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Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe


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4.3 from 45 reviews

  • Author: admin
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders recipe offers a crunchy, flavorful twist on classic chicken tenders. Coated in a savory mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning, these tenders are baked to golden perfection, making them a healthier alternative to fried versions without sacrificing taste or texture. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings, they pair wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces.


Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)

Coating

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper

Egg Wash

  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly distribute all the spices and cheese.
  3. Prepare the Egg Wash: In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and olive oil (or melted butter) until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
  4. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, ensuring it is completely coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently so the coating adheres firmly to the chicken.
  5. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Avoid overcrowding so they bake evenly and get crispy.
  6. Bake the Chicken Tenders: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through baking. The chicken is ready when it’s golden brown and crispy on the outside and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Rest and Serve: Remove the tenders from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and the coating to set.
  8. Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Using panko breadcrumbs ensures an extra crispy coating.
  • You can substitute olive oil with melted butter for a richer flavor in the egg wash.
  • Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to maintain crispiness.
  • Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to maintain crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American