If you’re a fan of crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken tenders, then you’re in for a real treat! Our Crack Chicken Tenders Homemade Recipe takes the beloved classic to a whole new level with a special twist. The term “Crack Chicken” might sound playful, but it refers to the addictive combination of ingredients that come together to create a meal everyone will crave. This recipe combines tender chicken with a unique, creamy blend of seasonings that will have your taste buds begging for more.
Whether you’re preparing a quick dinner for the family, hosting a weekend party, or meal prepping for the week ahead, these homemade crack chicken tenders are sure to impress. The best part is that they are simple to make and deliver a flavor-packed bite with every single tender.
Let’s dive into this irresistible recipe that’s perfect for any occasion!
Ingredients
Before we jump into the cooking steps, let’s gather the ingredients that will make these chicken tenders a hit in your kitchen:
For the Chicken Tenders:
•1.5 pounds of chicken tenders (or chicken breast cut into strips)
•1 cup of all-purpose flour
•1 teaspoon of salt
•1 teaspoon of black pepper
•1 teaspoon of paprika
•1 teaspoon of garlic powder
•½ teaspoon of onion powder
•1 teaspoon of dried thyme (optional for extra flavor)
•2 large eggs
•2 tablespoons of milk
•1 cup of panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
•1 cup of regular breadcrumbs
•Cooking oil (for frying, or use an air fryer for a healthier option)
For the Crack Sauce:
•1 packet of ranch seasoning mix (or homemade ranch mix)
•8 oz cream cheese (softened)
•½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese
•¼ cup of cooked bacon (crumbled)
•1 tablespoon of ranch dressing (optional for extra creaminess)
•1 tablespoon of butter (melted)
•1 tablespoon of hot sauce (optional, for a spicy kick)
•Fresh chives for garnish (optional)
Steps
Now that we have everything ready, let’s get cooking! This recipe is broken down into a few simple steps that will have your crack chicken tenders ready in no time.
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
1.Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will ensure they crisp up nicely when cooking.
2.Set Up a Dipping Station: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and thyme. In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko and regular breadcrumbs.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
1.Dredge the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and dip it into the flour mixture, making sure to coat it evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
2.Dip in Egg Mixture: Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully covered.
3.Coat with Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the chicken tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down lightly to ensure an even coat.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
1.Frying Method: Heat about 1 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F), carefully add the chicken tenders to the pan. Fry in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook each side for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
2.Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray. Place them in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Step 4: Prepare the Crack Sauce
1.Mix the Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, combine the ranch seasoning mix, cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crumbled bacon, melted butter, hot sauce (if using), and ranch dressing (if using) in a medium bowl. Stir everything together until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
1.Coat the Chicken: Once the tenders are done, toss them in the crack sauce to coat them evenly. You can also serve the sauce on the side for dipping if preferred.
2.Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh chives for a pop of color and extra flavor.
3.Serve: Enjoy these crack chicken tenders hot, alongside your favorite dipping sauces or a fresh salad!
Variations
This recipe is highly adaptable, and you can make it your own with a few simple changes. Here are some variations to consider:
1.Add More Spice: If you love a bit of heat, add more hot sauce or even a pinch of cayenne pepper to the crack sauce.
2.Change the Cheese: Switch out the cheddar cheese for mozzarella or parmesan for a different flavor profile.
3.Use Chicken Breast: If you don’t have chicken tenders, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips.
4.Baked Option: For a healthier version, skip the frying and bake the breaded chicken tenders in the oven at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Tips
To ensure your crack chicken tenders turn out perfectly, here are a few helpful tips:
1.Double-Coat for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy coating, you can double-dip the chicken. After the first breadcrumb coating, dip it back into the egg mixture and coat it in breadcrumbs again.
2.Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When frying, avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
3.Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 165°F.
4.Make Ahead: You can prep the chicken tenders in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before frying. Just make sure to keep the breadcrumbs dry to maintain their crunch.
Conclusion
These homemade crack chicken tenders are truly irresistible, with their crispy exterior and tender, juicy interior. When coated in the creamy crack sauce, they become an indulgent treat that’s hard to resist. Whether you’re serving them for dinner, a party appetizer, or a snack, they will be the star of the show.
This recipe combines simple ingredients with bold flavors, making it a great addition to any meal plan. And with the tips and variations provided, you can easily customize it to suit your preferences. So, give this recipe a try, and prepare to enjoy some of the best chicken tenders you’ve ever tasted!
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for tenders. Simply slice the chicken breast into strips to ensure the pieces cook evenly.
2. Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying?
Absolutely! You can bake the chicken tenders at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.
3. Can I make the crack sauce in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the crack sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Just warm it up before serving.
4. Can I make the tenders gluten-free?
Yes, to make this recipe gluten-free, substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken tenders in advance and refrigerate them until ready to cook. However, it’s best to serve them fresh for the crispiest texture.
