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If you’re craving a dish that brings together cheesy, smoky, and tangy flavors all wrapped in a crispy golden crust, look no further than the Cheddar Bacon Ranch Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe. This irresistible combination delivers tender chicken strips coated in a flavorful blend of cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning, baked to perfection for a satisfying crunch every bite. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests at your next gathering, this recipe is an absolute winner that’s easy to prepare and even easier to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Cheddar Bacon Ranch Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is carefully chosen to boost the texture and flavor without overpowering the dish. From the cumin of the ranch dip mix to the savory crispiness of bacon, these basics come together for a show-stopping meal.
- All-purpose flour (1/4 cup): Helps the seasoning stick to the chicken for even coating and crunch.
- Dry ranch dip mix (1 oz): Adds that beloved herby, tangy ranch flavor that pairs beautifully with chicken.
- Egg (1): Acts like a glue for the breading to cling onto each tender.
- Crispy panko bread crumbs (1/2 cup): Creates an irresistible crunch on every bite.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into the breading, offering pockets of gooey, savory goodness.
- Cooked bacon, chopped or bacon bits (1/2 cup): Gives smoky, salty bursts that elevate the entire flavor profile.
- Boneless skinless chicken tenders (14 oz): The star of the dish, tender and perfect for coating and baking.
- Ranch dressing for dipping: The classic accompaniment to dip your crispy tenders in, enhancing every mouthful.
How to Make Cheddar Bacon Ranch Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F and giving a baking sheet a light spray with olive oil. This simple step ensures your chicken tenders will cook evenly and not stick, resulting in a perfectly crisp bottom crust every time.
Step 2: Mix the Dry and Wet Coatings
Create two shallow bowls: one combining all-purpose flour with the dry ranch seasoning, and another with a lightly whisked egg. Separately, combine panko bread crumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped bacon in a large Ziplock bag. Setting these up in a row streamlines your breading process.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Dip each chicken tender into the flour and ranch mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks. Next, dunk each into the egg, allowing the excess to drip off. Immediately place the tenders inside the Ziplock bag with the panko, cheese, and bacon blend. This layering locks in flavors and builds that famous crunch.
Step 4: Shake to Coat Thoroughly
Seal the bag and give it a good shake, turning and pressing so every inch of the chicken is evenly coated in the cheesy, bacon-packed crumbs. This step ensures a delicious, consistent crust all around.
Step 5: Arrange and Spray
Lay the coated tenders on your prepped baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart for even cooking. Give the tops a light spray of olive oil—this little trick boosts the golden color and crisp texture as the tenders bake.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfection
Bake your tender masterpieces in the oven for 15-20 minutes, flipping them over halfway through so both sides crisp nicely. Once the chicken is cooked through and white inside, turn on the broiler for 2-4 minutes if you want an ultra-crispy finish that’s just irresistible.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Plate your cheddar bacon ranch baked chicken tenders with a generous side of ranch dressing for dipping, and get ready to savor some of the best homemade chicken tenders you’ve ever tasted!
How to Serve Cheddar Bacon Ranch Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped chives or green onions over the tenders to add a fresh, vibrant pop of color and a mild oniony bite that complements the savory richness perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair these tenders with classic sides like crisp celery sticks, creamy coleslaw, or a refreshing garden salad for a balanced meal. For a heartier option, mashed potatoes or seasoned fries make excellent companions that keep the comfort food vibe alive.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn dinner into a fun experience by serving the tenders on a platter with small bowls of different dipping sauces—think spicy sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or even a tangy barbecue sauce. It’s a crowd-pleaser and lets everyone customize their bites!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheddar Bacon Ranch Baked Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making them a perfect grab-and-go snack or quick lunch option.
Freezing
If you want to freeze these tenders, arrange them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be kept frozen for up to 2 months without losing their incredible flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, place the tenders on a baking sheet and pop them in a preheated oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes. This helps maintain their delightful crispiness much better than a microwave would.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders so they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Is bacon bits okay to use?
Yes, using bacon bits is a convenient shortcut that still adds that smoky bacon flavor without the extra prep time.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Substitute the all-purpose flour and panko crumbs with gluten-free versions to accommodate gluten sensitivities without sacrificing taste.
How spicy is this Cheddar Bacon Ranch Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe?
This recipe is mild and comforting, perfect for those who enjoy classic flavors without heat. You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture if you want a little kick.
What dipping sauces go well besides ranch?
Try honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch with a twist of lemon, or even a smoky chipotle mayo to keep things interesting.
Final Thoughts
This Cheddar Bacon Ranch Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe is a total game-changer for anyone who loves crispy, cheesy chicken with a punch of smoky bacon and ranch flavor. It’s simple to whip up, guaranteed to satisfy, and just perfect for family meals or casual entertaining. Give it a try and prepare for lots of compliments!
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Cheddar Bacon Ranch Baked Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Cheddar Bacon Ranch Baked Chicken Tenders are a crispy, flavorful twist on classic chicken tenders. Coated in a savory blend of panko breadcrumbs, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning, then baked to golden perfection, these tenders make a perfect appetizer or main dish. Served with ranch dressing for dipping, they promise a delicious and satisfying meal everyone will love.
Ingredients
Coating Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 oz dry ranch dip mix
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup crispy panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped or bacon bits
Main Ingredient
- 14 oz boneless skinless chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips, about 7–8 strips)
- Ranch dressing for dipping
Dipping Sauce
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray a baking sheet with olive oil spray and set it aside to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Coating Mixtures: In one shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and dry ranch dip mix, stirring well. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the egg lightly. In a large Ziplock bag, combine the panko bread crumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, and chopped cooked bacon, mixing or shaking to blend evenly. Arrange the flour mixture, egg bowl, and the panko mixture bag in a line for easy dipping and coating.
- Coat the Chicken Tenders: Take each chicken tender and first dip it into the flour and ranch seasoning mixture, patting lightly to ensure thorough coating. Next, dip it into the egg wash, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, place it into the Ziplock bag containing the panko, cheese, and bacon mixture.
- Shake to Fully Coat: Seal the Ziplock bag securely and shake vigorously, pressing and turning the bag gently to make sure all chicken tenders are completely coated with the cheesy panko mixture.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated chicken tenders evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the coated tenders with olive oil spray to help them crisp up while baking.
- Bake the Tenders: Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, turning the tenders once halfway through baking, until the chicken is cooked through and white in the center.
- Optional Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy coating, switch your oven to broil and cook the tenders an additional 2-4 minutes, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve hot with ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy your savory and crispy cheddar bacon ranch chicken tenders!
Notes
- Make sure the chicken tenders reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Using olive oil spray on the baking sheet and tops of tenders helps achieve a golden, crispy coating without added fat from frying.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour and panko with gluten-free alternatives.
- Leftover chicken tenders can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
- The broiling step is optional but recommended for extra crunchy texture.
