Description
These Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders are a deliciously crunchy and flavorful baked chicken recipe, perfect for a quick dinner or a tasty appetizer. Coated with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning, these tenders bake to golden perfection while staying juicy inside. Served with fresh parsley and your favorite dipping sauce, they’re sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
Coating
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
Garnish (optional)
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper until well combined to create a flavorful crust for the chicken.
- Prepare the Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and olive oil (or melted butter) until fully blended. This mixture will help the coating stick to the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture ensuring it is completely coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly so the crumbs adhere well to the surface.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet to promote even baking and maximum crispiness.
- Bake the Chicken Tenders: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through to cook evenly on both sides. The chicken is done when golden brown, crispy, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Cool and Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. This helps the coating set and prevents burns when eating.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Optionally sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.
Notes
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Make sure to flip the chicken tenders halfway through baking for even browning.
- Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked.
- For a dairy-free version, omit Parmesan and choose a dairy-free ranch seasoning mix or substitute with additional spices.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the oven or air fryer for best texture retention.
