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
Scale
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.
