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Creamy Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 139 reviews

These Crack Chicken Tenders are a deliciously creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a zesty ranch seasoning blend, baked to golden perfection. Perfect as a comforting meal or party appetizer, this recipe combines cream cheese, cheddar, and savory spices for an irresistible, hearty flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Seasoning & Cheese

  • 6 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure they crisp well. Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken tenders and toss to coat them evenly.
  2. Mix creamy sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and well blended to create the flavorful ranch cheese mixture.
  3. Assemble the dish: Place the chicken tenders in a single layer in a baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture over each chicken tender evenly. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the coated chicken tenders.
  4. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
  5. Final cheese topping and broil: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the chicken. Optional: switch the oven to broil and broil for 2-3 minutes until the cheese melts completely and forms a golden crust. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
  6. Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle. Serve warm alongside your favorite sides for a hearty, flavorful meal.

Notes

  • Use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture.
  • If you prefer less rich, substitute half the cream cheese with Greek yogurt, but the flavor will vary slightly.
  • You can add chopped cooked bacon or green onions for additional flavor and texture.
  • Make sure the chicken is cooked through by checking the internal temperature for food safety.
  • This dish reheats well and can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: crack chicken tenders, creamy chicken recipe, baked chicken tenders, ranch chicken, cheesy chicken, easy chicken dinner

Find it online: https://spatulaqueen.com/creamy-ranch-chicken-tenders-recipe/