Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

Oh, you’re in for a treat! If you’ve ever craved crispy, golden chicken tenders that are packed with flavor, then look no further. These Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders are everything you want in a chicken tender—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and loaded with the rich, savory flavors of Parmesan cheese and zesty ranch seasoning. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, enjoying a cozy dinner at home, or packing a lunch, these tenders are guaranteed to become your new favorite. They’re easy to make, crazy delicious, and honestly, just plain addictive. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!

Why You’ll Love Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

Here’s why this recipe is bound to become a staple in your kitchen:

Crispy and Crunchy Perfection

These chicken tenders get their irresistible crunch from a perfectly seasoned, golden breading that’s made with Parmesan and panko breadcrumbs. The texture is chef’s kiss—crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside.

Bold and Flavorful

Ranch seasoning and Parmesan come together for a flavor-packed coating that gives these tenders a savory, slightly tangy bite. The Parmesan adds a rich, nutty flavor, while the ranch seasoning brings that familiar herby kick that everyone loves.

Quick and Easy

This recipe comes together in no time. You don’t need any fancy techniques—just dip, dredge, and bake (or fry, if you prefer!). You can have crispy chicken tenders ready in under 30 minutes.

Kid-Friendly and Crowd-Pleasing

These tenders are a hit with both kids and adults. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, and they’re sure to disappear in minutes. They make the perfect weeknight dinner, game-day snack, or party appetizer.

Customizable

Feel free to tweak the seasoning to suit your taste! Want more heat? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Prefer extra cheesy flavor? Double the Parmesan. You can make them just the way you like them.

Ingredients

Let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make these crispy chicken tenders:

For the Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Tenderloins: The star of the show! Chicken tenderloins are naturally juicy and perfect for a quick cook time.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated Parmesan adds a nutty, savory depth to the breading and helps achieve that crispy texture.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: These give the tenders their signature crunch. Panko is lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, which is exactly what we want here.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: This seasoning blend brings a herby, tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the chicken and Parmesan.
• Eggs: Eggs act as the binder for the breadcrumbs and help the coating stick to the chicken.
• All-Purpose Flour: This helps give the chicken a light dusting before it’s dipped in the egg wash and breadcrumb mixture.
• Olive Oil (for frying or drizzling): For crisping the tenders. You can either bake them with a drizzle of olive oil or fry them in a bit of oil for extra crispiness.

Optional Dipping Sauce

• Ranch Dressing or Honey Mustard: For that extra flavor punch! Ranch dressing pairs perfectly with the ranch-seasoned tenders, but honey mustard adds a sweet tangy contrast.

Instructions

Ready to make the crispiest, most flavorful chicken tenders of your life? Here’s how:

Prepare the Chicken

1. Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). If you’re frying instead of baking, heat up your oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Coat the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenderloins dry with paper towels to ensure the breading sticks well. Set up a dredging station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, beat the eggs in a second shallow dish, and mix the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning in a third dish.
3. Dredge the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the flour, coating it evenly. Next, dip it into the egg wash, and then dredge it in the panko-Parmesan mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the breading sticks. Repeat with all the chicken tenders.

Cook the Chicken

1. Bake for Crispy Perfection: If baking, place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased wire rack. Drizzle them with a little olive oil (or spray with cooking spray) to ensure they get nice and crispy. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy on the outside and cooked through in the center.
2. Fry for Extra Crunch: If you prefer frying, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the tenders in batches for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.

Serve and Enjoy

Once your tenders are golden and crispy, it’s time to serve them up. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce (ranch or honey mustard are always a hit!) and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 800mg
Total Carbohydrates: 20g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Total Sugars: 1g
Protein: 33g
Vitamin D: 0mcg
Calcium: 150mg
Iron: 2mg
Potassium: 400mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (baking) or 10-12 minutes (frying)
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

These tenders are super versatile, so you can serve them in a variety of ways to suit your needs:

As a Main Dish

Serve the tenders with a side of crispy fries, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. You can even add some steamed vegetables or corn on the cob for a complete meal.

As an Appetizer

These tenders are great as finger food for parties or gatherings. Serve them alongside a variety of dipping sauces (think ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue) and let your guests go to town.

In a Wrap or Sandwich

For a fun twist, load these tenders onto a soft bun or wrap. Add some lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for an easy, handheld meal.

With a Side of Veggies

Pair these crispy tenders with roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, sweet potato fries, or a simple cucumber salad for a lighter option.

Additional Tips

• Make it Extra Crispy: For an even crispier coating, you can double-dip the chicken. After dipping it in the egg wash, coat it again with the breadcrumb mixture.
• Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes to regain the crispy texture.
• Freezer-Friendly: If you want to make a big batch ahead of time, you can freeze the breaded chicken tenders before cooking. Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for about an hour. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat, bake them directly from frozen, adding an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.
• Gluten-Free Option: If you need a gluten-free option, substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
A1: Yes, but panko gives the tenders that extra crispiness. If you use regular breadcrumbs, they may not be as crunchy, but the flavor will still be delicious.

Q2: Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can bread the chicken tenders a day ahead and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook them.

Q3: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A3: Absolutely! Baking is a healthier option, and it still results in a deliciously crispy coating when you drizzle a little olive oil over the breaded tenders before baking.

Q4: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
A4: Yes, just slice the chicken breasts into strips about the size of a tenderloin. Keep in mind that chicken breasts may take a little longer to cook.

Q5: Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?
A5: For sure! If you prefer homemade ranch seasoning, just use a blend of dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder.

Q6: How do I make sure the tenders cook through without burning the outside?
A6: If baking, make sure to flip the tenders halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. If frying, cook in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause uneven cooking.

Q7: Can I add extra cheese to the breading?
A7

: Absolutely! Adding more grated Parmesan or even some mozzarella to the breading would make these tenders even cheesier and more decadent.

Q8: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of tenderloins?
A8: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs would work beautifully here. Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs can take a little longer to cook through.

Q9: How long will these chicken tenders last?
A9: Stored in the fridge, they’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. Reheat them in the oven to keep them crispy.

Q10: Can I freeze the cooked tenders?
A10: Yes, cooked tenders can be frozen. Make sure they’re fully cooled before placing them in a freezer-safe container. Reheat them in the oven to bring back their crunch.

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Conclusion
These Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders are the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and comfort. Whether you bake or fry them, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. So gather up those ingredients, and get ready to enjoy the crispiest, cheesiest, most flavorful chicken tenders you’ve ever tasted. It’s time to make dinner delicious again!

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