Pin Whip up a batch of these Golden-baked Crispy Panko Ranch Chicken Tenders for a meal that satisfies the whole family. By combining the irresistible crunch of panko breadcrumbs with the classic, savory flavor of ranch seasoning, you get a gourmet twist on a comfort food staple. These tenders are oven-baked to a perfect golden brown, offering a lighter alternative to traditional frying while keeping every bite juicy and flavorful.
Pin The secret to these tenders is the multi-layered coating process. By dipping the chicken in a simple egg wash followed by a seasoned panko mixture, you ensure the breading adheres perfectly. This method creates a thick, textured crust that locks in the juices of the chicken, resulting in a tender interior and a snappy exterior.
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 the tenders on a wire rack set over the baking sheet to allow air to circulate underneath. Ensure you use tongs to flip the chicken halfway through to keep the breading intact.
Varianten und Anpassungen
To make this dish gluten-free, simply substitute gluten-free panko and use a gluten-free ranch seasoning mix. For those who enjoy a kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breading mixture for spicier tenders.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these tenders hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley. They pair beautifully with a creamy ranch dressing or honey mustard for dipping. For a complete meal, serve with a crisp, dry white wine or sparkling lemonade for the kids.
Pin Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a party appetizer, these Crispy Panko Ranch Chicken Tenders are a reliable crowd-pleaser that brings a satisfying crunch to every occasion.
Recipe Q&A
- → How do I get the crispiest coating?
Spraying the tops with cooking spray before baking helps achieve maximum crunch. For extra crispiness, place tenders on a wire rack over the baking sheet so air circulates underneath.
- → Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, substitute gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and ensure your ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free. The coating method remains exactly the same.
- → What temperature should the chicken reach?
The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the thickest part of a tender.
- → Can I air fry these tenders?
Yes, cook at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through. The air fryer produces excellent results and may cook faster than the oven.
- → How long do leftovers keep?
Store cooled tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 375°F oven for 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Microwaving may make them soggy.
- → What dipping sauces work best?
Ranch dressing is classic, but honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or spicy buffalo sauce pair wonderfully. A simple garlic aioli also complements the seasoning blend.