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Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.3 from 20 reviews
  • Author: Maria
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

These Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders are a delightful, kid-friendly main course featuring tender chicken coated in a flavorful blend of Parmesan, ranch seasoning, and panko breadcrumbs. Marinated in buttermilk for extra tenderness and baked to golden perfection, they deliver a crispy texture without deep frying. Perfect for a family dinner or a tasty appetizer, these tenders pair well with ranch or your favorite dipping sauces.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Marinade

  • 1 ½ pounds chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix, divided

Coating Mixtures

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking

  • Cooking spray or oil for baking

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk with half of the ranch seasoning mix. Add the chicken tenders, toss well to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the chicken.
  2. Prepare the Oven and Coating Stations: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on the baking sheet for even heat circulation. Set up three shallow bowls: one with the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; one with the beaten eggs; and one mixing the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and the remaining ranch seasoning mix.
  3. Coat the Chicken Tenders: Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off. First, dredge each tender in the seasoned flour mixture to coat lightly. Then dip into the beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage. Finally, press the tenders into the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture, making sure they are evenly coated for maximum crispiness.
  4. Bake to Crispy Perfection: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow hot air circulation. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of oil over each piece to aid browning. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through baking to ensure both sides become golden and crispy. Check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F to ensure safety.
  5. Optional Broil for Extra Crispiness: For an extra crispy finish, switch your oven to broil and broil the tenders for 1 to 2 minutes at the end of the baking time, keeping a close watch to prevent burning.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve these delicious Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders with ranch dressing or your preferred dipping sauce. They make a perfect kid-friendly dinner or crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking.
  • These chicken tenders can also be cooked in an air fryer at 400°F for 10–12 minutes as an alternative method.
  • Serve with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor.
  • Marinating overnight yields more tender and flavorful chicken.

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Find it online: https://sweetindulgencescakes.com/crispy-parmesan-ranch-chicken-tenders-recipe/