Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe: Zesty Family Favorite

Crispy, golden ranch chicken tenders shimmer with irresistible flavor that makes taste buds dance.

Seasoned home cooks know these tender morsels pack a punch of zesty deliciousness.

The secret lies in a perfectly crafted ranch coating that delivers maximum crunch and satisfaction.

Each bite promises a delectable blend of herbs and spices that complement the juicy chicken.

You’ll savor every crisp, flavorful piece straight from the kitchen.

These tender chicken strips work magic as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or satisfying main dish.

Let’s find out this simple yet mouthwatering recipe that guarantees smiles around the dinner table.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Power Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders

• Buttermilk, Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix: Tenderizes chicken and infuses deep, tangy ranch flavor that penetrates every bite, creating a zesty base for the chicken.

• All-Purpose Flour, Coarse Ground Black Pepper, Dried Parsley: Creates a perfectly seasoned, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and delivers a satisfying crunch with herbal undertones.

• Canola Oil, Peanut Oil: Provides a neutral, high-heat cooking medium that ensures even, golden-brown frying without overpowering the chicken's delicate ranch flavor.

• Chicken Tenderloins: Delivers lean, tender meat that absorbs marinade beautifully and cooks quickly, making it ideal for a quick and delicious meal.

Must-Have Tools for Ranch Chicken Tenders

• Dutch oven or deep fryer: Essential for heating oil to the perfect frying temperature.
• Large bowl: Needed for soaking chicken tenders in buttermilk.
• Shallow bowl: Used for mixing flour and seasoning coating.
• Wire rack: Great for draining fried chicken and letting excess oil drip off.
• Candy thermometer or flour: Helps check oil temperature for perfect crispy tenders.
• Tongs: Perfect for safely placing and removing chicken from hot oil.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Ensure accurate ingredient measurements.

Making Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders at Home

• Ranch Soaking Station

Let those chicken strips take a buttermilk bath for maximum flavor and tenderness. The longer they soak, the more delicious they’ll become, with the tangy dairy helping to break down the meat and create an irresistible texture.

• Flavor Coating Magic

Create a zesty seasoned flour mixture that will transform ordinary chicken into a crispy sensation. The ranch seasoning brings a punch of herbal goodness that makes these tenders totally addictive.

• Oil Temperature Precision

Get your cooking vessel ready with oil heated to the perfect golden-brown temperature. The right heat ensures a crunchy exterior that locks in all the juicy goodness of the chicken.

• Crispy Transformation

Carefully lower the coated chicken pieces into the sizzling oil, allowing them to turn a beautiful amber color. Flip them gently to ensure even cooking and that perfect crunch every time.

• Draining and Serving

Let the tenders rest on a wire rack to shed excess oil, keeping them wonderfully crisp. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces for a crowd-pleasing meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tips to Get That Perfect Ranch Crunch

• Add extra crunch by mixing panko breadcrumbs with the flour mixture for an ultra-crispy exterior that stays crunchy longer.
• For maximum tenderness, marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk overnight in the refrigerator to help break down proteins and enhance flavor depth.
• Create exciting ranch variations by mixing in sriracha, chopped herbs, or roasted garlic to elevate the classic ranch dipping experience.
• Transform this recipe into a lighter version by baking chicken tenders on a wire rack at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, turning once halfway through cooking time for even browning.
• Adjust ranch seasoning intensity by adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for those who love a bit of heat, or keep it mild for kids and sensitive palates.

How to Serve Ranch Chicken Tenders with Style

• Party Platter Perfection: Arrange these golden crispy tenders on a large wooden board with small dipping sauce bowls scattered around, creating a crowd-pleasing appetizer spread for game nights or casual gatherings.
• Dipping Sauce Delight: Prepare a variety of ranch, honey mustard, barbecue, and sriracha mayo sauces to complement the zesty ranch-seasoned coating, giving guests multiple flavor options to enjoy.
• Family Meal Companion: Serve alongside crispy french fries, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad to transform these chicken tenders into a complete and satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults.
• Picnic and Lunch Box Star: Pack cooled tenders in airtight containers for easy school lunches or outdoor picnics, ensuring a delicious protein-packed meal that stays crispy and flavorful.

Reheat and Save Ranch Chicken Tenders Easily

• Smart Storage Solutions: Transfer leftover chicken tenders to an airtight container and refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Reheating Magic: Restore crispiness by warming tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, which helps maintain their crunchy exterior better than microwave reheating.
• Freezer-Friendly Trick: Wrap cooled chicken tenders individually in parchment paper, then place in a freezer-safe bag. These can stay delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare a larger batch of tenders during the weekend, then portion and store for quick weeknight meals. Simply reheat in the oven for a fast, delicious dinner that saves time and reduces daily cooking stress.

Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Sizzling ranch chicken tenders deliver crispy, herb-infused goodness that elevates weeknight dinners. Crunchy exterior and juicy meat make this simple dish a crowd-pleasing favorite you’ll want to add to your recipe rotation.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) chicken tenderloins, boneless, skinless
• 2 cups (473 ml) buttermilk
• 1 packet buttermilk ranch dressing seasoning mix
• 2 cups (240 g) all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp coarse ground black pepper
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Canola or peanut oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Marination: Immerse chicken tenders in buttermilk, letting them luxuriate at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to infuse flavor and maximize tenderness.
2. Coating Preparation: Blend all-purpose flour, ranch seasoning mix, black pepper, and parsley in a shallow dish, creating a zesty, textured breading.
3. Breading Process: Drain chicken tenders from buttermilk, then meticulously coat each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to secure an even, crisp exterior.
4. Oil Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a deep Dutch oven to 375°F, using a precise thermometer to ensure optimal frying conditions.
5. Frying Technique: Gently introduce breaded tenders into the hot oil in small batches, rotating midway to achieve a uniform, golden-brown crust and ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Finishing Touch: Rest fried chicken tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet, allowing excess oil to drip away while maintaining their irresistible crispiness.
7. Serving Suggestion: Present immediately alongside ranch, honey mustard, or spicy aioli for a mouthwatering dipping experience.

Notes

• Marinate Wisely: Buttermilk bath helps tenderize chicken and infuse deep flavor, so don’t rush the 30-45 minute soaking process.
• Coat Carefully: Press seasoned flour mixture firmly onto chicken to create a thick, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and delivers maximum crunch.
• Temperature Control: Maintain consistent 375°F oil heat to prevent soggy or greasy chicken tenders, using a thermometer for precision cooking.
• Drain Properly: Let fried tenders rest on a wire rack instead of paper towels to preserve crispiness and prevent steam from softening the golden crust.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg