Tangy Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe for Kids

Crispy chicken tenders glazed with parmesan ranch seasoning dance between comfort and culinary excitement.

Perfectly golden and crunchy, these tenders bring restaurant-quality flavor straight to your dinner table.

The blend of tangy ranch and savory parmesan creates an irresistible coating that transforms ordinary chicken into something spectacular.

Each tender promises a delightful crunch that breaks through to tender, juicy meat inside.

Simple ingredients and straightforward techniques make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with these mouthwatering chicken tenders that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this recipe and watch these crispy delights become your new family favorite.

Tools To Make Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Crunchy

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for even cooking and crispy chicken tenders.
• Wire Rack (optional): Helps achieve extra crispiness by allowing air circulation.
• Shallow Dishes (3): Essential for creating breading stations with flour, eggs, and breadcrumb mixtures.
• Whisk: Perfect for mixing eggs and combining dry ingredients smoothly.
• Paper Towels: Crucial for patting chicken dry before breading.
• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve golden, crispy exterior.
• Meat Thermometer: Ensures chicken reaches safe internal temperature of 165F.

How To Fry Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Perfectly

• Oven Preparation

Set the oven to a sizzling 400 degrees. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper to create the perfect crispy canvas for your chicken adventure.

• Breading Bliss

Create three magical stations using shallow dishes. The first holds a mix of flour and ranch magic. The second gets a whisked egg bath. The final station combines panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, and seasonings that will make your taste buds dance.

• Chicken Transformation

Gently pat the chicken tenders until completely dry. Each tender takes a flavor journey – first rolling in flour, then swimming in egg, and finally getting a luxurious coating of crispy breading. Nestle each piece onto the prepared baking sheet like a golden treasure.

• Crispy Perfection

Give your soon-to-be-amazing tenders a light spray of cooking magic. Slide them into the hot oven and let them bake until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. They’re ready when the internal temperature hits 165 degrees and they look irresistibly crunchy.

• Delicious Finale

Pull out these beauties and serve immediately. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement. Enjoy the crispy, flavor-packed chicken that’s about to become a family favorite.

Tasty Twists For Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

• Crispy Crunch Mastery: Learn how to get the perfect golden-brown exterior every single time by ensuring your chicken tenders are completely dry before breading.
• Ranch Seasoning Boost: Make your own homemade ranch mix for a more intense, fresher flavor by combining dried herbs like dill, parsley, and chives with garlic powder and onion powder.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular flour and panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives like almond flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe celiac-friendly without losing the signature crunch.
• Low-Carb Twist: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour for a keto-friendly version that maintains the crispy texture while reducing carbohydrate content dramatically.
• Spice Level Options: Add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the breading mixture for those who enjoy a spicy kick, transforming these chicken tenders into a zesty, flavor-packed meal that'll wake up your taste buds.

Ways To Serve Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Hot

• Ranch Dip Delight: Whip up a quick homemade ranch dressing by mixing sour cream, mayonnaise, fresh herbs, and the leftover ranch seasoning mix for a creamy, tangy companion to your crispy chicken tenders.
• Veggie Sidekick Platter: Create a colorful vegetable platter with crisp carrot sticks, cucumber rounds, and celery stalks to add freshness and crunch alongside the golden chicken tenders.
• Family-Style Feast: Transform the chicken tenders into a fun weeknight meal by serving on a large platter with multiple dipping sauces like honey mustard, barbecue, or spicy sriracha mayo for everyone to enjoy.
• Game Night Crowd-Pleaser: Slice the chicken tenders into bite-sized pieces and serve as an appetizer during movie or game nights, perfect for easy sharing and guaranteed to disappear quickly.

Store Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders For Next Time

• Refrigerator Refresh Strategy: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Keep them in a single layer to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
• Freezer-Friendly Technique: Freeze cooled chicken tenders in a sealed freezer bag for maximum 2 months. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking and maintain individual portions.
• Reheating Magic Trick: Restore crispiness by warming tenders in a preheated oven at 375F for 10-12 minutes. Avoid microwave, which can make breading soggy and chicken rubbery.
• Prep-Ahead Power Move: Bread chicken tenders in advance and store uncooked in refrigerator for up to 24 hours. This allows flavors to develop and makes weeknight cooking faster and easier.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 420 kcal

Servings: 3

Ingredients Needed For Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

• All-Purpose Flour: Provides a light base layer for the breading, helping other ingredients stick perfectly.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Creates an ultra-crispy, airy exterior that gives these tenders their signature crunch.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a savory, nutty flavor and helps create a golden-brown crust.

• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Infuses the chicken with tangy, herbal notes that elevate the entire dish.
• Garlic Powder: Brings a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the chicken's natural taste.
• Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and beautiful reddish hue to the coating.

• Eggs: Act as a crucial glue to help the breading adhere and create a rich, golden exterior.
• Water: Helps thin the eggs for even coating and ensures a smooth breading process.
• Chicken Tenders: Choose fresh, uniform-sized tenders for consistent cooking and maximum juiciness.
• Cooking Spray: Helps achieve an extra-crispy finish and prevents the coating from becoming too dry.

Golden Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 3 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy parmesan ranch chicken tenders deliver a mouthwatering blend of crunchy exterior and juicy meat. Seasoned with zesty ranch and golden parmesan, these tenders will satisfy dinner cravings with minimal effort.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tbsp water
• 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ¼ tsp paprika
• Cooking spray or olive oil spray
• Ranch dressing
• Honey mustard sauce
• Marinara sauce

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preparation Setup: Ignite the oven to 400F (200C) and strategically drape a parchment paper across the baking sheet to promote optimal heat distribution and guarantee a crisp exterior.
2. Seasoning Stations: Construct three distinct coating zones – first, merge flour with ranch seasoning; second, whisk eggs and water into a seamless liquid; third, blend panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, and remaining ranch seasoning into a robust mixture.
3. Breading Technique: Thoroughly pat chicken tenders dry, then execute a precise coating ritual. Dredge each tender in seasoned flour, eliminating excess. Bathe the floured piece in egg mixture, then meticulously press into breadcrumb blend, ensuring complete and even coverage.
4. Baking Process: Spritz breaded tenders with cooking spray to amplify crispiness. Arrange on prepared sheet and roast in preheated oven, rotating midway through cooking cycle. Bake until achieving a golden-brown crust and reaching an internal temperature of 165F, roughly 18-20 minutes.
5. Serving Presentation: Plate the sizzling chicken tenders immediately, accompanied by a complementary dipping sauce. Optional herb garnish adds visual allure and nuanced flavor complexity.

Notes

• Moisture Matters: Pat chicken tenders completely dry before breading to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy coating.
• Strategic Coating Technique: Create a consistent, even layer by gently pressing breadcrumb mixture onto chicken, ensuring full coverage and crisp texture.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal chicken temperature reaches 165F for safe consumption and perfectly cooked meat.
• Spray for Extra Crunch: Lightly mist cooking spray before baking to enhance golden-brown color and create an extra crispy exterior.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 3
• Calories: 420
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 170 mg