Ranch Chicken Tenders

There’s something truly comforting about homemade Ranch Chicken Tenders that takes me back to family game nights when everyone gathered around the table, dipping and munching away. This recipe brings together simplicity and flavor, making it an absolute winner for busy weeknights. Coated in savory ranch seasoning and baked to crispy perfection, these tenders are not only delicious but also a breeze to whip up. Join me on this culinary adventure, and let’s create some delectable memories together!

What is Ranch Chicken Tenders?

Ranch Chicken Tenders are a delightful twist on the classic chicken tender. They start with boneless, skinless chicken breast, which is cut into strips and seasoned with a dry ranch dressing mix, giving them a burst of flavor that sets them apart from regular breaded chicken. After being dipped in an egg mixture and coated in breadcrumbs, they're baked until golden and crispy. What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is – it takes just minutes to prep, and then you let the oven do the work! Plus, for an extra kick of ranch goodness, you can serve them with more ranch dressing for dipping. It's a fun and tasty dish that kids and adults alike will enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter • ½ pound skinless, boneless chicken breast • 1 (1 ounce) package dry ranch salad dressing mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch®) • 1 large egg • 1 tablespoon milk • ¾ cup plain bread crumbs Substitutions: - For unsalted butter, you can use olive oil or coconut oil. - Any boneless chicken can work, such as chicken thighs. - Homemade ranch seasoning can replace the store-bought mix. - For milk, substitute with almond milk or any plant-based milk. - Use panko bread crumbs for extra crunch if preferred.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• 9x13-inch baking dish • Small bowl • Whisk • Second bowl • Third bowl • Instant-read thermometer • Oven • Cooling rack

Recipe Card

Ranch Chicken Tenders

Course Dinners

Cuisine American

Difficulty Easy

Servings 4 Servings

Prep Time 30 minutes

Cook Time 35 minutes

Total Time 65 minutes

Calories 600 Kcal

Enjoy crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders with a flavorful twist! Easy to make and perfect for dipping, they're a hit for all ages!

Ingredients

• • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• • ½ pound skinless, boneless chicken breast
• • 1 (1 ounce) package dry ranch salad dressing mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch®)
• • 1 large egg
• • 1 tablespoon milk
• • ¾ cup plain bread crumbs
• Substitutions:
• - For unsalted butter, you can use olive oil or coconut oil.
• - Any boneless chicken can work, such as chicken thighs.
• - Homemade ranch seasoning can replace the store-bought mix.
• - For milk, substitute with almond milk or any plant-based milk.
• - Use panko bread crumbs for extra crunch if preferred.

Instructions

• Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
• Step 2: Place 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a 9x13-inch baking dish and let it melt in the preheating oven.
• Step 3: Slice ½ pound of skinless, boneless chicken breast against the grain into thin strips.
• Step 4: In a small bowl, place 1 (1 ounce) package of dry ranch salad dressing mix.
• Step 5: In a second bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon of milk.
• Step 6: In a third bowl, place ¾ cup of plain bread crumbs.
• Step 7: Dredge each chicken strip in the ranch dressing mix, then coat it in the egg mixture, and finally cover it with bread crumbs. Arrange the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish.
• Step 8: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
• Step 9: Gently turn the chicken pieces over and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).
• Step 10: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How to make Ranch Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Step 2: Place 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a 9x13-inch baking dish and let it melt in the preheating oven. Step 3: Slice ½ pound of skinless, boneless chicken breast against the grain into thin strips. Step 4: In a small bowl, place 1 (1 ounce) package of dry ranch salad dressing mix. Step 5: In a second bowl, whisk together 1 large egg and 1 tablespoon of milk. Step 6: In a third bowl, place ¾ cup of plain bread crumbs. Step 7: Dredge each chicken strip in the ranch dressing mix, then coat it in the egg mixture, and finally cover it with bread crumbs. Arrange the coated chicken in the prepared baking dish. Step 8: Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Step 9: Gently turn the chicken pieces over and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C). Step 10: Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Some Tips

- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken strips in a bit of ranch dressing for 30 minutes before breading. - Make sure to slice the chicken thinly and evenly for a quicker and more even bake. - Don’t skip letting the tenders rest for a few minutes after baking; it helps keep them juicy!

How To Store Leftovers

To store your leftover Ranch Chicken Tenders, simply place them in an airtight container and let them cool to room temperature. Once they’re cool, pop the lid on and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them for up to 2 months. Just make sure to reheat them thoroughly when you’re ready to enjoy them again!

What To Eat With?

These ranch chicken tenders pair perfectly with crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad. For a fun twist, serve them with crunchy veggie sticks and extra ranch for dipping!

Can I use a gluten-free bread crumb alternative for this recipe, and if so, do I need to make any adjustments?

Yes, you can use gluten-free bread crumbs! No major adjustments needed; just ensure they are well-coated for best texture. Enjoy your meal!

Can I make this recipe in an air fryer instead of baking it in the oven, and what adjustments would I need to make?

Yes, you can! Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Cook the chicken strips for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until they reach 165°F. Enjoy!

Can I use a different type of dressing mix instead of ranch, and will it affect the flavor or cooking time?

Yes, you can use a different dressing mix! Just note that it will change the flavor, but cooking time remains the same. Enjoy experimenting!

Can I use an alternative to the egg for coating the chicken, and if so, what would you recommend?

You can use milk, yogurt, or a mixture of flour and water as an egg substitute for coating the chicken. Enjoy your cooking!

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator before baking, and if so, how long can it be stored?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Enjoy your meal prep!

Conclusion

And there you have it – delicious Ranch Chicken Tenders that are super easy to make! Perfect for a family meal or a fun snack. Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and enjoy together!