Ohhh yes 🍗🧀 Crack Chicken Tenders—crispy, cheesy, and addictively flavorful. They’re called “crack” because you literally can’t stop eating them. Here’s a homemade, oven-baked or air-fryer-friendly version.
🍗 Crack Chicken Tenders
Ingredients (serves 3–4)
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1–2 cups crushed buttery crackers or panko breadcrumbs (for coating)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional, for topping)
- 3 tbsp butter, melted (optional, to drizzle)
Instructions
1️⃣ Prep coating
- In one bowl: mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl: beat eggs.
- In a third bowl: place crushed crackers or panko.
2️⃣ Coat chicken
- Dredge chicken tenders in flour mixture → dip in egg → coat with crushed crackers.
- For extra “crack” factor, press coating firmly onto chicken.
3️⃣ Cook chicken
Oven method:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Optional: drizzle with melted butter for extra crispiness.
- Bake 15–20 min, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
Air fryer method:
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place tenders in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
- Cook 10–12 min, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
4️⃣ Add cheese (optional)
- During the last 2 min of baking, sprinkle shredded cheddar over tenders.
5️⃣ Serve
- Serve hot with ranch, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Pro Tips
- Extra crispy: use panko or crushed buttery crackers instead of plain breadcrumbs.
- Flavor boost: sprinkle a little smoked paprika or cayenne in the coating for a kick.
- Make ahead: coat chicken and store in fridge for a few hours before baking.
- Serving idea: serve over rice, in wraps, or on top of a salad for “crack chicken salad.”
I can also give a “super cheesy, ultra-crunchy crack chicken tenders” version with cream cheese and ranch mixed into the coating for next-level addictiveness 😏.
Do you want me to do that?
