Description
Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken coated in a crispy blend of Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, and panko breadcrumbs. Perfectly baked to golden perfection, these tenders offer a balanced combination of crunchy exterior and juicy interior, ideal for family dinners, parties, or quick meals.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
For Cooking
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Pat the chicken tenders dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Prepare three shallow bowls: one with flour seasoned with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning mix.
- Coat the Chicken: Lightly dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Dip the floured tender into the beaten eggs to moisten, then press firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure each side is evenly coated with the mixture.
- Cook the Tenders: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking oil. Arrange the coated tenders on the baking sheet without overcrowding and spray their tops lightly. Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and fully cooked. Alternatively, shallow fry in hot oil for about 3–4 minutes per side until golden and crispy.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the cooked tenders to rest briefly on a wire rack or paper towels to maintain their crispiness before serving.
Notes
- Dry your chicken tenders well to ensure the coating sticks properly and avoids sogginess.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum flavor and better texture.
- Press the breadcrumb mixture firmly onto each tender for an even, crunchy crust.
- Preheat your oven or oil to ensure instant crispiness when cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet or frying pan to allow even cooking and crisping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 tenders
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg