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### **Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Crack Chicken Tenders**
Let’s dive into how you can prepare these delicious Crack Chicken Tenders at home.
#### **Step 1: Prepare the Chicken**
Start by preparing the chicken tenders. If they’re not already trimmed, remove any excess fat or connective tissue from the chicken strips. You want uniform pieces that will cook evenly.
#### **Step 2: Make the Cream Cheese Filling**
In a bowl, mix the cream cheese with the ranch seasoning. The cream cheese should be soft, so leave it out at room temperature for about 15 minutes before mixing. Add in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, ½ cup of shredded mozzarella cheese, and crumbled bacon (about 4-5 slices). Stir until everything is combined into a thick mixture.
#### **Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders**
Now, you need to coat the chicken tenders. Set up three bowls:
1. **Flour**: Place about 1 cup of flour in the first bowl.
2. **Eggs**: In the second bowl, beat 2 large eggs.
3. **Breadcrumbs**: In the third bowl, combine 1 cup of breadcrumbs with a pinch of salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, dip it into the egg mixture, and then coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down slightly to make sure the breadcrumbs stick.
#### **Step 4: Fill the Chicken Tenders**
Using a spoon, carefully spoon the cream cheese mixture into the center of each breaded chicken tender. You can either fold the chicken around the filling or leave the filling exposed at the center—either way, it will be delicious.
#### **Step 5: Fry or Bake the Chicken Tenders**
– **To Fry**: Heat about 2 inches of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken tenders and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, and work in batches if necessary.
– **To Bake**: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and fully cooked.
#### **Step 6: Serve**
Once the chicken tenders are cooked to perfection, serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. These tenders are also fantastic with a side of crispy fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
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### **Tips for Perfect Crack Chicken Tenders**
– **Don’t Skip the Bacon**: Bacon is a key ingredient in making these chicken tenders truly irresistible. Make sure to use crispy bacon for the best texture and flavor.
– **Adjust the Heat**: If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add some hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to the cream cheese mixture.
– **Use Fresh Chicken**: For the juiciest tenders, make sure to use fresh, not frozen, chicken tenders. Frozen tenders can release excess moisture during cooking, which can affect the texture of the breading.
– **Try Different Cheeses**: While cheddar and mozzarella work beautifully, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for added flavor.
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### **Variations of Crack Chicken Tenders**
1. **Spicy Crack Chicken Tenders**: Add some diced jalapeños or a spoonful of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
2. **Cheese Lovers’ Crack Chicken Tenders**: For an extra cheesy bite, add a slice of cheese inside the chicken tenders along with the cream cheese filling.
3. **Gluten-Free Crack Chicken Tenders**: To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure the ranch seasoning and flour are also gluten-free.
4. **Baked Crack Chicken Tenders**: For a lighter version, bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them. This will still give you a crispy exterior but with less oil.
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### **Conclusion**
Crack Chicken Tenders are a must-try dish for anyone who loves bold flavors, crispy textures, and cheesy goodness. They are an incredibly easy and fun recipe that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a family dinner, a gathering with friends, or just for a delicious snack, these tenders are bound to impress.
With their combination of crispy breadcrumbs, creamy filling, savory bacon, and melted cheese, Crack Chicken Tenders offer a flavor experience that’s sure to keep everyone coming back for more. Once you’ve tried them, you’ll understand why they’re called “crack”—because they’re just that addictive!
So go ahead, give this recipe a try, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delicious and comforting chicken dishes you’ll ever make!
