Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Recipe for a Delicious Meal

Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders are a delightful twist on a classic favorite that never fails to impress. As someone who has always loved the combination of tender chicken and zesty ranch flavor, I can assure you that these tenders are not just a meal; they are an experience. The history of ranch dressing dates back to the 1950s, when it was first created by a cowboy named Steve Henson. Since then, it has become a beloved condiment, elevating dishes with its creamy, herby goodness.

What makes crispy ranch chicken tenders so irresistible is their perfect balance of crunch and flavor. The crispy coating provides a satisfying texture, while the ranch seasoning infuses each bite with a burst of savory goodness. Whether served as a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer at gatherings, these tenders are incredibly convenient to prepare and are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults alike. Join me as we dive into this delicious recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil (for frying)

Preparing the Marinade

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk and ranch seasoning mix. Whisk them together until the seasoning is fully dissolved in the buttermilk. This will be the marinade that keeps our chicken tenders juicy and flavorful. 2. Add the chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight if you have the time. This step is crucial as it tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.

Preparing the Breading Station

3. While the chicken is marinating, let’s set up our breading station. In one shallow dish, add the all-purpose flour. In a second shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix these dry ingredients well to ensure an even distribution of flavors. 4. Now, I like to set up my breading station in a way that makes it easy to coat the chicken. Place the flour on one side, the breadcrumb mixture in the middle, and keep a clean plate on the other side for the breaded chicken tenders.

Breading the Chicken Tenders

5. Once the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Take each chicken tender out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. 6. First, dip the chicken tender into the flour, coating it evenly. Shake off any excess flour before moving on to the next step. 7. Next, transfer the floured chicken tender to the breadcrumb mixture. Press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure a good coating. I like to really press down to get that extra crunch! 8. Place the breaded chicken tender on the clean plate. Repeat this process with all the chicken tenders until they are all coated.

Cooking the Chicken Tenders

9. In a large skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/4 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of bread into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, you’re ready to go! 10. Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. I usually cook them in batches of 4-5, depending on the size of my skillet. 11. Fry the chicken tenders for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature; it should read 165°F (75°C). 12. Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. This will help keep them crispy.

Serving the Chicken Tenders

13. Now that your crispy ranch chicken tenders are ready, it’s time to serve them! I love to pair them with a side of ranch dressing for dipping, but you can also serve them with your favorite sauces like honey mustard or barbecue sauce. 14. For a complete meal, consider serving these tenders with a side of crispy fries, a fresh salad, or some roasted vegetables. 15. If you have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To reheat, I recommend using an oven or air fryer to maintain their crispiness.

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders

– If you want to add a little kick, consider mixing some cayenne pepper into your breadcrumb mixture. – For a healthier version, you can bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. – Experiment with different seasonings in the breadcrumb mixture

Conclusion:

In summary, these Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders are an absolute must-try for anyone looking to elevate their weeknight dinners or impress guests at a gathering. The combination of crunchy coating and zesty ranch flavor creates a delightful experience that is sure to please both kids and adults alike. Plus, they are incredibly versatile! You can serve them with a side of fresh veggies, a crisp salad, or even toss them into a wrap for a quick lunch. If you’re feeling adventurous, consider experimenting with different seasonings or dipping sauces. A spicy buffalo sauce or a tangy honey mustard could add an exciting twist to the classic ranch flavor. You could also try using different proteins, like turkey or even tofu for a vegetarian option, to suit your dietary preferences. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try! I promise you won’t be disappointed. Once you’ve made these Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders, I’d love to hear about your experience. Share your thoughts, any variations you tried, or even a photo of your delicious creation! Let’s spread the joy of cooking together! Print