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To make the perfect Crack Chicken Tenders, you need these simple ingredients: - 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenderloins - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup softened cream cheese - 1 packet (about 1 oz) ranch seasoning mix - 1/4 cup chopped green onions - 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (optional, for added flavor) - 1 cup crushed cornflakes (for a crispy coating) - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray or olive oil (for frying) These ingredients create a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The chicken tenderloins serve as the base, while the cheeses bring creaminess. Ranch seasoning adds a zesty kick. Green onions and bacon bits provide freshness and richness. The cornflake coating gives a satisfying crunch that makes every bite enjoyable. Using these simple items, you can create a dish that is not just tasty but also fun to make! {{ingredient_image_2}} First, get your oven ready. Preheat it to 400°F (200°C). This helps the chicken cook evenly. Next, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easier and keeps the tenders from sticking. In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese and shredded mozzarella. Add the ranch seasoning mix, chopped green onions, and bacon bits if you want extra flavor. Stir this well until it is creamy and smooth. Now, let’s prepare the chicken. Take 1 pound of chicken tenderloins and season them. Use salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Make sure each piece is coated well. This adds great taste to your chicken. Now, it’s time to fill the chicken. For each tender, take a spoonful of the creamy cheese mixture. Place it in the center of the chicken. Fold the tender over the filling. Make sure it is mostly closed. If it needs help, use a toothpick to hold it together. Next, let’s coat the chicken. Pour 1 cup of crushed cornflakes into a shallow dish. Take each filled chicken tender and roll it in the cornflakes. Press down lightly to help them stick. This will give your chicken a nice, crispy texture. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray them with cooking spray or drizzle olive oil on top. This helps them brown and become crispy in the oven. Bake the tenders for 20 to 25 minutes. You want them to be cooked through and golden brown. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). When they are done, take them out and let them rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the flavors to settle before you serve them. Enjoy your crunchy, cheesy chicken tenders! To get the best crunch on your chicken tenders, use crushed cornflakes. They give a great texture. Press the cornflakes on the chicken firmly. This helps the coating stick. Another tip is to mist the tenders with cooking spray. This adds moisture and helps them brown well. Bake them at 400°F (200°C) for a golden finish. Keep an eye on them as they bake. They should be crisp and golden in about 20-25 minutes. You can change the flavor of your tenders easily. Try adding spices like paprika or cayenne for heat. Mix in different herbs like parsley or thyme for freshness. You can also swap the ranch seasoning for taco seasoning for a fun twist. If you love cheese, try using sharp cheddar or pepper jack. Each change will give a new taste. Be creative and mix flavors that you enjoy. Make your chicken tenders look as good as they taste. Arrange them neatly on a colorful platter. Sprinkle chopped green onions on top for a pop of color. Serve with a small bowl of ranch dressing for dipping. This adds a nice touch. You can also add some fresh veggies or a salad on the side. A bright presentation makes the meal more inviting. Enjoy showcasing your delicious creation! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh chicken and high-quality cheese for the best flavor and texture in your cheesy ranch chicken tenders. Customize the Coating: Feel free to experiment with different coatings like panko breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for a unique twist on the crispy exterior. Make Ahead: Prepare the chicken tenders in advance and refrigerate them before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold. Serving Suggestions: Pair these tenders with a variety of dipping sauces such as BBQ, honey mustard, or sriracha for an extra flavor kick at your gathering. {{image_4}} You can switch up the cheese in your crack chicken tenders. If you want a bolder taste, try sharp cheddar or pepper jack. These cheeses add a nice kick. For a creamier texture, use gouda or fontina. Both melt well and give a rich flavor. Mixing different cheeses can create a unique taste. Just remember to adjust the amount to keep the filling creamy. While cornflakes provide a great crunch, you can use other coatings too. Panko breadcrumbs give a light and airy crisp. You can also try crushed potato chips for a salty twist. If you want a gluten-free option, almond flour works well. Just make sure to coat the chicken well for maximum crunch. Each coating changes the flavor and texture, so feel free to experiment! You can make crack chicken tenders vegan or vegetarian with simple swaps. Replace chicken tenderloins with firm tofu or seitan. Both will absorb flavors well. For the cheese, use dairy-free cream cheese and mozzarella. Many brands offer great plant-based options. Ensure the ranch seasoning is vegan-friendly too. These changes keep the dish tasty while catering to different diets. Enjoy the same chewy, crispy delight with these adaptations! To keep your Crack Chicken Tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure they cool down to room temperature first. You can place parchment paper between layers to avoid sticking. This will help maintain their crispiness. Properly stored, they last for up to three days in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to prevent drying out. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warm. If you want extra crispiness, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. If you want to freeze your tenders, let them cool completely. Wrap each tender in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil. This doubles the protection against freezer burn. They can stay in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and follow the reheating instructions above. You can tell when the chicken is done by checking its internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (75°C). The chicken should also look golden brown and crispy on the outside. If the juices run clear when you cut into it, that is a good sign too. Yes, you can prepare these tenders ahead of time! You can assemble them, then store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Just keep them covered to prevent drying out. When you are ready to cook, simply bake them as directed. They will still taste great! Crack Chicken Tenders are great on their own, but you can pair them with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Fresh veggie sticks (carrots, celery, or bell peppers) - A crisp salad with your favorite dressing - Sweet potato fries for a tasty crunch - Garlic bread for extra flavor - Ranch dressing for dipping These options will make your meal even more enjoyable! This blog post covers how to make delicious Crack Chicken Tenders. You learned about the tasty ingredients, simple steps to bake them, and tips for crispiness and flavor. We also discussed storage options and answered common questions. Now, you can enjoy homemade tenders that suit your taste. Whether you prefer different cheeses or a vegan twist, the options are endless. Try these tips and enjoy your cooking!

Cheesy Ranch Chicken Tenders

Delicious chicken tenders filled with a creamy cheese mixture and coated in crispy cornflakes.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken tenderloins
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 0.5 cup softened cream cheese
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 0.25 cup chopped green onions
  • 0.25 cup cooked bacon bits (optional)
  • 1 cup crushed cornflakes
  • 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed cooking spray or olive oil

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and a non-stick surface.
  • In a medium mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and shredded mozzarella. Add the ranch seasoning mix, chopped green onions, and bacon bits (if using). Stir thoroughly until the mixture is creamy and all ingredients are well combined.
  • In another bowl, season the chicken tenderloins with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, ensuring they are evenly coated to enhance the flavor.
  • For each chicken tender, take a spoonful of the creamy cheese mixture and scoop it onto the center of the tender. Gently fold the chicken over the filling, ensuring it is mostly enclosed. If necessary, secure with a toothpick.
  • Place the crushed cornflakes in a shallow dish. Take each filled chicken tender and coat it generously with the cornflakes, pressing down lightly to help them stick for a crunchy exterior.
  • Position the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly mist them with cooking spray or drizzle a little olive oil on top to promote browning and crispiness during baking.
  • Bake in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and the cornflake coating is golden brown and super crispy. Ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (75°C).
  • Once done, remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to settle before serving.

Notes

Serve with ranch dressing for dipping and garnish with additional green onions.
Keyword baked, cheesy, chicken, ranch, tenders