If you’re craving a dish that brings together crispy, flavorful chicken with a touch of savory ranch goodness, then the Oven-Baked Ranch Seasoned Chicken Tenders Recipe is exactly what you need. This recipe offers the perfect balance between tender, juicy chicken and a crunchy, herbal crust that feels comforting yet exciting with every bite. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or want a delicious weeknight dinner, these chicken tenders deliver a satisfying, easy-to-make meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Oven-Baked Ranch Seasoned Chicken Tenders Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in achieving that perfect crispy coating and juicy interior. From the ranch seasoning that infuses rich flavor to the panko breadcrumbs that add that much-desired crunch, every ingredient is essential.
- Chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast: Choose fresh, high-quality chicken for the best texture and taste.
- Ranch seasoning mix: This blend packs the aromatic herbs and spices that elevate the chicken to new flavor heights.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These light, flaky breadcrumbs ensure a crispy, golden coating without heaviness.
- Melted butter: Brushing this on helps achieve a perfectly browned finish and adds richness.
- Eggs: Act as the binding agent to help the breadcrumb mixture stick to the chicken.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning the chicken itself before breading.
- Fresh parsley (optional): Adds a bright, fresh touch as a garnish to complement the savory flavors.
How to Make Oven-Baked Ranch Seasoned Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Surface
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on it. The rack allows air to circulate around the tenders, ensuring they crisp up evenly on all sides.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel and sprinkle them lightly with salt and pepper. This step is key for bringing out the natural flavors in the chicken before it gets coated.
Step 3: Prepare Your Breading Stations
Set up two bowls—beat the eggs in one, which will help the seasoning mixture stick, and combine the panko breadcrumbs with the ranch seasoning mix in the other. This simple mixture is the secret to those irresistibly seasoned tenders.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then press it firmly into the breadcrumb-ranch mixture. Make sure each tender is thoroughly coated for the fullest flavor and crunch.
Step 5: Arrange and Butter
Lay the coated chicken tenders on your baking sheet or wire rack, making sure they’re spaced out to prevent sogginess. Gently drizzle or brush the melted butter over the top—it browns beautifully during baking and adds that perfect touch of savory richness.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time. You’ll want to see a golden-brown crust and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe, juicy chicken every single time.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Optionally, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley over the tenders for a pop of color and fresh herbal note. Serve them hot and watch how quickly they disappear from the plate!
How to Serve Oven-Baked Ranch Seasoned Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley makes a vibrant and aromatic garnish that adds both color and a subtle hint of freshness to the tenders. You can also try a squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a different twist.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with crispy baked fries, a fresh green salad, or steamed veggies for a balanced meal. A creamy dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard also complements the seasoning beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving these tenders in soft slider buns with lettuce and tomato for a fun twist. They’re also fantastic chopped up over a crunchy salad or alongside a bowl of comforting mashed potatoes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 3 days, making for a flavorful next-day lunch or quick snack.
Freezing
If you want to make a bigger batch, freeze the cooked tenders on a baking sheet first until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and are perfect for future quick meals.
Reheating
For best results, reheat your chicken tenders in the oven at 350°F until warmed through and crisp again. Avoid microwaving whenever possible as it can make the crust soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice the breast into tender-sized strips to ensure even cooking and coating. The Oven-Baked Ranch Seasoned Chicken Tenders Recipe works great with both cuts.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the panko breadcrumbs with your favorite gluten-free breadcrumbs, and double-check that your ranch seasoning mix doesn’t contain gluten.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe is mild and rich in savory ranch flavors without any added heat, making it perfect for all ages. You can add a pinch of cayenne if you want a little kick.
Can I bake these chicken tenders without butter?
While the butter helps with browning and flavor, you can brush the tenders with olive oil instead for a lighter finish. They’ll still turn out crispy and delicious.
What dipping sauces go well with this dish?
Classic ranch dressing, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and even a spicy sriracha mayo pair beautifully with these tenders, enhancing their flavors.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a reliable, crowd-pleasing recipe that’s easy to make yet packed with flavor, the Oven-Baked Ranch Seasoned Chicken Tenders Recipe should be your go-to. It’s a dish that comes together effortlessly but feels special—perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become one of your favorite comfort foods to prepare and share.
Print
Oven-Baked Ranch Seasoned Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-American Fusion
Description
Crispy and flavorful baked chicken tenders coated in a zesty ranch-seasoned panko breadcrumb crust, perfect for a hearty and satisfying meal. These chicken tenders are baked to golden perfection, offering a healthier alternative to frying while maintaining a deliciously crunchy texture.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast
Coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
Batter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Other
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a wire rack on it to promote even cooking and allow excess moisture to drip away.
- Prepare chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove any moisture. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor.
- Set up coating stations: In one bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In a separate bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and ranch seasoning mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Coat chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off, then dredge it in the panko-ranch mixture, pressing lightly to adhere a generous crust on all sides.
- Arrange and butter: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet or wire rack. Drizzle or brush the tops with melted butter to promote browning and add richness.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through the cooking time. Bake until the chicken is golden brown on the outside and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven, let cool slightly, then garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm for a crispy and savory meal.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, use a wire rack on the baking sheet so heat circulates evenly around the chicken.
- Ranch seasoning can be homemade or store-bought; adjust the amount based on your preferred flavor intensity.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee safety and juiciness.
- To reduce calories, you can omit the butter or use a cooking spray instead.
- Serve with a side of fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
