Simple Crack Chicken Tenders for Dinner: A Weeknight Win (Print Version)

Whip up Simple Crack Chicken Tenders for Dinner tonight! Creamy, cheesy, and so easy. Perfect for busy weeknights, a family favorite.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American Comfort
Dietary: Contains Dairy, Can be Gluten-Free with GF Tenders

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders
02 - 8 oz cream cheese, softened
03 - 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
04 - 4-5 slices cooked bacon, crumbled

→ Flavor Boosters & Seasonings

05 - 1 (1 oz) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
06 - 1/4 cup chicken broth

→ Garnish & Serving

07 - 2 green onions, sliced

→ Optional Extras

08 - Pinch of red pepper flakes (for heat)
09 - Smoked paprika (for depth)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, pat those chicken tenders dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step I often skip when I'm in a hurry, and trust me, it makes a difference in how well the seasoning sticks! Place them in a large bowl, ready for their flavor bath. You want them as dry as possible so they can really soak up all that goodness. Don't worry if they're not perfectly uniform, that's just real life, right?
02 - In a separate bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and chicken broth until it's super smooth. This is where the magic starts to happen, that creamy, tangy base for your Easy Crack Chicken Tenders for Dinner. I always give it an extra whisk to make sure there are no cream cheese lumps – I hate those! This mixture should be thick but spreadable, like a dreamy cloud.
03 - Pour that glorious cream cheese mixture over your chicken tenders and toss everything together until each tender is completely coated. Don't be shy; get in there with your hands if you need to! Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. I always line mine with parchment paper; cleanup is a breeze, and honestly, who wants to scrub a baking sheet after dinner? Not me!
04 - Now for the fun part! Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over all the chicken tenders. Then, scatter those delicious crumbled bacon pieces all over the cheese. This step always makes my kitchen smell amazing, that smoky bacon aroma filling the air. This is what truly elevates these Easy Crack Chicken Tenders for Dinner from good to 'OMG, what is this?!'.
05 - Pop that baking sheet into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. Every oven is a little different, so keep an eye on it. I usually check around the 20-minute mark; I've definitely overcooked chicken before and it's just not the same. You want tender, juicy chicken!
06 - Once it's out of the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes – it helps the juices redistribute. Then, sprinkle generously with fresh sliced green onions. That little bit of freshness cuts through the richness perfectly. Serve your Easy Crack Chicken Tenders for Dinner immediately and watch them disappear! The smell, the sight, it’s all just so inviting.

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken dry; it helps the seasoning stick and prevents sogginess.
02 - Leftovers are best reheated in the oven to maintain texture, avoid the microwave!
03 - If you're out of ranch seasoning, a DIY mix of dried dill, garlic powder, and onion powder works in a pinch.
04 - A sprinkle of fresh green onions at the end truly brightens up the rich flavors.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large mixing bowls
02 - whisk
03 - baking sheet
04 - parchment paper

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 30g
Total Carbohydrate: 8g
Protein: 35g

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