Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders
Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders offer a perfectly crunchy exterior infused with savory Parmesan cheese and tangy ranch seasoning. This quick and easy recipe produces golden tenders ideal for snacks, appetizers, or main dishes. Whether baked or fried, these kid-approved, flavorful tenders pair wonderfully with dips and sides, making them a versatile crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking or Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (with substitutions)
Chicken
- 1 lb fresh or thawed chicken tenders (chicken breast strips)
Coating
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt, to taste (about 1/2 tsp)
- Black pepper, to taste (about 1/4 tsp)
For Dredging and Binding
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
For Cooking
- Olive oil or cooking spray (for baking) or 2-3 tbsp oil for frying
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
- Set Up for Dipping: Place the flour in one bowl and the beaten eggs in another. These layers help the coating adhere properly to the chicken tenders.
- Coat the Chicken: Lightly dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shake off excess, then dip into the beaten eggs. Next, press the tenders firmly into the Parmesan ranch breadcrumb mixture until fully coated.
- Cook the Tenders: For baking: Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Arrange the coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over them. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. For frying: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook tenders about 3-4 minutes per side until golden, crispy, and cooked through.
- Serve and Enjoy: Allow cooked tenders to rest a few minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces, salads, or sides for an irresistible meal.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and crispiness.
- Press the coating firmly onto the chicken to prevent it from falling off during cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan or baking tray to ensure even crisping.
- Flip tenders once during cooking for a balanced golden crust.
- Let the tenders rest before serving to set the crisp coating.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders (approximately)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: Chicken tenders, Crispy chicken, Parmesan, Ranch seasoning, Appetizer, Snack, Kid-friendly, Gluten free option