Ranch Chicken Tenders
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Why These Ranch Chicken Tenders Are a Game Changer
- Crispy, Crunchy Outside, Juicy Inside: We all know that perfect chicken tender should have a crunchy exterior but stay tender and juicy on the inside. These ranch chicken tenders do just that.
- Bold Ranch Flavor: If you love ranch, you’re going to adore these. The ranch seasoning adds that bold, zesty flavor we crave in everything from salad to fries—now, it’s making its way into your chicken tenders.
- Super Easy: No need to stress over complicated recipes. This one is straightforward and can be done in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute guests.
This recipe is so simple and doesn’t take very many ingredients.
INGREDIENTS
- 1.5-2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1/2 c buttermilk
- 2 c whole wheat panko breadcrumb, you can use regular panko as well.
- 1 ranch seasoning packet
That’s all you need!
Sometimes instead of the buttermilk and ranch together, I use Greek yogurt ranch for this recipe because I have it on hand and it also tenderizes the meat like buttermilk. If you use greek yogurt ranch, you don’t have to mix buttermilk and 1/2 the ranch packet together later.
How to make Homemade Ranch Chicken Tenders
You can easily make your own chicken tenders at home. It only takes a few simple steps. First salt and pepper your chicken.
Tenderize the chicken
For this easy chicken tenders recipe, you will start off marinating your chicken in buttermilk mixed with half the pack of ranch. Mix it all together and let it marinate for 30 minutes to help tenderize the chicken. If you can’t let it sit for 30 minutes, that’s okay.
If you use greek yogurt ranch, just mix 1/2 c greek yogurt ranch with the chicken tenders.
How To Bread Crispy Chicken Tenders
In a bowl, mix together panko breadcrumbs and half of the ranch seasoning packet.
Take a chicken tender out of the buttermilk and dip it into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat it fully.
How To Make Ranch Chicken Tenders In The Oven
Preheat oven to 400°F.
I like to use a baking sheet with a wire baking rack on top. This helps the air circulate and get the chicken nice and crispy.
If you don’t have a baking rack you can line your pan with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray.
Then, place your chicken strips on your wire baking rack or baking sheet.
Bake for 12 minutes. Flip chicken and bake for another 10-12 minutes or until chicken is golden brown and cooked to 165°F inside.
ENJOY!
How To Make Ranch Chicken Tenders In The Air Fryer
Spray the chicken tenders and inside the air fryer with a little oil.
Cook breaded chicken tenders at 390°F for 8 minutes.
Flip the chicken and cook another 3-5 minutes.
The chicken is done when golden brown and cooked to 165°F on the inside.
Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might have to make the chicken tenders in batches.
PIN THIS FOR LATER!
How To make Ranch Chicken Tenders
Serving Ranch Chicken Tenders
I like to serve my homemade ranch chicken tenders with ranch of course. For the adults I like to mix ranch and sriracha or any hot sauce you like to make a spicy ranch that tastes delicious with this easy chicken tender recipe.
Ranch Healthy Baked Chicken Strips Substitutions
Gluten Free: Substitute gluten free panko breadcrumbs in place of the regular breadcrumbs.
You will also want to make sure your ranch seasoning packet is gluten free.
All the rest of the steps are the same.
Can I Freeze My Homemade Chicken Tenders?
YES! Cook them and then freeze them. You can reheat them in the oven or the air fryer to make them nice and crispy.
Why You’ll Love Them
Okay, real talk: everyone loves chicken tenders. They’re nostalgic, comforting, and always a safe bet when you need to please a crowd. But ranch chicken tenders? Those are next-level. The ranch flavor adds a whole new layer of taste that’s just too good to resist. Plus, they’re versatile! Serve them with some roasted veggies, fries, or even toss them into a salad for a more filling meal.
I hope you’re as excited as I am to try these out. Trust me, once you make them, you’ll be craving them all the time. So, grab those chicken tenders and get cooking—you won’t regret it!
Other Chicken Recipes You Might Love
- Air Fryer Greek Chicken with Tzatziki Sauce
- Garlic and Parmesan Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner
- Instant Pot Honey Garlic Chicken
If you try this recipe, please leave a rating and let me know in the comments below. I hope you love this as much as we do!
Be sure to tag #cakestokale on Instagram and Facebook if you make any of my recipes, I love to see them and share them!
Ranch Chicken Tenders
These Ranch Chicken Tenders are easy to make and can be made in the oven or air fryer.
Ingredients
- 1.5-2 lbs Chicken Tenders
- 1/2 c Buttermilk
- 2 c Panko Breadcrumbs
- 1 Ranch Seasoning Packet
- Salt and Pepper
Instructions
- Salt and pepper chicken tenders.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, buttermilk and half the ranch seasoning packet. Let marinate for 30 minutes if you can.
- In a small bowl, combine panko and the other half of the ranch seasoning packet.
- Dip each chicken tender into the panko mixture, coating fully.
AIR FRYER COOKING
- Place chicken into air fryer.
- Cook for 8 minutes at 390° F.
- Flip chicken over and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
OVEN COOKING
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place chicken tenders onto a baking sheet with a wire baking rack on top. If you do not have a wire baking rack you can use parchment paper or spray your pan with cooking spray.
- Bake for 12 minutes.
- Flip chicken and bake for another 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken if golden brown and cooked to internal temperature of 165°F.
Serve with dipping sauce of choice. Of course, I love Ranch with this recipe.
Notes
If you make these chicken tenders in the air fryer, you might have to make them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 307Total Fat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 1507mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 1gSugar: 2gProtein: 43g
Nutrition is calculated with products I use, therefore it is not always accurate. The recipe and directions posted here are property of Cakes to Kale and subject to copyright. You may not screenshot this recipe for sharing on social media.
Looks Yummy! I’ll have to add this to next week’s meal plan. Thanks!
This looks so good! I’m always trying new ways to make chicken strips and this is a new one for me!
So easy – I love the addition of the ranch and using Greek Yogurt.
Great alternative for fried chicken,will give it a try soon
I love chicken tenders and I’m always looking for healthier ways to make them. Thanks for sharing this recipe, I will be making them soon.