Are you ready to take your weeknight dinners to the next level with a dish that’s both delicious and incredibly easy to make? Look no further than these irresistible Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders! With just a handful of ingredients and a mere 30 minutes of your time, you can whip up a crispy, golden-brown delight that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re serving them as a family meal or at a gathering with friends, these tenders are sure to impress. Get ready to discover how simple it is to create a dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for dipping!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C) and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a shallow bowl, pour the ranch dressing and set aside for coating the chicken tenders.
- In another shallow bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating adhere better.
- Dip each chicken tender first into the ranch dressing, ensuring it is completely coated on all sides.
- Immediately transfer the ranch-coated tender into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick evenly and completely cover the chicken.
- Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between each tender for even cooking.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from the oven and let the chicken tenders rest for 3-5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Serve hot with additional ranch dressing, marinara sauce, or your preferred dipping sauce.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the chicken tenders and coat them in the ranch dressing and breadcrumbs a few hours in advance. Just cover them and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken tenders will yield the best flavor and texture. If you can, opt for organic or free-range chicken for a tastier result.
- Customize Your Coating: Feel free to get creative with your breadcrumb mixture! Add spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for an extra kick, or substitute some of the breadcrumbs with crushed cornflakes for added crunch.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Make sure to leave space between each chicken tender on the baking sheet. This allows hot air to circulate, ensuring they cook evenly and become perfectly crispy.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken tenders reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption. This helps avoid undercooked chicken while ensuring juiciness.
- Serve with Dipping Sauces: Pair your baked tenders with a variety of dipping sauces like extra ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or marinara for a fun twist that everyone will love!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 425kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: g
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
