoning—it’s what gives these tenders their signature “crack” flavor! You can also adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Cheese choice matters—cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with Colby Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- If baking, use a wire rack on top of a baking sheet to ensure even crisping and prevent soggy bottoms.
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness—thicker tenders may need a few extra minutes to cook through. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Make it a meal by serving these tenders with roasted veggies, a side salad, or in a wrap with lettuce and ranch dressing.
Storage Instructions
If you have leftovers (which is rare with these delicious tenders!), here’s how to store them properly:
Refrigeration
- Store cooked tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Place cooled tenders on a baking sheet and freeze for 1 hour before transferring them to a freezer-safe bag.
- They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Reheating
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 10-12 minutes until heated through.
- Air Fryer: Heat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes until crispy.
- Microwave: Use for a quick reheat, but they may lose some crispiness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes! If using chicken breasts, slice them into strips similar in size to tenders for even cooking.
What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?
Regular breadcrumbs work, but panko gives a crispier texture. Crushed cornflakes or crackers can also be a great alternative.
How do I make these tenders spicy?
Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the egg wash for a spicy kick.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
Related Recipes
If you loved these Crack Chicken Tenders, you’ll definitely enjoy these other crispy favorites:
Conclusion
These Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, making them an instant favorite. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, they turn out perfectly every time. Serve them as an appetizer, a main dish, or even in a sandwich, and watch them disappear fast!
Try this recipe today, and let me know how they turn out. Happy cooking!
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Crispy Crack Chicken Tenders
Description
There’s something incredibly comforting about biting into a perfectly crispy, juicy chicken tender. These Crack Chicken Tenders take that experience to a whole new level. Packed with flavor from a seasoned coating and a creamy, cheesy finish, they’re completely irresistible. The name “crack chicken” comes from the addictive combination of ranch seasoning, cheese, and crispy texture—one bite, and you’ll understand why people can’t get enough of them.
Whether you’re making these for a family dinner, game night, or a fun appetizer, they’re guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, they’re easy to prepare and cook quickly, making them perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (for frying or spraying if baking)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Breading Station
Set up three bowls for breading:
- Flour Bowl – In the first shallow bowl, add the flour and a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Egg Wash – In the second bowl, whisk the eggs with the milk until well combined.
- Breadcrumb Coating – In the third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
- Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess.
- Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s completely covered.
- Finally, press it into the breadcrumb mixture, patting it down so the coating sticks well.
Repeat for all the chicken tenders and set them aside on a plate.
Step 3: Choose Your Cooking Method
Option 1: Frying for Extra Crispiness
- Heat about 1 ½ inches of oil in a deep skillet over medium-high heat (around 350°F).
- Fry the chicken tenders in batches, 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Option 2: Baking for a Healthier Option
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the coated tenders on the baking sheet and lightly spray them with cooking oil.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Option 3: Air Fryer Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 375°F.
- Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked through.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Once your tenders are golden brown and crispy, let them cool slightly before serving. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispy tenders, let the coated chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before cooking. This helps the breading adhere better.
- Don’t skip the ranch seasoning—it’s what gives these tenders their signature “crack” flavor! You can also adjust the seasoning to your taste.
- Cheese choice matters—cheddar is classic, but you can experiment with Colby Jack, mozzarella, or even pepper jack for a spicy kick.
- If baking, use a wire rack on top of a baking sheet to ensure even crisping and prevent soggy bottoms.
- Adjust cooking time based on thickness—thicker tenders may need a few extra minutes to cook through. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Make it a meal by serving these tenders with roasted veggies, a side salad, or in a wrap with lettuce and ranch dressing.