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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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