Description
Make easy, flavorful chicken tenders coated in the savory cream cheese, ranch, bacon, and cheddar combination using an air fryer.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch wide tenders
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for crispiness)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into uniform tender strips. Pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a medium bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, and black pepper until fully combined.
- Take each chicken tender and spread a thin, even layer of the cream cheese mixture over one side.
- If using panko, lightly press the coated side of the tender into the panko breadcrumbs.
- Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C).
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap.
- Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 10 to 12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C) and the topping is melted and slightly browned.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you do not have an air fryer, you can bake these at 400°F (200°C) for 15-18 minutes on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- For a lower-carb option, skip the panko breadcrumbs.
- These tenders pair well with extra ranch dressing for dipping.
- Prep Time: 15 min
- Cook Time: 12 min
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 550
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 8
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 32
- Cholesterol: 105