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
Scale
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.
