Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my crispy parmesan ranch chicken tenders! These little bites of heaven are not only incredibly easy to whip up, but they also pack a flavor punch that will have everyone coming back for more. Trust me, once you get that golden, crunchy coating and the savory ranch flavor dancing on your taste buds, you’ll be hooked! I remember the first time I made these for a game night with friends; they vanished faster than I could plate them! The best part? You can prep them in just 15 minutes and have them ready to bake while you sip on your favorite drink. So, if you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s simple yet delicious, crispy parmesan ranch chicken tenders are your go-to recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (I love using panko for extra crunch!)
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese (the fresher, the better for flavor)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (this is where the magic happens!)
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk (helps create that nice, moist coating)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
How to Prepare Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders
Alright, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making these crispy parmesan ranch chicken tenders! First things first, you’ll want to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is crucial for getting that perfect golden crunch on your tenders. Trust me, the right temperature makes all the difference!
Preheat the Oven
Preheating your oven ensures that the chicken tenders cook evenly and get that wonderful crispy exterior. If you skip this step, they might end up soggy instead of crunchy, and nobody wants that!
Prepare the Coating
Now, in a medium bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until everything’s well combined. You want a nice, uniform texture that’s ready to hug those chicken tenders!
Egg Mixture
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until it’s lovely and frothy. This mixture is key for helping the breadcrumb coating stick. You want it to be smooth but not too runny—think of it as a cozy bath for your chicken tenders!
Coating the Chicken Tenders
Now comes the fun part! Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then transfer it into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even layer sticks to the chicken. Don’t be shy—get in there and make sure every bit is covered!
Baking the Chicken Tenders
Once all your tenders are coated, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Make sure to space them out a bit; this way, they can crisp up nicely without crowding each other. Pop them in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Keep an eye on them towards the end—you want that perfect crunch, but you don’t want to burn them!
Tips for Success
Now, let’s make sure your crispy parmesan ranch chicken tenders come out absolutely perfect! Here are some of my top tips:
- Extra Crispiness: For that ultra-crispy texture, don’t forget to spray the tenders lightly with cooking spray before baking. It helps to enhance the golden crunch and gives them that restaurant-quality finish!
- Substitution Friendly: If you’re not a fan of chicken tenders, feel free to use chicken fillets cut into strips. They’ll work just as well, and you can adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
- Season to Taste: Adjust the seasoning to your liking! If you love a bit more flavor, consider adding some garlic powder or paprika to the breadcrumb mixture for a little extra kick.
- Dip It Up: Serve with a selection of dipping sauces—ranch dressing is a classic, but honey mustard or barbecue sauce also pair beautifully with these tenders!
- Batch It: If you’re cooking for a crowd, feel free to double the recipe! Just make sure to use two baking sheets to give them enough space to crisp up.
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to crispy perfection every time you make these tenders! Enjoy the process and happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s chat about the nutritional information for these amazing crispy parmesan ranch chicken tenders. This is a rough estimate, so keep in mind that actual values can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. But here’s a general breakdown for a serving of four tenders:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Protein: 25g
This makes for a tasty, filling dish that’s perfect for a main course! So, whether you’re counting macros or just enjoying a delicious meal, these tenders are a fantastic choice. Enjoy every crispy bite!
FAQ Section
Got questions about making these crispy parmesan ranch chicken tenders? No worries, I’ve got you covered with some of the most common queries I hear!
Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the chicken tenders and coat them with the breadcrumb mixture earlier in the day. Just cover them and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. This makes it super convenient for busy weeknights or when you have guests over!
How should I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is a rare occurrence, trust me!), let them cool completely, then place them in an airtight container. They’ll last in the fridge for about 3 days. Just reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to get that crispy texture back!
Can I use a different seasoning mix?
Of course! While the ranch seasoning gives these tenders their signature flavor, feel free to experiment with other seasonings. Cajun, Italian herbs, or even a spicy buffalo mix can add a whole new twist to your chicken tenders!
What dipping sauces pair best?
You can’t go wrong with ranch dressing, but other favorites include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a tangy buffalo sauce if you like a little heat. Serve a variety for a fun dipping experience!
Can I freeze the uncooked chicken tenders?
Yes! If you want to prep ahead, you can freeze the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet first. Once they’re frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag. When you’re ready to cook, bake them straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can have these delicious chicken tenders in the oven and ready to enjoy in no time!
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of crispy breadcrumbs, savory parmesan, and zesty ranch seasoning creates an irresistible flavor that everyone will love.
- Kid-Friendly: These tenders are perfect for little hands and picky eaters—everyone loves a good chicken tender!
- Versatile: Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces or serve alongside a fresh salad for a complete meal that suits any occasion.
- Gluten-Free Option: Easily substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free ones, making these tenders accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for batch cooking—make a double batch and freeze them for easy weeknight dinners!
For more information on the benefits of chicken as a protein source, check out this article.
For more delicious chicken recipes, visit our chicken section.
And if you’re interested in learning about the nutritional aspects of chicken, you can find more details here.
Print
Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders: 5 Flavorful Secrets
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Crispy parmesan ranch chicken tenders are a delicious and easy-to-make dish that combines the flavors of parmesan cheese and ranch seasoning.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together eggs and milk.
- Dip each chicken tender in the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spray the tenders with cooking spray before baking.
- You can substitute chicken fillets cut into strips if you prefer.
- Serve with celery sticks and ranch dressing for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: crispy parmesan ranch chicken tenders
