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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Marination: Immerse chicken tenders in buttermilk, letting them luxuriate at room temperature for 30-45 minutes to infuse flavor and maximize tenderness.
- Coating Preparation: Blend all-purpose flour, ranch seasoning mix, black pepper, and parsley in a shallow dish, creating a zesty, textured breading.
- 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.
- Oil Preparation: Heat vegetable oil in a deep Dutch oven to 375°F, using a precise thermometer to ensure optimal frying conditions.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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