Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Are you ready to elevate your weeknight dinner game with a recipe that’s sure to become a family favorite? Look no further than these mouthwatering Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders! This delightful dish strikes the perfect balance between juicy, tender chicken and irresistibly crunchy coating. With each bite, you’ll savor the flavorful blend of ranch seasoning, garlic, and Parmesan that transforms these tenders into a true crowd-pleaser.

Picture this: golden-brown chicken tenders straight from your oven, exuding a tantalizing aroma that beckons everyone to the table. These Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders are not just a meal; they’re a tradition waiting to be embraced. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back Friday evening, these tenders promise to bring joy and satisfaction. From the first dip into the buttermilk marinade to the final crispy bite, every moment of crafting and savoring these tenders is a celebration of homemade goodness.

Discover the secret that turns ordinary chicken tenders into extraordinary delights – ranch seasoning! Let the convenience of a pantry staple elevate your culinary creations to new heights. And if you’re feeling adventurous, don’t hesitate to customize this recipe with your favorite seasonings or try out the air fryer method for an even crispier finish. With these Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders, every mealtime becomes a moment to cherish and relish.

Quick Benefits

• Tender and Juicy Chicken: Marinating the chicken tenders in buttermilk ensures they stay tender and juicy, providing a delightful eating experience.
• Exceptional Crunch: The seasoned breadcrumb coating delivers a satisfying crunch, making these chicken tenders irresistibly crispy.
• Versatile and Customizable: Easily customize the flavors based on personal preferences, from classic ranch to spicy variations or even Italian twists, offering a dish that suits different tastes.
• Convenient Meal Prep: Ideal for meal prep, these chicken tenders can be breaded in advance and refrigerated or frozen, allowing for easy, quick cooking options on busy nights.

Why You’ll Love This Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders: Easy and Delicious Recipe Recipe

• Deliciously Crispy: The combination of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning mix creates a crispy coating that will have you craving more with every bite.
• Family-Friendly Meal: Perfect for picky eaters and family dinners, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Easy Meal Prep: Ideal for busy days, you can bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze for later, allowing you to have a quick and satisfying meal ready when you need it.
• Versatile Flavor: While the ranch seasoning mix is a crowd-pleaser, you can easily customize the flavor with different seasonings to suit your preferences, from Italian to spicy variations.
• Air Fryer Option: For a healthier twist, the recipe offers instructions for preparing the tenders in an air fryer, giving you the same crispy results with less oil and avoiding heating up the kitchen.
• Moist and Tender Chicken: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk ensures that the chicken tenders remain juicy and tender, enhancing the overall eating experience.
• Variety of Dipping Sauces: Pair these chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauce, from ranch dressing to honey mustard, allowing you to customize the flavors to your liking.
• Easy Preparation: With simple steps and common ingredients, this recipe is accessible for both beginner and experienced cooks, making it a go-to option for any day of the week.

Ingredients for Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Chicken Tenders

• 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk

Breading

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Coating

• Cooking spray or oil for baking
• 2 eggs, beaten

Pro Tips for Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders: Easy and Delicious Recipe

For the crispiest chicken tenders, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes or overnight to ensure tenderness and juiciness. This step is crucial for a flavorful and moist end result.

When breading the chicken tenders, opt for panko breadcrumbs for the best crunch. While regular breadcrumbs can be used, panko breadcrumbs will provide a superior crispy texture that truly elevates the dish.

To add a flavorful twist, serve the crispy ranch chicken tenders with dipping sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo. These condiments complement the flavors of the dish and offer a variety of taste experiences for you and your guests.

How to Make Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Step 1: Preheat

Preheat oven to 200°C, then line and lightly grease a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Place the chicken tenders in a bowl and marinate them in buttermilk for a minimum of 30 minutes or overnight for better flavor.

Step 3: Prepare Breading

Mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt in a bowl.

Step 4: Coat Chicken

Coat each chicken tender in beaten eggs, then breadcrumb mixture.

Step 5: Assemble and Spray

Arrange the coated tenders on the baking sheet and lightly coat them with cooking spray for added crispiness.

Step 6: Bake

Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Serve

Enjoy while hot with a dipping sauce of your choice.

Storage Tips

After preparing the crispy ranch chicken tenders, store any leftover cooked tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through. This method helps retain the tenders’ crispy texture.

For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken tenders. Place them in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. Properly stored, they will keep well in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy them, bake the frozen tenders in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. This make-ahead option is perfect for meal prep or quick dinners on busy days.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are looking to make a substitution, you can try using regular breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs. While panko breadcrumbs provide a crispier texture, regular breadcrumbs can work as a suitable alternative, although the final result may be slightly less crunchy.

For a flavor variation, consider experimenting with different seasonings in place of the ranch seasoning mix. You can try using Italian seasoning for Italian-style tenders or adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce for a spicy twist. Feel free to customize the seasonings to suit your taste preferences while still achieving deliciously seasoned chicken tenders.

If you prefer not to use buttermilk for marinating the chicken, you can substitute it with plain yogurt or even milk with a squeeze of lemon juice to achieve a similar tenderizing effect. These substitutions can still help lock in moisture and add a touch of tanginess to the chicken tenders.

Serving Suggestions

For a fun twist on serving these Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders, try turning them into a DIY taco night! Slice the tenders into smaller pieces and serve with warm tortillas, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and your favorite taco toppings. Drizzle with ranch dressing or spicy sriracha mayo for an extra kick!

Another creative idea is to chop up the crispy ranch chicken tenders and use them as a topping for a loaded salad. Arrange a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and avocado slices in a bowl. Top with the chopped tenders, sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese, and drizzle with a tangy ranch dressing or a zesty vinaigrette. This salad is a hearty and flavorful meal that will satisfy your cravings for both crunch and freshness!

FAQs for Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders: Easy and Delicious Recipe

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs?

Yes, regular breadcrumbs will work, but panko breadcrumbs provide better crunch and a crispier texture for the chicken tenders.

What are some good dipping sauce options for these crispy ranch chicken tenders?

Ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo are all great options to complement the flavors of the chicken tenders.

How do I ensure the breadcrumb coating sticks well to the chicken tenders?

Make sure the chicken is fully coated in the beaten egg mixture before applying the breadcrumb mixture. Press down gently to ensure the coating adheres properly to the chicken.

Can I make these chicken tenders in an air fryer instead of baking them?

Yes, air frying is a great alternative. Cook the chicken tenders at 200°C (400°F) for 15-18 minutes, turning them halfway through the cooking time, until they are crispy and golden.

Conclusion

As you savor these delightful Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders, I hope you find as much joy and satisfaction in preparing them as I do. The beauty of this recipe lies not only in its simplicity but in the way it brings smiles to the faces around your table. Whether it becomes a weekly tradition like mine or a go-to for busy evenings, these chicken tenders have a way of making any moment special.

So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and embark on a culinary journey that celebrates the crispy goodness of these Ranch Chicken Tenders. Let the aroma fill your kitchen, and the first bite transport you to a place of pure comfort and contentment. May your taste buds dance with delight, and may this recipe become a cherished favorite in your home. Enjoy every crunchy bite of these delicious Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders!