Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Crispy Recipe

Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders: Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your weeknight dinners! Forget everything you thought you knew about chicken tenders because this recipe elevates a classic comfort food to gourmet status. Imagine juicy, tender chicken, coated in a crispy, golden crust infused with the savory goodness of Parmesan cheese and the tangy zest of ranch seasoning. It’s a symphony of flavors and textures that will have everyone, from picky eaters to discerning palates, begging for more.

While the exact origins of the chicken tender are somewhat debated, its popularity soared in the latter half of the 20th century, becoming a staple in American cuisine. This Parmesan Ranch twist, however, is a modern innovation, born from a desire to add a sophisticated yet approachable flair to a beloved dish. The combination of Parmesan and ranch is a match made in culinary heaven, offering a delightful balance of richness and tang that’s simply irresistible.

People adore this dish for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy and quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Second, the taste is phenomenal! The Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, savory depth, while the ranch seasoning provides a creamy, tangy kick. The crispy coating gives way to incredibly moist and tender chicken, creating a textural delight. Finally, Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders are incredibly versatile. Serve them as an appetizer, a main course with your favorite sides, or even sliced on top of a salad. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, these Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick strips
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for a little kick!)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• For the Parmesan Ranch Coating:
• 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch dressing mix
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• For Cooking:
• 1/2 cup olive oil (for pan-frying) or cooking spray (for baking)
• Optional Dipping Sauces:
• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard
• BBQ sauce

Preparing the Chicken

1. Prepare the Chicken Strips: First, take your chicken breasts and cut them into strips that are about 1-inch thick. This size is perfect for even cooking and ensures they’re easy to dip and eat. Make sure to trim off any excess fat or tendons.
2. Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. This marinade is going to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor. Add the chicken strips to the bowl, making sure they are fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. I usually aim for at least an hour!
3. Prepare the Baking Sheet (if baking): If you’re planning to bake the chicken tenders, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This prevents the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Lightly spray the parchment paper with cooking spray.

Making the Parmesan Ranch Coating

1. Combine the Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish or a large zip-top bag, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch dressing mix, dried parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. The panko breadcrumbs give the chicken a wonderfully crispy texture, while the Parmesan cheese and ranch dressing mix add a ton of flavor.

Coating the Chicken

1. Dredge the Chicken: Remove the chicken strips from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess drip off. One at a time, place each chicken strip into the Parmesan ranch coating mixture. Press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to ensure it’s fully coated on all sides. Make sure to really pack the breadcrumbs onto the chicken; this is key to getting that crispy, flavorful crust.
2. Place on Baking Sheet (if baking): If you’re baking the chicken, place the coated chicken strips onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching. This allows for even cooking and browning.

Cooking the Chicken Tenders

Baking Instructions:

1. Bake the Chicken: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). I like to flip the chicken tenders halfway through the baking time to ensure they brown evenly on both sides.
2. Rest (optional): Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken tender.

Pan-Frying Instructions:

1. Heat the Oil: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to sizzle when you add the chicken, but not so hot that it burns the breadcrumbs.
2. Cook the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken strips into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if necessary. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Again, the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
3. Remove and Drain: Remove the cooked chicken tenders from the skillet and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps keep them crispy.

Serving and Enjoying

1. Serve Immediately: Serve the Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
2. Dipping Sauces: These chicken tenders are delicious on their own, but they’re even better with dipping sauces! Ranch dressing, honey mustard, and BBQ sauce are all great options. Feel free to get creative and try other sauces as well.
3. Sides: Serve with your favorite sides, such as french fries, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Tips and Variations

• Air Fryer Option: For an even healthier option, you can air fry these chicken tenders. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the coated chicken tenders in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they aren’t touching. Cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the Parmesan ranch coating for a little extra heat.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese in the coating. Asiago, Romano, or even a blend of cheeses would be delicious.
• Herb Variations: Try adding other dried herbs to the coating, such as oregano, thyme, or basil.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
• Freezing Instructions: You can freeze these chicken tenders for later. After coating the chicken, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for about 2 hours, or until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, bake or pan-fry them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
• Buttermilk Substitute: If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make a quick substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.
• Panko Breadcrumb Substitute: If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture won’t be quite as crispy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When pan-frying, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. This will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy chicken tenders. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).

Why This Recipe Works

This Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders recipe is a winner because it combines the best of both worlds: tender, juicy chicken and a crispy, flavorful coating. The buttermilk marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor, while the Parmesan ranch coating adds a delicious cheesy, savory crunch. Whether you bake them, pan-fry them, or air fry them, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit with the whole family. Plus, they’re easy to customize with different spices and herbs to suit your taste.

Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.)

• Calories: Approximately 350-450 per serving (depending on cooking method and serving size)
• Protein: 30-40g
• Fat: 20-30g
• Carbohydrates: 15-25

Conclusion:

So, there you have it! These Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders are truly a game-changer. I know, I know, I might be biased, but trust me on this one. The combination of the savory Parmesan, the tangy ranch, and the perfectly crispy chicken is simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that disappears in minutes, leaving everyone wanting more. And honestly, isn’t that the ultimate sign of a successful recipe?

But what makes these tenders a must-try? It’s not just the incredible flavor, although that’s a huge part of it. It’s also the ease of preparation. We’re talking minimal ingredients, straightforward steps, and a relatively short cooking time. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal, or for a fun weekend gathering where you want to impress your guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Plus, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, appealing to both kids and adults alike. Who can resist a crispy, flavorful chicken tender, especially one that’s packed with cheesy, ranchy goodness?

Now, let’s talk serving suggestions and variations, because the possibilities are endless! Of course, these tenders are fantastic on their own, served with your favorite dipping sauces. Ranch dressing (obviously!), honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo would be amazing. But you can also get creative and incorporate them into other dishes. Imagine these tenders sliced and added to a fresh salad, or tucked into a warm pita bread with lettuce, tomato, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce. You could even use them as a topping for a homemade pizza, or as a filling for delicious chicken tacos.

For variations, consider adding a touch of spice to the breading mixture. A pinch of cayenne pepper or some red pepper flakes would give these tenders a nice kick. You could also experiment with different types of cheese. Instead of Parmesan, try using a blend of Parmesan and Romano, or even a sharp cheddar for a bolder flavor. And if you’re looking for a healthier option, you can bake the tenders instead of frying them. Simply place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. They won’t be quite as crispy as the fried version, but they’ll still be incredibly delicious.

I truly believe that these Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders will become a staple in your kitchen. They’re easy, flavorful, and versatile, making them the perfect choice for any occasion. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, preheat your oven (or frying pan!), and get ready to experience chicken tender perfection. I’m confident that you’ll love them as much as I do.

And finally, I’d absolutely love to hear about your experience making these tenders! Did you try any variations? What dipping sauces did you use? Did your family and friends enjoy them? Please, share your thoughts and photos in the comments below. Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me to create even better recipes in the future. Happy cooking!

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