Description
A refined take on chicken tenders featuring a creamy ranch-cream cheese sauce, topped with crispy bacon and sharp cheddar.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ lb (700 g) chicken tenders, trimmed and patted dry
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 8 oz (225 g) cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup (120 g) sour cream or full-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) ranch seasoning mix
- ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar, plus extra for sprinkling
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh chives or green onions, finely chopped
- ¼ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly oil a baking sheet or line it with parchment.
- Season the chicken tenders with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- In a bowl, whisk together cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, and melted butter until smooth. Fold in shredded cheddar.
- Arrange the tenders on the prepared baking sheet and spoon the cream-cheese sauce over each one.
- Bake for 14–18 minutes until tenders reach 165°F (74°C) and the top is lightly golden. Broil for 1–2 minutes if needed.
- Remove from oven, scatter crumbled bacon and chopped chives on top, and allow to rest for 3 minutes.
Notes
Use room-temperature ingredients for better mixing and even cooking. Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven for best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg