Crack Chicken Tenders

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

Hannah Cooking

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.

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Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Chill Filling 30

Total Time 1 15

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Party Food

Cuisine: American

Calories: 455

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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 —

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

Method

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