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Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders combine tender chicken strips with a crunchy, golden crust made from Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, and panko breadcrumbs. This quick and easy recipe delivers bold, zesty flavors and an irresistible texture that’s perfect for snacks, lunches, or dinners. Bake or fry to achieve a super crispy coating that stays crunchy while keeping the inside juicy and flavorful.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken tenders

Coating Mixture

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup ranch seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs)
  • Optional spices: 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp black pepper

Binder

  • 2 large eggs

Cooking Aids

  • Olive oil or cooking spray for baking or frying

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Coating: Combine the Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, flour, panko breadcrumbs, and optional spices in a shallow bowl. Mix thoroughly to ensure even flavor and texture.
  2. Set Up the Dipping Station: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. This will act as the binder allowing the coating to stick perfectly to the chicken tenders.
  3. Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender first into the egg wash, letting excess drip off, then dredge it in the Parmesan-ranch mixture. Press gently to cover every surface evenly.
  4. Cook to Crispy Perfection: For baking, place coated tenders on a greased baking sheet, lightly spray with oil, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. For frying, heat oil to medium-high and cook tenders 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  5. Rest and Serve: Let the tenders rest for a couple of minutes after cooking to seal in juices, then serve hot for the ultimate crispy bite.

Notes

  • Use panko breadcrumbs for a lighter, crunchier texture.
  • Allow cooked tenders to rest a few minutes to let juices redistribute and the coating to crisp further.
  • For extra crunch, double dip the tenders by repeating the egg wash and coating step before cooking.
  • Pat chicken tenders dry before coating to help the crust adhere better.
  • Preheat oven or oil before cooking to lock in crispiness quickly.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
  • Category: Appetizers
  • Method: Baking
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4 tenders
  • Calories: 320 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 120 mg

Keywords: crispy chicken tenders, parmesan chicken, ranch chicken, crunchy chicken, quick chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken tenders