Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe: A Family Favorite

Crispy chicken tenders coated in a zesty parmesan ranch blend promise a mouth-watering meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

The parmesan ranch chicken tenders recipe combines simple ingredients with bold flavors for an irresistible dinner option.

Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, these chicken strips deliver a perfect balance of seasoning and texture.

Each bite brings a delightful mix of tangy ranch and nutty parmesan that transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary.

You’ll love how quickly these tenders come together, making them ideal for busy weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

The golden-brown coating seals in moisture while creating an addictive crunch that will have everyone reaching for more.

Prepare to fall in love with this crowd-pleasing recipe that turns dinner into a celebration of flavor.

Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Savory Appeal

• Supercharge Flavor: Packed with zesty ranch seasoning and nutty Parmesan, these chicken tenders deliver an explosive taste profile that will make taste buds dance with excitement.
• Breeze Through Preparation: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps mean anyone from kitchen newbies to seasoned cooks can whip up this delicious meal without breaking a sweat.
• Kid-Approved Crowd-Pleaser: Crispy exterior, tender interior, and familiar flavors guarantee even picky eaters will clean their plates and ask for seconds.
• Versatile Meal Option: Perfect for casual dinners, game nights, potlucks, or quick weeknight meals that satisfy everyone's cravings without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenders: Tender, lean strips of chicken that provide a juicy and flavorful base for the recipe.

• Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Create a crispy, golden exterior that adds crunch and rich savory flavor to the chicken.
• Ranch Seasoning: Provides a tangy and herbal taste profile that enhances the overall dish.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika: Add depth of flavor and a subtle warmth to the coating.

• Buttermilk: Helps tenderize the chicken and ensures a moist, flavorful result with its slightly acidic nature.

How to Make Chicken Tenders Easily

Step 1: Preheat Oven

Set your oven to 400°F.

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy.

Step 2: Buttermilk Soak

Pour buttermilk over chicken tenders in a shallow dish.

Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor.

The longer they soak, the more juicy and delicious they’ll become.

Step 3: Create Crunchy Coating

• Breadcrumbs
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Stir these ingredients until well blended for a perfectly seasoned crispy exterior.

Step 4: Dredge Chicken

Remove chicken tenders from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.

Roll each tender in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.

Look for a beautiful golden-brown color and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

Tips for Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

• Let chicken tenders marinate longer for extra tenderness and deeper flavor absorption.
• Add crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy exterior.
• Use a light coating of cooking spray to help achieve golden-brown color without burning.
• Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour for dietary restrictions.
• Adjust ranch seasoning intensity by using more or less mix to suit personal taste preferences.

Tasty Variations for Ranch Chicken Tenders

• Gluten-Free Crunch: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour for a crispy coating perfect for celiac or gluten-sensitive diners.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add cayenne pepper and chili powder to the coating mix for a zesty kick that transforms the chicken into a fiery version of the original recipe.
• Herb Garden Chicken: Substitute ranch seasoning with fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley for a garden-fresh flavor profile that brightens the dish.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Use crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs and add extra Parmesan cheese to create a low-carb, high-protein alternative that fits ketogenic dietary needs.

Serving Chicken Tenders Parmesan Ranch Style

• Ranch Dip Delight: Serve these crispy tenders with a homemade or store-bought ranch dressing for extra zesty flavor that enhances every bite.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair the chicken tenders with a fresh mixed green salad or crunchy coleslaw to balance the rich, savory coating and add nutritional variety.
• Game Day Platter: Arrange tenders on a large platter with colorful dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, and blue cheese for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or party snack.
• Family Meal Centerpiece: Combine with roasted vegetables and mashed potatoes to create a complete dinner that satisfies everyone at the table with minimal additional preparation.

Storage for Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

• Store cooled chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, maintaining their crispy texture and delicious flavor.
• Wrap individual tenders tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for a quick future meal.
• Warm refrigerated tenders in the oven at 350F for 10-12 minutes to restore crispiness, avoiding microwave to prevent soggy coating.
• Prepare a double batch and portion out for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick weeknight dinners throughout the week.

FAQs

• Why use buttermilk for marinating chicken tenders?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken by breaking down proteins, making the meat softer and more flavorful while adding a subtle tangy taste to the chicken.

• Can I use regular milk instead of buttermilk?

While you can substitute regular milk, buttermilk provides better texture and flavor. If using regular milk, add a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to mimic buttermilk’s tenderizing properties.

• How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F at the thickest part of the tender. This ensures the chicken is safely cooked and remains juicy.

Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 58 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy parmesan ranch chicken tenders deliver a mouthwatering blend of zesty ranch seasoning and golden parmesan coating. Juicy chicken emerges perfectly seasoned, promising a delightful meal that satisfies cravings with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders

Coating and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1/2 cup (50 grams) Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 cup (120 grams) panko breadcrumbs

Seasonings:

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper for even cooking and easy cleanup.
2. Submerge chicken tenders in buttermilk, allowing them to marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes to enhance tenderness and flavor absorption.
3. Create a crispy coating by combining breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and paprika in a shallow dish.
4. Remove chicken tenders from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly coat each piece in the seasoned breadcrumb mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
5. Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, maintaining space between each piece to promote even browning and crispiness.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-18 minutes, rotating the tenders halfway through cooking time to ensure uniform golden-brown coloration and complete internal cooking.
7. Verify doneness by checking that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and exhibits a crisp, golden exterior with a juicy interior.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for extra tenderness and deeper flavor absorption.
• Swap buttermilk with Greek yogurt for a protein-packed alternative that keeps chicken moist.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly without compromising crunch.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating for those who enjoy a subtle spicy kick.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 100mg