... Follow Aliana on Pinterest →

Hannah Cooking

Crack Chicken Tenders

Published: by . Leave a Comment

My teenage nephew who claims to hate anything that isn't chicken nuggets took one bite of these crack chicken tenders at our family barbecue last summer and proceeded to eat seven of them before anyone else even got seconds, then asked if he could take the leftovers home.

Ultra-crispy crack chicken tenders stuffed with creamy ranch bacon filling and coated in buttery Ritz crumbs. The most addictive homemade chicken tenders perfect for parties, dinners, and game day.
Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
Crispy homemade crack chicken tenders with a golden Ritz cracker crust served with creamy dipping sauce.
Crispy homemade crack chicken tenders with a golden Ritz cracker crust served with creamy dipping sauce. Save it For Later
Jump to:

What is Crack Chicken Tenders

Crack chicken tenders are chicken breast strips butterflied and stuffed with a creamy mixture of cream cheese, shredded cheddar, crispy bacon bits, and ranch seasoning, then coated in crushed Ritz crackers and baked until golden and crispy. Unlike regular breaded chicken tenders that are just meat with coating, these feature a rich cheesy filling that oozes out when you bite into them while the buttery cracker crust provides incredible crunch. The result is dangerously addictive chicken tenders that combine all the best flavors from crack chicken dip in portable, finger food form.

How to Make Crack Chicken Tenders

What Makes Our Version Special

Our crack chicken tenders recipe uses a specific butterflying technique that creates a perfect pocket for the cream cheese filling without the chicken falling apart during cooking. The secret is pounding the chicken strips to even thickness first so they cook uniformly, then using toothpicks to secure the filling inside before coating in Ritz crackers that have been crushed with melted butter for maximum crunch. This method ensures tenders that stay stuffed and crispy while baking, with that signature crack chicken flavor in every single bite.

Crack Chicken Tenders Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Crack Chicken Filling:

  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 3 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
  • 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional

For the Crispy Coating:

  • 2 sleeves Ritz crackers, finely crushed
  • 4 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • ½ cup all purpose flour
Ingredients for homemade crack chicken tenders including chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, ranch seasoning, and Ritz crumbs on a white counter. Save it For Later

Step by Step Method

Prepare the Addictive Cream Cheese Filling

  • Mix softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar until smooth and creamy
  • Fold in crumbled bacon, ranch seasoning, and chopped green onions thoroughly
  • Add cayenne pepper if you want slight heat that enhances flavors
  • Refrigerate filling for 30 minutes to firm up for easier stuffing

Butterfly and Stuff the Chicken Tenders

  • Slice each chicken tender horizontally almost all the way through to create pocket
  • Pound gently with meat mallet to even thickness for uniform cooking
  • Season inside and outside with salt, pepper, and garlic powder
  • Spoon 2 tablespoons cream cheese mixture into each pocket and secure with toothpicks

Create the Crunchy Ritz Cracker Coating

  • Crush Ritz crackers into fine crumbs using food processor or zip top bag
  • Mix cracker crumbs with melted butter, garlic powder, and paprika until moistened
  • The butter helps crackers stick and creates golden brown crust during baking
  • Set up breading station with flour, beaten eggs, and Ritz mixture in separate bowls

Bread and Bake to Golden Perfection

  • Dredge each stuffed tender in flour, shaking off excess for light coating
  • Dip in beaten egg to create sticky surface for crumbs to adhere
  • Press firmly into Ritz cracker mixture coating all sides generously
  • Bake at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F

What Pairs Well With Crack Chicken Tenders?

These indulgent crack chicken tenders pair beautifully with simple sides like french fries, sweet potato fries, or crispy tater tots that let the tenders be the star. Try them alongside coleslaw, ranch dressed salad, or roasted vegetables for balanced meals that add freshness. For dipping sauces, serve with extra ranch dressing, honey mustard, or spicy mayo that complements the rich cheesy filling.

Crack Chicken Tenders Variations

Air Fryer Crack Chicken Tenders

  • Cook stuffed and breaded tenders in air fryer at 375°F for 12 to 15 minutes
  • Spray with cooking oil halfway through for extra golden crispy exterior
  • Air frying uses less butter but still creates incredibly crunchy coating
  • Perfect for healthier version that maintains all the addictive flavor

Buffalo Crack Chicken Tenders

  • Add 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce to cream cheese filling mixture
  • Toss finished tenders in additional buffalo sauce after baking
  • Serve with blue cheese dressing and celery sticks for classic buffalo experience
  • Spicy version that satisfies wing cravings with tender chicken texture

Pizza Crack Chicken Tenders

  • Replace cheddar with mozzarella and add mini pepperoni to filling
  • Mix Italian seasoning into Ritz cracker coating instead of ranch
  • Serve with warm marinara sauce for dipping like pizza rolls
  • Kid friendly variation that tastes like their favorite pizza in tender form

Jalapeño Popper Crack Chicken Tenders

  • Add diced pickled jalapeños to cream cheese filling for heat
  • Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for extra spice
  • Top with jalapeño slices before baking for bold appearance
  • Perfect for heat lovers who want kick with their cheesy goodness

Equipment You'll Need

  • Meat mallet for even pounding
  • Sharp knife for butterflying chicken
  • Food processor for crushing crackers
  • Baking sheet with wire rack
  • Toothpicks for securing filling
  • Instant read thermometer

Storage Tips That Keep Them Fresh

Best Fresh

  • Serve immediately while coating is crispy and cheese filling is hot and melty
  • Fresh crack chicken tenders have the best textural contrast between crunchy exterior and creamy center
  • The Ritz cracker coating stays crispiest right out of the oven before any steam softens it

Make Ahead Strategy

  • Stuff and bread chicken tenders completely up to 24 hours ahead
  • Place breaded tenders on baking sheet and refrigerate uncovered so coating dries slightly
  • Bake straight from refrigerator adding 5 extra minutes to cooking time
  • Prepare filling up to 3 days ahead and refrigerate until ready to stuff

Reheating Instructions

  • Store leftover tenders in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days
  • Reheat in 375°F oven for 10 to 12 minutes to restore crispiness
  • Air fryer reheating at 350°F for 6 to 8 minutes works perfectly for maintaining crunch
  • Avoid microwave reheating as it makes the Ritz coating soggy and chewy

Top Tips for Crack Chicken Tenders Results

The first time I made these, I didn't pound the chicken thin enough and the outside burned before the inside cooked through, which taught me that even thickness is absolutely critical for tenders that cook properly. My sister's trick of freezing the filling into discs changed everything because trying to stuff soft cream cheese into chicken pockets while breading is basically impossible without making a huge mess. Don't skip the toothpicks because they're the only thing preventing your filling from oozing out during cooking, and you remove them before serving so nobody even knows they were there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it called cracked chicken?

It's called crack chicken because the combination of cream cheese, bacon, ranch seasoning, and cheese is so addictively delicious that people can't stop eating it. The name suggests it's as addictive as the drug, though obviously in a fun, food related way.

What's the secret to juicy tenders?

The secret is not overcooking them and using an instant read thermometer to check for 165°F internal temperature. The cream cheese filling also helps keep the chicken incredibly moist and juicy throughout cooking.

What all goes in crack chicken?

Traditional crack chicken contains cream cheese, cooked chicken, bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch seasoning. Some versions add green onions, hot sauce, or other seasonings for variation.

What is chicken crack seasoning made of?

Chicken crack seasoning typically includes ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and sometimes cayenne pepper or paprika. It's the combination of ranch flavors that makes crack chicken so addictive.

Your New Family Favorite Dinner

Now you have the secrets to creating these incredibly addictive crack chicken tenders that will ruin regular chicken tenders for your entire family forever. This recipe proves that stuffing chicken with bold flavors and coating it in buttery Ritz crackers creates something so much better than ordinary breaded chicken.

Ready for more crispy chicken perfection? Try our Chicken Fried Steak for similar crunchy coating techniques with beef, or explore our Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan for Italian breaded chicken magic. For quick cooking, our Air Fryer Thin Sliced Chicken Breast uses similar breading methods with faster results.

Share your beautiful creations! Tag us @HannahAndSproutKitchen with #CrackChickenTenders; we're dying to see your golden crispy tenders with oozing cheese and hear about your family's addicted reactions!

Star ⭐️ Rate this crack chicken tenders recipe and join our community of crack chicken converts!

Looking for other recipes like crack chicken tenders? Try these:

Crispy homemade crack chicken tenders with a golden Ritz cracker crust served with creamy dipping sauce. Save it For Later

Crack Chicken Tenders

Ultra-crispy crack chicken tenders stuffed with creamy ranch bacon filling and coated in buttery Ritz crumbs. The most addictive homemade chicken tenders perfect for parties, dinners, and game day.
No ratings yet
Pin Share Print Rate
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Party Food
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Chill Filling: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 455kcal
Author:
3178662ec14a78eb1923901e470a1eb61d070ad58e42b4ce40807f071118ba49?s=30&d=mm&r=g Save it For Later
Hannah Cooking
Cost: $14–$16

Equipment

  • Meat mallet (For pounding tenders evenly)
  • Sharp knife (For butterflying chicken)
  • Baking Sheet (Lined with parchment)
  • Wire rack (Helps crisp coating)
  • Mixing bowls (For filling and breading)
  • Food processor (Optional, for crumbs)
  • Instant-read thermometer (Ensures doneness)
  • Toothpicks (To secure filling)

Ingredients

For the Chicken

  • 2 lbs chicken tenders - Or breasts cut into strips
  • 1 teaspoon salt - —
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper - —
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder - —

Crack Chicken Filling

  • 8 oz cream cheese - Softened
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese - Shredded
  • 6 slices bacon - Cooked & crumbled
  • 3 tablespoon ranch seasoning - Dry packet
  • 2 tablespoon green onions - Chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper - Optional heat

Crispy Coating

  • 2 sleeves Ritz crackers - Crushed finely
  • 4 tablespoon butter - Melted
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder - —
  • ½ teaspoon paprika - —
  • 2 large eggs - Beaten
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour - —

Instructions 

  • Combine cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, ranch, green onions, and cayenne. Chill 30 minutes.
  • Slice tenders to create pocket; pound lightly to even thickness. Season well.
  • Fill each tender with 2 tablespoon of mixture. Secure with toothpicks.
  • Combine crushed Ritz, butter, garlic powder, and paprika.
  • Dredge in flour → egg → Ritz crumbs, pressing to adhere.
  • Bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until golden and internal temp reaches 165°F.
  • Remove toothpicks. Serve hot with ranch or honey mustard.

Notes

Nutrition facts are estimated and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used

Nutrition

Serving: 1tender | Calories: 455kcal (23%) | Carbohydrates: 15g (5%) | Protein: 36g (72%) | Fat: 28g (43%) | Saturated Fat: 12g (75%) | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 135mg (45%) | Sodium: 950mg (41%) | Potassium: 480mg (14%) | Fiber: 1g (4%) | Sugar: 3g (3%) | Vitamin A: 620IU (12%) | Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) | Calcium: 180mg (18%) | Iron: 1.4mg (8%)

More Dinner

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating