Ranch Seasoned Chicken Tenders
Ranch Seasoned Chicken Tenders: A Flavorful Delight
There’s something truly comforting about crispy, tender chicken tenders coated in a zesty ranch seasoning. This delightful dish not only satisfies your cravings but also brings a touch of fun to any meal. Whether you’re whipping them up for a weeknight family dinner, a game day snack, or meal prepping for the week ahead, these Ranch Seasoned Chicken Tenders are a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to make. I remember the first time I made them; the aroma filled the house, and they vanished from the plate within minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
If you’re looking for a weeknight meal that ticks all the boxes—easy, delicious, and loved by everyone—you’ve found it. This recipe is not only a hit among kids but is also perfect for adults, making it a versatile option for family gatherings or casual get-togethers. The best part? It’s budget-friendly and quick to prepare, so you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen.
“These ranch chicken tenders are a game changer! The flavors are incredible, and the texture is just perfect—my family couldn’t get enough!’”
Preparing Ranch Seasoned Chicken Tenders
Making these chicken tenders is a straightforward process that results in juicy, tender bites with a delightful crunch. With just a few steps, you can have a delicious meal ready in no time.
What You’ll Need
For the Chicken:
- 700 g (1.5 lbs) chicken tenders or chicken breast cut into strips
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk + 1 tbsp vinegar/lemon juice)
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Coating:
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (or crushed cornflakes for extra crunch)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Cooking spray or a drizzle of oil (if baking or air-frying)
For Serving (Optional but Recommended):
- Ranch dressing for dipping
- Honey mustard, BBQ, or buffalo sauce
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Homemade Ranch Seasoning Mix (if preferred):
- ½ cup dry buttermilk powder
- 2 tbsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp dried dill
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried chives
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: Begin by combining buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss in the chicken tenders to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally, let it sit for 2–4 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
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Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls:
- Flour Mixture: Combine flour with 1 tbsp ranch seasoning and smoked paprika.
- Egg Mixture: Beat two eggs until smooth.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: Add panko breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt.
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Bread the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. For each piece, shake off excess marinade, dredge in the flour, dip into the egg wash, and then press into the breadcrumb mixture. Ensure each piece is evenly coated and arrange them on a parchment-lined tray.
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Choose Your Cooking Method:
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Air Fryer (recommended): Preheat the air fryer to 190°C (375°F). Lightly spray the basket with oil, place the chicken tenders in a single layer, and spray the tops lightly with cooking oil. Cook for 6 minutes, flip, then cook for another 6 minutes or until golden brown (internal temperature must reach 74°C / 165°F).
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Oven-Baked: Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Spray both the rack and tenders with oil and bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through until they are golden brown and crisp.
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Pan-Fried: Heat 1–2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the chicken tenders for 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Transfer to paper towels to drain excess oil.
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Serve and Enjoy: Plate the chicken tenders hot and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve alongside ranch dressing for dipping or create a fun dipping platter with BBQ, honey mustard, and buffalo sauce.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
For optimal enjoyment, serve the chicken tenders hot and crispy. Pair them with classic sides like crispy fries, a fresh garden salad, or even a creamy coleslaw. You can also slice them up and place them on a bun for a delicious chicken sandwich or serve them alongside a colorful platter of vegetables for a fun appetizer.
How to Store and Reheat
To keep your chicken tenders fresh, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For reheating, you can place them in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for about 10-15 minutes or use the air fryer to regain that crispy texture. If you want to extend their shelf life, feel free to freeze the cooked tenders in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Pro Chef Tips
- Use freshly ground black pepper for a more intense flavor.
- Don’t skip the marinating step; it’s key for tender chicken.
- Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices in the coating, like Italian seasoning or Cajun spices, for a unique twist!
Creative Twists
- Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade for an extra kick.
- Alternative Coatings: Try crushed tortilla chips or seasoned breadcrumbs for a different flavor and texture.
- Herbed Variation: Incorporate fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary into the breading for an aromatic touch.
FAQs
How long do I need to marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinating for at least 30 minutes is recommended, but 2–4 hours is ideal.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.
What is the best way to ensure the chicken cooks evenly?
It’s crucial to avoid overcrowding the air fryer or baking tray. Ensure ample space between the pieces, which allows for even cooking and maximum crispiness.
These Ranch Seasoned Chicken Tenders are bound to become a favorite in your household. With their delightful flavor and crunchy texture, they make for a fantastic meal any time of the day!
Ranch Seasoned Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Method
- Combine buttermilk, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss in the chicken tenders to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours.
- Set up three shallow bowls: Combine flour with 1 tbsp ranch seasoning and smoked paprika for the flour mixture; beat eggs until smooth for the egg mixture; add panko breadcrumbs and a pinch of salt for the breadcrumb mixture.
- Remove marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Shake off excess marinade, dredge in the flour, dip into the egg wash, and press into the breadcrumb mixture. Arrange on a parchment-lined tray.
- Air Fryer: Preheat to 190°C (375°F). Lightly spray the basket, place chicken in a single layer, spray the tops and cook for 6 minutes, flip, then cook another 6 minutes until golden brown.
- Oven-Baked: Preheat to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment and place a wire rack on top, spray both with oil. Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown.
- Pan-Fried: Heat 1-2 tbsp oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Plate chicken tenders hot and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with ranch dressing or a platter of dipping sauces.
