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Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders offer a perfect balance of crunchy, juicy, and flavorful chicken strips coated in a zesty ranch and Parmesan crust. Easy to prepare and versatile, they are ideal for snacks, dinners, or game days, appealing to both kids and adults with their cheesy, tangy, and crispy bite.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings (about 12 chicken tenders) 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1 lb fresh chicken tenders (or chicken breasts sliced into strips)

Breading Mixture

  • 1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Coating

  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs / crushed cornflakes for gluten-free option)

Binding

  • 2 large eggs, beaten

Cooking

  • Olive oil or cooking spray for frying or baking

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Breading Station: Set up three shallow bowls: one with the beaten eggs; a second with a mixture of Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper; and a third with panko breadcrumbs. This arrangement streamlines the breading process.
  2. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs first, letting excess drip off, then coat with the Parmesan-ranch mixture by pressing lightly, and finally dredge in panko breadcrumbs to form an even, crispy layer.
  3. Cook the Tenders: For frying, heat oil and cook tenders about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. For baking, place tenders on a greased baking sheet, spray or brush lightly with olive oil, and bake at 400°F (204°C) for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway to ensure even crispness.
  4. Rest and Serve: Allow the tenders to rest for a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices and keep the coating crispy. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and optional fresh herb garnishes.

Notes

  • Use room temperature chicken for more even cooking and tender results.
  • Pat chicken tenders dry before breading to help the coating stick better and become crispier.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan or baking sheet to maintain crispiness.
  • For extra crunch, double coat by repeating the egg and breadcrumb dipping process.
  • After cooking, rest tenders on a wire rack instead of a plate to avoid sogginess.
  • Variations: add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for a spicy kick; use fresh herbs like parsley or chives in the breadcrumb mix; substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs for dietary needs; bake instead of frying for a healthier option.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 3 tenders
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 460mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 15g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 32g
  • Cholesterol: 120mg

Keywords: chicken tenders, crispy chicken, parmesan chicken, ranch chicken, baked chicken tenders, gluten free chicken, easy chicken recipe, kid-friendly chicken