If you’re craving a dish that combines irresistible crunch with rich, savory flavors, this Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken tenders get a luscious coating of melted butter, crispy Parmesan cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning, coming together to create a perfect harmony of textures and flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s simple to prepare but feels delightfully special, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to building the delicious layers in this recipe. Each plays a unique role, contributing to the crispy crust, flavorful bite, and appealing color that make this dish so memorable.
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: This adds a wonderfully sharp, salty flavor and helps develop the crispy coating.
- 1.0 ounce packet Ranch dressing seasoning mix: A blend of herbs and spices that infuses the chicken with classic zesty ranch taste.
- 2 pounds chicken tenders: Tender and juicy, they’re the perfect protein for this quick meal.
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted: Buttery richness that helps the coating stick and adds mouthwatering flavor.
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley leaves, divided: Adds a fresh herbal note and a pop of green color.
How to Make Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, get your baking sheet ready by lining it with parchment paper or greasing it lightly. This step ensures your chicken tenders won’t stick and allows that crispy crust to form perfectly.
Step 2: Mix the Parmesan and Ranch Seasoning
In a shallow bowl, combine the grated Parmesan cheese, the entire packet of ranch seasoning mix, and 1 tablespoon of the dried parsley. This mixture will create the flavorful coating that’s bursting with cheesy goodness and herby ranch zing.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Dip each chicken tender in the melted butter, making sure it’s well coated. Then roll it through the Parmesan-ranch mixture to cover every bit of its surface. Place the coated tenders evenly on the prepared baking sheet to ensure they bake evenly.
Step 4: Drizzle Butter Over the Tenders
Don’t toss out any leftover melted butter! Drizzle it over the coated chicken tenders before popping them in the oven. This extra touch helps crisp up the coating and adds buttery richness in every bite.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Bake the chicken for about 20 to 25 minutes or until the tenders are cooked through and the coating turns a gorgeous golden brown. The combination of butter and Parmesan creates a texture that’s just divine — crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of dried parsley over the chicken tenders. This little touch adds color and a fresh herbal lift to balance the rich flavors.
How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley or a light dusting of extra Parmesan cheese makes for a bright, pretty finish. For those who love a little kick, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can elevate the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crisp, refreshing sides. Think creamy mashed potatoes, a vibrant green salad dressed simply with lemon and olive oil, or roasted veggies for a wholesome touch. For a casual feast, crispy fries or onion rings are fantastic companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the tenders stacked on a platter with small bowls of ranch dip, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli to let guests customize their bites. You can also turn this dish into a tasty wrap by placing the tenders inside a tortilla with fresh lettuce and tomato for a quick and satisfying lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, ready for quick reheating.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, freeze the cooked tenders on a baking sheet first until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. Frozen tenders maintain their flavor and texture well for up to 1 month.
Reheating
To reheat and preserve that wonderful crispiness, pop the chicken tenders in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it tends to soften the coating.
FAQs
Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely! You can slice chicken breasts into strips similar in size to tenders. Just keep in mind the cooking time might vary slightly depending on thickness.
Is it possible to bake these without butter?
While butter adds great flavor and helps with crispiness, you can substitute it with olive oil for a lighter option. The tenders might be a touch less rich but still delicious.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just ensure that your ranch seasoning mix is gluten-free and use Parmesan cheese as is. This recipe naturally avoids traditional breading that contains gluten.
How can I make these spicy?
Add a dash of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika into your Parmesan-ranch mixture for a subtle heat. Serving with a spicy dipping sauce also kicks up the flavor nicely.
Can these chicken tenders be air-fried?
Definitely! Air-frying at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes usually gives you a wonderfully crispy exterior. Just make sure to spray them lightly with oil to help the coating crisp up.
Final Thoughts
Cooking up this Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe is like bringing a trusted favorite meal to your table with a fresh twist. The ease of preparation combined with the incredible taste and texture makes it a winner every time. So why wait? Gather your ingredients, embrace the fun coating process, and get ready for some happily crunchy, cheesy, and comforting chicken tenders that your family and friends will adore!
Print
Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken coated in a savory Parmesan and ranch seasoning mixture, baked to golden perfection. This recipe delivers a crispy, cheesy crust with just the right amount of herbaceous flavor, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1.0 ounce packet Ranch dressing seasoning mix
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley leaves, divided
Butter
- 1/2 cup salted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Coating Mixture: In a shallow bowl, thoroughly mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, ranch dressing seasoning mix, and 1 tablespoon of dried parsley. This will create a flavorful coating for the chicken tenders.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the melted butter to ensure the coating sticks well, then thoroughly press the chicken into the Parmesan-ranch mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer.
- Add Butter Drizzle: Drizzle any remaining melted butter over the top of the coated chicken tenders to enhance crispiness and flavor during baking.
- Bake Tenders: Bake the tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked, the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), and the coating is crispy and golden brown.
- Garnish and Serve: Once baked, sprinkle the remaining tablespoon of dried parsley over the chicken tenders to add a fresh, herbal finish. Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Substitute fresh parsley for dried if preferred; use 1 tablespoon fresh parsley finely chopped.
- To reduce sodium, opt for reduced salt butter or unsalted butter and adjust seasoning accordingly.
- Leftover tenders make great sandwich fillings or salad toppings.
