Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders are a perfect blend of crunchy texture and flavorful seasoning. These golden-baked tenders make a delicious and easy meal that the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless chicken tenderloins
• 1 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix (1 oz packet)
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Step 2: Spread the Panko bread crumbs on a baking sheet, lightly spray with oil, and toast in the oven for 5-7 minutes until golden and fragrant.
3. Step 3: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, ranch dressing mix, dijon mustard, paprika, kosher salt, and fresh ground pepper until well combined.
4. Step 4: Add the chicken tenderloins to the batter and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly.
5. Step 5: Transfer the toasted Panko crumbs to a shallow dish, keeping the parchment-lined baking sheet free for later.
6. Step 6: Using tongs, dredge each chicken tender through the Panko crumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs adhere well.
7. Step 7: Place the coated chicken tenders back onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
8. Step 8: Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce, or freeze leftovers for up to 6 months.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, double coat the tenders by dipping them back into the batter and Panko before baking.
• Try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the breading for a different flavor twist.
• You can substitute store-bought ranch dressing mix if you don’t have homemade available.
• Serve with a side of honey mustard or ranch dip for enhanced flavor.

Storage

Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm them in an oven or toaster oven at 350 degrees F for 5-7 minutes to retain crispness. For longer storage, freeze cooked tenders wrapped tightly in foil or freezer bags for up to 6 months. Reheat from frozen in a hot oven until heated through and crispy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh chicken tenderloins for the crispiest results. If using frozen, thaw fully and pat dry before following the recipe steps.

Is there a gluten-free alternative to Panko breadcrumbs?

Yes, you can use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes as a substitute to keep the coating crunchy while making the recipe gluten-free.

Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 61 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 32 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and crunchy baked chicken snack or meal option. Coated in a tangy homemade ranch batter and toasted panko bread crumbs, they bake to golden perfection for a healthier alternative to fried tenders. Perfect for serving with your favorite dipping sauces or freezing for later enjoyment.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 1 lb boneless chicken tenderloins

Batter Mixture:

• 1 egg
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
• 3 tablespoons Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix (1 oz packet)
• 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Breading:

• 1 1/4 cup Panko bread crumbs

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for baking the chicken tenders.
2. Toast Panko Breadcrumbs: Spread panko bread crumbs evenly on the prepared baking sheet, lightly spray them with oil using a misto or cooking spray, then bake for 5-7 minutes until they are toasted and golden, providing extra crispiness.
3. Prepare Batter: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, homemade ranch dressing mix, dijon mustard, paprika, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper until the mixture is well combined and smooth.
4. Coat Chicken: Add the chicken tenderloins to the batter bowl and toss them thoroughly to ensure each piece is completely coated with the flavorful mixture.
5. Setup for Breading: Remove the toasted panko bread crumbs from the oven and transfer them to a shallow dish. Leave the parchment paper on the baking sheet for later use.
6. Bread the Chicken: Using tongs, dredge each battered chicken tender through the toasted panko bread crumbs, pressing gently to ensure a full, even coating on all sides.
7. Bake Chicken Tenders: Place the fully coated chicken tenders onto the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until they are cooked through and crispy on the outside.
8. Serve or Store: Once baked, enjoy the crispy ranch chicken tenders with your favorite homemade condiments, or allow them to cool before freezing for up to 6 months for future meals.

Notes

• For best crunch, ensure panko bread crumbs are well toasted before coating the chicken.
• You can substitute homemade ranch dressing mix with a store-bought packet if desired.
• Use a cooking spray to lightly mist the panko crumbs before toasting for an even golden color.
• Make sure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
• These tenders freeze well; store in an airtight container or bag for up to 6 months.
• Consider serving with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Crispy chicken tenders, ranch chicken, baked chicken, panko crusted chicken, homemade ranch seasoning