Pin Experience the ultimate crunch with these Golden-baked Crispy Panko Ranch Chicken Tenders. Infused with zesty ranch seasoning and coated in a light, airy panko crust, these tenders are oven-baked to perfection. Whether you are preparing a quick family dinner or looking for the ideal party appetizer, these chicken strips deliver satisfying flavor and a delightful texture that everyone will love.
Pin Baking chicken tenders at a high temperature ensures the exterior becomes golden and crisp while the inside remains tender and juicy. The addition of paprika and garlic powder enhances the savory ranch profile, making these tenders stand out from standard store-bought versions.
Ingredients
- Chicken: 1 ½ lbs (680 g) chicken tenders (or chicken breasts cut into strips)
- Breading: 1 cup (60 g) panko breadcrumbs, 1 packet (1 oz / 28 g) ranch seasoning mix, ½ teaspoon paprika, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- Wet Coating: 2 large eggs, 2 tablespoons milk (or non-dairy milk)
- For Serving (optional): Ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce, fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Step 1
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with nonstick spray.
- Step 2
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk to make the wet coating.
- Step 3
- In another shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning mix, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Step 4
- Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
- Step 5
- Dip each chicken tender first into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Step 6
- Arrange breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Step 7
- Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Step 8
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden and the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Step 9
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and your favorite dipping sauce.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For extra crispiness, place tenders on a wire rack set over the baking sheet. This allows heat to circulate entirely around the chicken, preventing the bottom from getting soft. Always ensure you pat the chicken dry before starting the breading process to help the egg wash adhere properly.
Varianten und Anpassungen
You can easily adapt this recipe to suit dietary needs. Substitute gluten-free panko and a certified gluten-free ranch seasoning for a gluten-free version. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the panko mixture to create spicier tenders.
Serviervorschläge
Garnish the hot tenders with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve with a side of classic ranch dressing, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce. For beverages, pair this meal with a crisp, dry white wine or a refreshing sparkling lemonade for a family-friendly option.
Pin With their golden crust and zesty flavor, these Crispy Panko Ranch Chicken Tenders are sure to become a staple in your recipe rotation. Enjoy them fresh from the oven for the best texture and taste.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I get the crispiest coating?
Spray the tops of breaded tenders with cooking spray before baking. For extra crunch, place them on a wire rack over the baking sheet instead of directly on parchment paper. This allows air circulation for superior crispiness.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes. Substitute regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko and use a ranch seasoning mix certified gluten-free. The coating method remains exactly the same.
- → What internal temperature should chicken reach?
Chicken is safe when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of a tender to ensure proper doneness without overcooking.
- → Can I air fry these instead?
Absolutely. Cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. The air fryer creates excellent crunch with less oil. Adjust time based on tender thickness.
- → How long do leftovers stay fresh?
Store cooled tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as the coating becomes soggy.
- → What dipping sauces pair well?
Classic ranch dressing is natural choice. Also try honey mustard, buffalo sauce, barbecue, or garlic aioli. For kids, ketchup or honey BBQ are popular options.