Easy Crack Chicken Tenders Recipe – The Perfect Family Dinner

Chicken Tenders 1.5 pounds – Tender, juicy chicken is the base of this dish. If you don’t have tenders, you can use chicken breasts sliced into strips, but tenders cook faster and are easier to work with.
Cream Cheese 8 oz – Softened. This is the secret to that creamy, dreamy sauce that covers every bite of chicken. I promise you, it’s what makes this recipe extra special.
Ranch Seasoning Mix 1 packet – Ranch is the star flavor in this recipe, so be sure to grab a packet of the classic ranch seasoning. I like to use the original, but you can try other varieties if you’re feeling adventurous.
Cheddar Cheese 1 cup, shredded – I prefer sharp cheddar because it has more flavor, but you can use mild or even a blend of cheeses if you like.
Green Onion 2 tablespoons, chopped – This is optional, but a sprinkle of green onions on top adds a nice, fresh pop of color and a subtle bite that complements the creaminess of the dish.
Garlic Powder 1 teaspoon – Just a hint of garlic to elevate the flavor and bring everything together.
Olive Oil 1 tablespoon – For greasing the baking dish. You can use other oils like vegetable or canola, but I love the flavor of olive oil in this dish.
Salt & Pepper – To taste. Always a must for seasoning!

I like to start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). This gives the oven time to heat up while you prep everything, which is a huge time-saver. No one wants to wait around for an oven to warm up when they’re hungry!

Next, grab a 9x13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it with olive oil. You don’t need much—just enough to prevent the chicken from sticking. Then, lay your chicken tenders in the dish in a single layer. This will help them cook evenly and get that beautiful golden color.

In a mixing bowl, combine your softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything together until it’s smooth and creamy. The cream cheese might be a little stubborn at first, but once it softens up, it blends right in with the ranch seasoning.

Once your sauce is ready, pour it over the chicken tenders, making sure each piece is covered evenly. Don’t be shy with the sauce—it’s what makes the chicken so tender and flavorful! Use a spoon to spread the sauce if necessary, making sure every tender gets a nice, cheesy coating.

After you’ve covered the chicken, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top. This will melt into the sauce and create that delicious cheesy crust we all love.
Now, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. This will give the chicken time to cook through and the sauce to set. After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for another 10 minutes to get that perfectly golden, bubbly cheese on top.

Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven and top with the chopped green onions for a fresh burst of flavor. It adds such a nice contrast to the rich, cheesy sauce. Now, it’s time to serve!
I love serving these crack chicken tenders with some roasted veggies or mashed potatoes. You can also pair them with a side salad for something lighter, or rice if you want a more filling meal. Honestly, they go with just about anything, so feel free to get creative with your sides.

Now that everything is ready, gather the family around the table and enjoy! I promise these crack chicken tenders won’t last long. They’re creamy, cheesy, and the perfect combination of flavors that’ll leave you reaching for seconds.