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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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