Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders

$- 1 pound chicken tenders - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular) - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour - 2 large eggs - 2 tablespoons milk - Salt and pepper to taste - Cooking spray or olive oil spray For this recipe, I love using chicken tenders. They are easy to handle, cook fast, and stay juicy. The breadcrumbs give a nice crunch. You can choose panko for extra crispiness or regular ones for a softer bite. Mixing the grated Parmesan cheese with the breadcrumbs adds a cheesy, savory flavor. The ranch seasoning brings a classic taste that makes these tenders special. Next, we need our coating mixture. I always use all-purpose flour to help the breading stick. The eggs and milk create a smooth wash that coats the chicken well. This step is key for a good crunch. After that, don’t forget to season! A little salt and pepper enhance the chicken flavor. Spraying the tenders with cooking spray or olive oil ensures they get golden and crispy in the oven. This simple ingredient list makes for a delightful meal. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through cooking these tasty Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders. 1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). This step is key for crispy chicken. 2. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. This helps with easy cleanup. 3. In a shallow dish, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning. Stir until mixed well. 1. In another shallow dish, add the all-purpose flour. Season it with salt and pepper. 2. Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the flour. Shake off any extra flour to avoid clumps. 3. Next, dip the tender into the egg mixture. Make sure it gets fully coated. 4. Finally, roll the tender in the breadcrumb mix. Press gently to help the coating stick well. 1. Arrange the breaded tenders on your prepared baking sheet. Leave space between each piece. 2. Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or olive oil spray. This helps them get golden and crispy. 3. Bake for 15-20 minutes. Check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The coating should look golden brown and crispy. You can find the full recipe with all the ingredients listed above. Enjoy making your Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders! To achieve the perfect crispiness, use panko breadcrumbs. They add great texture. Lightly spray the breaded chicken with cooking spray before baking. This helps it brown nicely. Bake at 425°F (220°C) to get that golden color. Always check that your chicken is cooked to the right temperature. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer for the best results. This ensures your chicken is juicy and safe to eat. You can enhance the flavor with extra seasonings. Try adding garlic powder or smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix. These spices add a nice kick. For dipping sauces, ranch dressing is a classic choice. You can also pair it with honey mustard or barbecue sauce. Fresh vegetable sticks make great sides, too. They add crunch and balance the meal. Presentation is key for a great meal. Serve the chicken tenders on a large platter. Add a side of ranch dipping sauce and fresh veggie sticks for color. You can also garnish with chopped parsley or dill. This adds a pop of color and makes it look fancy. For ideal pairings, consider serving with a light salad or crispy fries. A simple side of coleslaw also complements the tenders well. Enjoy your meal with friends or family for a delightful feast! {{image_2}} You can change this recipe to fit your needs. If you want to go gluten-free, use gluten-free breadcrumbs. They work just as well as regular ones. For a low-carb option, try crushed pork rinds or almond flour instead of breadcrumbs. Both options give a great crunch. Get creative with the seasoning! You can try different blends like garlic powder or paprika. For those who love spice, add hot sauce to the egg mixture. This will give your chicken a nice kick. You can also sprinkle cayenne pepper into the breadcrumb mix for extra heat. Want to make it even better? You can add veggies to the coating. Try mixing in some finely chopped spinach or bell peppers. If you love cheese, sprinkle some shredded cheese into the breadcrumb mix for a cheesy crunch. You can also switch proteins. Try using pork or tofu for a fun twist. You can find the full recipe for these delicious tenders at the beginning of this article. To keep your Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders fresh, refrigerate leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container. This helps keep the tenders moist and tasty. If you don’t have an airtight container, cover them tightly with plastic wrap. Either option works well to prevent drying out. If you want to save your chicken tenders for later, freezing is a great option. First, let the tenders cool completely. Then, wrap each one in foil or parchment paper. Place the wrapped tenders in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to push out as much air as possible. For reheating, take them out of the freezer and let them thaw in the fridge overnight. You can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps them crispy. Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Always check for signs of spoilage. If you notice any off smells or slimy texture, it's best to toss them. Fresh food is key to a good meal. Enjoy your tenders while they are still tasty! How to make chicken tenders more flavorful? To boost flavor, use fresh herbs. You can add garlic powder or onion powder. For a kick, try cayenne pepper. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk or yogurt adds taste and tenderness. Can I make these tenders in advance? Yes, you can prep the tenders ahead. Bread them and store in the fridge for up to 24 hours. This helps the flavors meld. Bake them right before serving for crispy results. What temperature should chicken be cooked to? Chicken must reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Use a meat thermometer to check this. Proper cooking ensures safety and juiciness. Can I bake these chicken tenders without egg? Yes, you can use a mixture of flour and water or milk instead. This helps the breadcrumbs stick. You could also try a vegan egg substitute like flaxseed meal mixed with water. How do I adjust this recipe for fewer servings? To make fewer servings, simply halve the ingredients. Use ½ pound of chicken tenders and adjust the other ingredients accordingly. This keeps the flavor and texture just right. What can I substitute if I don't have ranch seasoning? If ranch seasoning is not available, mix dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. You can also use Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile. Adjust the amounts based on your taste preferences. For the full recipe, check the earlier section. In this blog post, we covered how to make delicious Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders. You learned about the main ingredients, prepping steps, and how to achieve the perfect crispiness. I shared tips on variations for dietary needs and flavor changes. Remember, these tenders are flexible; you can customize them to fit your taste. Enjoy experimenting with different sides and sauces. Your chicken tenders will be a hit at any meal. Get cooking and savor every bite!$

Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders

Craving a delicious and crispy dinner? Try these Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders! Made with simple ingredients like Parmesan, ranch seasoning, and chicken, they're easy to prepare and bake to perfection. In just 35 minutes, you can serve a crowd-pleasing meal that pairs perfectly with your favorite dipping sauce. Ready to impress your family? Click through for the full recipe and make mealtime magical with these tasty tenders!

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Ingredients

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs

2 tablespoons milk

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.

In a shallow dish, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning together until well combined.

In another shallow dish, add the all-purpose flour, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a third shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.

Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour, shaking off any excess.

Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.

Finally, roll the tender in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres well.

Place the breaded tenders onto the prepared baking sheet, and lightly spray them with cooking spray or olive oil spray for extra crispiness.

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 75°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.

Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before serving.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 35 minutes | 4 servings

- Presentation Tips: Serve the chicken tenders on a large platter with a side of ranch dipping sauce and fresh vegetable sticks for a colorful and appealing presentation. You can garnish with chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color.