Description
Cheesy and savory chicken tenders that are easy to make and perfect for sharing.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 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 (¾ cup + ¼ cup)
- ½ cup cooked beef bacon bits
- 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray
- 2 tbsp chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly coat the chicken tenders with 1 tbsp olive oil or cooking spray and arrange on a baking sheet or in the air fryer.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes or air fry for 12–18 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- For a crispier texture, broil for an additional 2–3 minutes at the end.
- Meanwhile, prepare the cream cheese sauce by microwaving cream cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Stir in ¾ cup shredded cheddar until melted. Adjust consistency with milk if needed.
- Serve the cooked chicken topped with the cream cheese sauce, bacon bits, remaining cheddar, and green onions.
Notes
Best served immediately to enjoy the warm and gooey sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tender
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: chicken tenders, cheesy, comfort food, appetizer, easy recipe