Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe
If you’re craving a dish that delivers both crunch and a burst of flavor, this Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture tender chicken strips coated in a golden, crispy Parmesan and ranch seasoned crust, baked to perfection for a juicy inside and irresistible crunch outside. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a crowd-pleasing appetizer, this recipe combines simplicity with a taste-packed punch that feels both comforting and exciting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients come together to create that unforgettable crispy texture and bold flavor. Each element plays a critical role, from the savory tang of the ranch seasoning to the richness of buttery Parmesan crust.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty crispiness that forms the backbone of the coating.
- 1.0 ounce packet Ranch dressing seasoning mix: Brings classic herbaceous ranch flavor without any fuss.
- 2 pounds chicken tenders: The star protein, tender and perfect for quick cooking.
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted: Ensures a golden, crispy crust and keeps the chicken moist.
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley leaves, divided: Adds a fresh pop of color and a subtle herbaceous note to finish.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat is essential for getting that golden, crispy coating on your chicken tenders. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking, making cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Coating
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, the entire packet of Ranch dressing seasoning mix, and 1 tablespoon of the dried parsley leaves. This mixture is what will transform your tenders into crispy, flavorful bites that everyone will love.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tender into the melted butter, ensuring it’s fully coated to act as the perfect sticky base. Then, dredge the chicken in the Parmesan-ranch mixture, pressing lightly to make sure the coating adheres well. Place each coated tender neatly on your prepared baking sheet, getting ready to bake.
Step 4: Add More Butter and Bake
Drizzle any leftover melted butter over the chicken tenders; this extra step guarantees a golden, crispy texture all over. Bake the tenders in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the coating has turned an appealing crispy golden brown.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of dried parsley over the top. This final touch adds freshness and a vibrant green pop that makes the dish as pretty as it is delicious.
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
For a simple yet elegant finish, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over your tenders just before serving. A light squeeze of fresh lemon can brighten the rich flavors beautifully and add a refreshing lift to each bite.
Side Dishes
These chicken tenders pair perfectly with crispy fries, a fresh garden salad, or even creamy mashed potatoes. For a lighter option, steamed vegetables or a crunchy coleslaw complement the crispy coating wonderfully without overwhelming the palate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders on a platter with several dipping sauces like garlic aioli, honey mustard, or classic ranch for an irresistible appetizer spread. You can also layer them inside a wrap with lettuce and tomato for a crunchy, flavorful lunch twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keeping the coating intact is easiest if you cool them completely before storing.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked tenders by arranging them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transferring to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months and remain delicious when reheated.
Reheating
To maintain that all-important crispiness, reheat leftover tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! If you prefer, slice chicken breasts into strip shapes similar in size to tenders. Just be mindful of cooking times since thicker pieces might need a few extra minutes in the oven.
Is Ranch seasoning mix necessary?
Yes, the Ranch seasoning mix is key for that iconic herby and tangy flavor. If you want to make it from scratch, combine dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder with salt and pepper.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, just double-check that your Ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free—many are already—and feel free to use gluten-free Parmesan cheese if necessary. The recipe itself is naturally gluten-free aside from those potential seasoning ingredients.
How do I get an extra crispy coating?
Make sure each tender is thoroughly coated with melted butter before dredging in the Parmesan-ranch mixture. Also, giving a light press as you coat helps the mixture adhere better. Baking at a high temperature ensures the coating crisps nicely.
Can this recipe be fried instead of baked?
You can pan-fry these tenders in butter or oil for a different texture and quicker cooking time, but baking keeps things lighter while still delivering great crispiness.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and has that perfect crispy texture that everyone adores. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends, or just indulging yourself, these chicken tenders deliver every time. So grab your ingredients and get baking – your new favorite comfort food awaits!
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Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders are a deliciously crunchy and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken strips coated in a savory blend of Parmesan cheese and ranch seasoning. Oven-baked to golden perfection, these chicken tenders offer a perfect balance of cheesy, herbaceous, and buttery flavors, making them ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a tasty snack.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.0 ounce packet Ranch dressing seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley leaves, divided
Butter
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Mix Coating: In a shallow bowl, thoroughly combine the grated Parmesan cheese, ranch dressing seasoning mix, and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley. This mixture will create the flavorful crispy crust on the chicken tenders.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the melted butter ensuring it is fully coated. Then, roll the chicken tenders in the Parmesan-ranch mixture, pressing gently so the mixture adheres well. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Add Extra Butter: Drizzle any remaining melted butter over the coated chicken tenders for added richness and to help the coating become extra crispy during baking.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the tenders in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked thoroughly (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and sprinkle evenly with the remaining tablespoon of dried parsley for a fresh herbal finish. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Notes
- Using parchment paper or greasing the baking sheet helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- For extra crispiness, you can use a wire rack on top of the baking sheet to allow air circulation around the tenders while baking.
- This recipe works great with chicken breasts cut into strips if tenders are unavailable.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated for best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
