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
- 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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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