Crack Chicken Tenders
These Crack Chicken Tenders are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Coated in a creamy ranch-seasoned mixture, then baked or air-fried to perfection, they’re an irresistible low-carb, high-protein dish. The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon gives them their famous “crack” flavor, making them a family favorite for dinner, appetizers, or game-day snacks.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
1 lb (450g) chicken tenders
4 oz (½ cup) cream cheese, softened
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
1 egg
½ cup crushed pork rinds (or panko breadcrumbs for non-keto)
¼ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp onion powder
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)
For Serving (Optional):
Ranch dressing or spicy mayo for dipping
Instructions
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease an air fryer basket.
2. Make the Coating
In a bowl, mix cream cheese, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and ranch seasoning until smooth.
In another shallow bowl, whisk the egg.
In a third bowl, mix crushed pork rinds (or breadcrumbs), garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
3. Coat the Chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel.
Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over each tender.
Dip each tender into the egg wash, then coat with the seasoned pork rind (or breadcrumb) mixture.
Press gently to ensure an even coating.
4. Bake or Air Fry
Oven Method: Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
Air Fryer Method: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
5. Serve & Garnish
Let the tenders rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Garnish with green onions and serve with ranch dressing or dipping sauce.
Nutritional Information
(Per Serving – 4 Servings)
Calories: 420
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 850mg
Notes & Tips
Low-Carb Option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs for a keto-friendly version.
Extra Crunchy: Double-coat by dipping tenders twice in the egg and breading mixture.
Spicy Version: Add ½ tsp cayenne pepper or drizzle with hot sauce.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for crispiness.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for 25-30 minutes.