Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe: Crowd-Pleasing Magic!

Sinking your teeth into these delightful crispy parmesan ranch chicken tenders that promise a flavor explosion in every bite.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

The golden, crunchy exterior perfectly complements the tender, juicy meat inside.

ranch seasoning adds a zesty kick that makes these chicken tenders irresistibly delicious.

No more boring protein options when you can whip up this restaurant-worthy dish at home.

Salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of parmesan create a magical coating that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

You’ll want to bookmark this recipe for your next family meal or game day gathering.

Why Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Are So Tasty

• Achieve Perfect Crispiness: These chicken tenders deliver an incredible crunchy exterior thanks to the panko breadcrumbs and strategic baking method, ensuring a satisfying texture that crackles with every bite.
• Burst with Flavor Layers: The ranch seasoning mix, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika create a complex, bold taste profile that transforms ordinary chicken tenders into a restaurant-quality dish.
• Super Quick Weeknight Winner: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe provides a speedy meal solution that's both kid-friendly and adult-approved, making dinner preparation stress-free and delicious.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easy to customize with different dipping sauces and simple enough for beginner cooks, these chicken tenders work perfectly for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings.

All The Ingredients For Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

Main Ingredients:

• Chicken Tenders: Protein-packed main star of the dish, best when fresh and of high quality. Choose tender, evenly sized pieces for consistent cooking.

• Panko Breadcrumbs, Parmesan Cheese: Create a super crispy and flavorful exterior. Panko gives extra crunch, while Parmesan adds a savory punch.

• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Provides a tangy, herbal flavor profile. Adds depth and excitement to the chicken tenders.
• Garlic Powder, Paprika: Contribute warmth and mild spiciness. Enhances overall taste and aroma of the dish.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps breading stick to chicken and creates a smooth base layer. Ensures even coating.
• Eggs, Water: Act as a binding agent to help breadcrumbs adhere to chicken. Eggs provide richness and help create a golden exterior.
• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve golden, crispy texture. Ensures even browning during baking.

How To Make Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Easily

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper or a wire rack to guarantee maximum crunchiness for your chicken tenders.

Step 2: Create Breading Zones

Set up three shallow dishes for your breading adventure:

• Flour
• Half the ranch seasoning mix

• Eggs
• Water

• Panko breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Remaining ranch seasoning mix

Step 3: Transform Chicken Tenders

Grab your chicken tenders and give them a good pat-down with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Now, let’s get coating!

• Dust each tender in the flour mixture, giving it a gentle shake to remove extras
• Dive the floured tender into the egg bath, making sure it's completely covered
• Roll the eggy tender through the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to create a perfect crispy armor
• Place each breaded tender onto the prepared baking sheet

Step 4: Bake to Golden Perfection

• Spritz the chicken tenders with a light coating of cooking spray to boost their crispy potential
• Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven
• Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through
• Look for a gorgeous golden-brown color
• Confirm doneness by checking that the internal temperature hits 165F (74C)

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Plate up these sizzling beauties while they’re hot! Pair with your favorite dipping sauce and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Pro Tip: For extra zesty flavor, try mixing some hot sauce into your dipping sauce or sprinkle extra ranch seasoning on top just before serving.

Tips To Help With Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

• Maximize Crispiness: Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to let air circulate, creating extra crunch around each chicken tender.
• Perfect Coating Technique: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto chicken to ensure a thick, even layer that stays crispy during baking.
• Temperature Control: Always use a meat thermometer to check internal chicken temperature, guaranteeing safe and juicy results every time.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour with almond flour and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly chicken tenders.
• Flavor Boost: Let chicken tenders rest for 5 minutes after baking to help the coating set and preserve maximum crunchiness.

How To Keep Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Crispy

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place them in a single layer to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Freeze: Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for maximum flavor and texture preservation.
• Reheat in Oven: Restore crispiness by placing tenders on a baking sheet and warming at 350F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent rubbery texture.
• Quick Tip: Add a light spritz of cooking spray before reheating to help revive the golden, crispy coating and keep the chicken moist.

What Goes Well With Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

• Pair with Zesty Ranch Dip: Create a creamy ranch dip by mixing sour cream, fresh chives, and extra ranch seasoning for an amplified flavor experience that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
• Serve with Crisp Cucumber Salad: Prepare a light, refreshing cucumber salad with dill, red onions, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness of the parmesan-crusted chicken tenders.
• Match with Chilled White Wine Spritzer: Blend a crisp sauvignon blanc with sparkling water and a squeeze of lemon to cut through the richness of the breaded chicken and refresh the palate.
• Complement with Roasted Garlic Parmesan Asparagus: Roast asparagus spears with garlic, olive oil, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese to echo the cheesy flavors of the chicken tenders while adding a nutritious green side.

Ways To Change Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

• Spicy Ranch Kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the breadcrumb mixture for a fiery version that brings extra heat to the chicken tenders.
• Herb-Infused Crunch: Replace some breadcrumbs with finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and parsley to create a more garden-fresh flavor profile.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap Parmesan for crumbled feta cheese and add dried oregano and lemon zest to the breading for a Mediterranean-inspired chicken tender experience.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour instead of regular flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Questions About Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

• What makes these chicken tenders crispy?

The combination of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and a light spray of cooking oil ensures a super crunchy exterior. The high oven temperature also helps create that perfect golden-brown crispiness.

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Simply slice chicken breasts into tender-sized strips. Just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly and check that the internal temperature reaches 165F to ensure they’re fully cooked.

• Is the ranch seasoning mix necessary?

While the ranch mix adds fantastic flavor, you can substitute with your own blend of dried herbs like dill, onion powder, and parsley if you don’t have the packaged mix. The key is to maintain a similar flavor profile.

• How do I keep the breading from falling off?

The three-step breading process – flour, egg, breadcrumbs – helps the coating stick perfectly. Pat the chicken dry before breading and make sure to press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto each tender for the best results.

Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.5 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy parmesan ranch chicken tenders elevate classic comfort food with a golden, crunchy coating that delights dinner guests. Packed with zesty ranch seasoning and rich parmesan cheese, this simple recipe delivers maximum flavor in minutes for hungry families craving something special.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)

Coating Ingredients:

• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon paprika

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray

Serving Suggestions:

• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard sauce
• Marinara sauce

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Instructions

1. Transform the kitchen into a culinary workspace by preheating the oven to 400F (200C). Strategically line a baking sheet with parchment paper, ensuring optimal heat circulation and crispy texture.
2. Craft three distinct seasoning stations: First, blend flour with half the ranch seasoning. Second, whisk eggs with water into a smooth mixture. Third, combine panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and remaining ranch seasoning into a textured coating blend.
3. Meticulously prepare chicken tenders by patting them completely dry. Initiate the breading process by thoroughly coating each tender in seasoned flour, removing excess. Immerse the floured tender into egg mixture, guaranteeing complete coverage. Carefully press each piece into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring uniform and thorough coating.
4. Enhance crispiness by lightly misting breaded tenders with cooking spray. Position tenders in the preheated oven, rotating midway through cooking. Bake until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165F, approximately 18-20 minutes.
5. Present the perfectly crisp chicken tenders immediately, accompanied by preferred dipping sauce. Garnish with optional fresh herbs for visual appeal and subtle flavor enhancement.

Notes

• Achieve maximum crispiness by using a wire rack on the baking sheet, allowing hot air to circulate and create an evenly crisp exterior.
• Customize the breading by swapping ranch seasoning with your favorite spice blend for a personalized flavor profile.
• Keep chicken tenders moist by avoiding overcooking; use a meat thermometer to ensure precise doneness at 165F without drying out the meat.
• Transform this recipe into a gluten-free option by substituting regular flour with almond flour and using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 31 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg