If you are craving a dish that perfectly balances crunchy, savory, and tangy flavors, this Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe is about to become your new favorite go-to. Imagine tender chicken strips enveloped in a golden, cheesy crust with that unmistakable zing of ranch seasoning that elevates every bite. It’s comfort food with a bit of a gourmet twist, so simple to make yet utterly impressive for family dinners or casual entertaining.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients, each playing a vital role in bringing depth and irresistible texture. From salty Parmesan to rich melted butter and the iconic ranch seasoning, everything is designed to work together in perfect harmony.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty flavor that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- 1.0 ounce packet Ranch dressing seasoning mix: Brings that classic tangy ranch taste that elevates every bite.
- 2 pounds chicken tenders: The star protein, naturally tender and ideal for rapid cooking.
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted: Keeps the coating moist and allows the seasoning to adhere perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley leaves, divided: Adds a fresh, herbaceous finish and a pop of color.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light grease to prevent sticking and make clean-up a breeze. This sets the stage for perfectly cooked, crispy tenders.
Step 2: Combine the Dry Coating
In a shallow bowl, mix the grated Parmesan cheese, ranch dressing seasoning mix, and one tablespoon of dried parsley. This combination is what gives the chicken its flavor-packed, crunchy coating that will seal in juiciness.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Dip each chicken tender into the melted butter, ensuring it’s well covered. Then, dredge the tenders in the Parmesan-ranch mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres evenly. Arrange each coated tender neatly on your prepared baking sheet.
Step 4: Drizzle with Remaining Butter
Once all tenders are coated and placed on the baking sheet, drizzle any leftover melted butter over them. This extra layer of butter will help create that golden, crispy crust we all love.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake the tenders in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating has turned a lovely golden brown. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering by this point.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of dried parsley over the cooked chicken tenders for a fresh touch of color and herbaceous brightness before serving.
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives adds a vibrant pop of green and a fresh flavor contrast to the crispy, cheesy coating. For an added zest, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can brighten up the whole dish amazingly well.
Side Dishes
Pair these tenders with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, or a crisp green salad for a balanced meal. They also shine as finger food alongside tangy dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or even a smoky barbecue sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these tenders stacked on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of your favorite dips for an inviting appetizer platter. You can also slice them to top salads or grain bowls, turning this Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe into a versatile main event anytime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Allow your chicken tenders to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the coating intact means they’ll still taste great the next day.
Freezing
If you want to save them for longer, place cooled tenders on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be stored for up to 2 months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, the oven or a toaster oven is your best friend to keep the tenders crispy. Warm at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until hot throughout. Avoid microwaving, which can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into strips similar to tenders and follow the same coating and baking instructions. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on thickness.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The traditional recipe doesn’t use flour, but always check the ranch seasoning mix for gluten ingredients. There are many gluten-free ranch seasoning options available to keep it safe.
What can I substitute for Parmesan cheese?
For a different flavor, Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese work great and still provide that sharp, savory bite. Keep the same quantity for best results.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely! Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some smoked paprika to the Parmesan-ranch mix to give it a gentle heat that complements the richness well.
What dipping sauces pair well with these chicken tenders?
Classic ranch or honey mustard are favorites, but you can also try barbecue sauce, buffalo sauce, or even a creamy garlic aioli for a delicious twist.
Final Thoughts
This Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor that feels special every time you make it. Whether you’re cooking for busy weeknights or hosting friends, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed at how such a simple recipe can deliver such big, delicious results.
Print
Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders are a deliciously crunchy and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken coated in a cheesy, savory ranch seasoning crust. Baked to perfection, these chicken tenders deliver the perfect balance of creamy butter, sharp Parmesan cheese, and zesty ranch flavor, topped with fresh parsley for a bright finish. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or casual gathering, this recipe is quick to prep and bakes to a golden, crispy perfection.
Ingredients
Cheese and Seasoning Mix
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.0 ounce packet Ranch dressing seasoning mix
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley leaves, divided
Chicken and Coating
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, ranch dressing seasoning mix, and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley. Mix thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the melted butter, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, roll the butter-coated chicken tender in the Parmesan-ranch mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the coating well. Arrange each coated tender on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle Remaining Butter: After all tenders are coated and placed on the sheet, drizzle any remaining melted butter over the top to enhance crispness and flavor.
- Bake Until Crispy: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. The chicken should be cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F, and the coating should be golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of dried parsley over the tenders for a fresh, herbaceous finish. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Substitute fresh parsley if available for a fresher taste and more vibrant color.
- Use unsalted butter and adjust salt accordingly if you prefer to control sodium intake.
- Serve with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
- Ensure chicken tenders are evenly sized for consistent cooking.
