Name: Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders: The Ultimate Crispy Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick strips; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups panko breadcrumbs; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup olive oil (for pan-frying) or cooking spray (for baking)

Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders are about to become your new weeknight dinner obsession! Forget boring, bland chicken – we're talking juicy, flavorful tenders coated in a crispy, cheesy, herby crust that will have everyone begging for seconds. Are you ready to ditch the drive-through and create a restaurant-worthy meal in the comfort of your own kitchen?

While the exact origins of chicken tenders are debated, their popularity exploded in the late 20th century, becoming a staple in American cuisine. This particular twist, however, elevates the humble chicken tender to a whole new level. The addition of Parmesan cheese and ranch seasoning isn't just a flavor boost; it's a symphony of savory, tangy, and umami that dances on your palate.

People adore these Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders for so many reasons. First, the taste is simply irresistible. The combination of salty Parmesan, creamy ranch, and perfectly cooked chicken is a match made in heaven. Second, the texture is divine – a satisfying crunch on the outside gives way to tender, juicy chicken on the inside. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, they're incredibly easy to make! This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick, delicious, and crowd-pleasing meal. Get ready to experience chicken tenders like never before!

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch thick strips
1 cup buttermilk
1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for a little kick!)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Parmesan Ranch Coating:

2 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 packet (1 oz) dry ranch dressing mix
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste, depending on the saltiness of your Parmesan and ranch mix)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Cooking:

1/2 cup olive oil (for pan-frying) or cooking spray (for baking)

Preparing the Chicken

Okay, let's get started! First, we need to prep our chicken. This step is crucial for tender and flavorful chicken tenders.

Cut the Chicken: Take your chicken breasts and slice them into strips that are about 1-inch thick. You want them to be uniform in size so they cook evenly. If some are significantly thicker, they'll take longer to cook, and you risk drying out the thinner ones. I usually aim for strips that are about 4-5 inches long.
Marinate the Chicken: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper. The buttermilk is key here – it helps to tenderize the chicken and keeps it super moist during cooking. The hot sauce adds a subtle kick, but don't worry, it won't make them overly spicy. If you're sensitive to spice, you can definitely skip it.
Submerge the Chicken: Add the chicken strips to the buttermilk mixture, making sure they're fully submerged. This ensures that every piece gets coated and benefits from the tenderizing effects of the buttermilk.
Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will be. I usually aim for at least an hour if I have the time.

Preparing the Parmesan Ranch Coating

While the chicken is marinating, let's get our delicious Parmesan Ranch coating ready. This is where all the flavor magic happens!

Combine Dry Ingredients: In a shallow dish or on a large plate, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, dry ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Mix Well: Use a fork or your fingers to thoroughly mix all the ingredients together. Make sure the ranch dressing mix is evenly distributed throughout the breadcrumbs and Parmesan. This ensures that each chicken tender gets a consistent coating of flavor.

Coating the Chicken

Now for the fun part – coating the chicken! This is where we transform those marinated chicken strips into crispy, flavorful Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders.

Prepare Your Workstation: Set up a workstation with the bowl of marinated chicken on one side and the dish of Parmesan Ranch coating on the other. This will make the coating process much smoother and less messy.
Dredge the Chicken: Take one chicken strip at a time from the buttermilk marinade, letting any excess buttermilk drip off. Then, place the chicken strip into the Parmesan Ranch coating.
Coat Thoroughly: Use your hands to press the breadcrumb mixture onto the chicken, making sure it's completely coated on all sides. Don't be shy – really pack that coating on there! The more coating, the crispier and more flavorful the tenders will be.
Place on a Plate: Place the coated chicken tender on a clean plate or baking sheet. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with the remaining chicken strips until all the chicken is coated.

Cooking the Chicken Tenders: Pan-Frying Method

I personally love pan-frying these chicken tenders because it gives them a beautiful golden-brown color and a super crispy texture. Here's how to do it:

Heat the Oil: Pour the olive oil into a large skillet over medium heat. You want enough oil to cover the bottom of the skillet in a thin layer. Let the oil heat up for a few minutes until it's shimmering and hot. To test if the oil is ready, you can drop a small breadcrumb into the skillet. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough.
Cook in Batches: Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Overcrowding will lower the temperature of the oil and result in soggy chicken tenders. Cook in batches, leaving some space between each tender.
Cook Each Side: Cook the chicken tenders for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they're golden brown and cooked through. Use tongs to flip the tenders and ensure even cooking. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Remove and Drain: Once the chicken tenders are cooked through, remove them from the skillet and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This helps to keep them crispy.
Repeat: Repeat steps 2-4 with the remaining chicken tenders until all the chicken is cooked.

Cooking the Chicken Tenders: Baking Method

If you prefer a healthier option or want to avoid the mess of pan-frying, baking these chicken tenders is a great alternative. They still come out crispy and delicious!

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the chicken tenders from sticking and make cleanup easier.
Arrange Chicken Tenders: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, making sure they're not touching. This allows for even cooking and browning.
Spray with Cooking Spray: Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray. This helps them to get crispy in the oven.
Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are golden brown and cooked through. Flip the tenders halfway through baking to ensure even browning on both sides. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

Serving and Enjoying

Alright, the chicken tenders are cooked and ready to go! Now it's time to serve them up and enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Serve Immediately: Serve the Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders immediately while they're still hot and crispy.
Dipping Sauces: These chicken tenders are delicious on their own, but they're even better with dipping sauces! Some of my favorite dipping sauces include ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, and ketchup. Feel free to get creative and try out different sauces to find your perfect pairing.
Sides: Serve the chicken tenders with your favorite sides. Some great options include french fries, coleslaw, mashed potatoes, corn on the cob, and a simple salad.
Enjoy! Most importantly, enjoy your delicious homemade Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders! They're perfect for a weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a fun snack.

Conclusion:

And there you have it! These Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders are truly a game-changer. I know, I know, I might be a little biased, but trust me on this one. The crispy, golden-brown coating, the burst of savory Parmesan, and the creamy, tangy ranch flavor all combine to create a symphony of deliciousness that will have everyone begging for more. This isn't just another chicken tender recipe; it's an experience! Why is this a must-try? Because it's incredibly easy to make, uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and delivers restaurant-quality flavor without the restaurant price tag. Plus, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or even a fancy appetizer spread. Forget those bland, boring chicken tenders you're used to – these are packed with flavor and texture that will tantalize your taste buds. But the fun doesn't stop there! The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Feeling adventurous? Try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a little kick. Or, if you're a garlic lover like me, add a teaspoon of garlic powder for an extra layer of savory goodness. For a healthier twist, you can bake these tenders instead of frying them. Simply preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. As for serving suggestions, the possibilities are endless! These Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders are fantastic on their own with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch dressing is a classic choice, of course, but honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo would be equally delicious. They're also amazing in salads, wraps, or even as a topping for pizza. Imagine these crispy tenders nestled in a bed of fresh greens with a drizzle of ranch dressing and some crumbled bacon – yum! Or, try slicing them up and adding them to a warm tortilla with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite toppings for a quick and easy lunch. I personally love serving them with a side of crispy sweet potato fries and a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal. My kids adore them dipped in ketchup (I know, I know, not very sophisticated, but hey, they're happy!), and my husband loves them with a cold beer while watching the game. No matter how you choose to enjoy them, I guarantee these tenders will be a hit. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some culinary magic. I'm confident that you'll love these Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders as much as I do. And now for the most important part: I want to hear from you! Once you've tried this recipe, please come back and share your experience in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What dipping sauce did you use? What did your family think? I'm always eager to hear your feedback and learn from your experiences. Happy cooking! I can't wait to hear all about your delicious creations!