Description
Crispy, cheesy, and loaded with ranch and bacon flavor, these oven-baked chicken tenders are seriously addictive. Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day, or snacking!
Ingredients
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1 lb chicken tenders
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½ cup cream cheese, softened
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¼ cup ranch dressing
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 cup crushed crispy bacon bits
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1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
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Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it
Step 2: Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
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In a medium bowl, combine:
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Cream cheese
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Ranch dressing
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Shredded cheddar
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Garlic powder
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Onion powder
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Salt and pepper
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Mix until smooth and well blended
Step 3: Prep the Chicken
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Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels
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Spread a thin layer of the cream cheese mixture over each tender
Step 4: Coat with Bacon & Breadcrumbs
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In a separate shallow bowl, mix together:
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Crushed bacon bits
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Breadcrumbs
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Press each coated chicken tender into the mixture to fully cover
Step 5: Bake
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Place tenders on the prepared baking sheet
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and coating is golden brown and crispy
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
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Garnish with fresh chopped parsley
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Serve hot with extra ranch dressing or dipping sauce of your choice
Notes
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Make a double batch—these disappear fast!
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You can crush store-bought cooked bacon or use real bacon crumbles for best results
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Perfect for game day, family dinners, or party appetizers
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American