Crispy Panko Ranch Chicken (Print)

Golden-baked tenders with crunchy panko and zesty ranch. Easy 35-minute family meal.

# Components:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
04 - 0.5 teaspoon paprika
05 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 0.25 teaspoon onion powder

→ Wet Coating

08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 2 tablespoons milk or non-dairy milk

→ For Serving

10 - Ranch dressing or preferred dipping sauce
11 - Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or coat lightly with nonstick cooking spray.
02 - In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until well combined.
03 - In another shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning mix, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
04 - Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
05 - Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the panko mixture, pressing gently to help breading adhere.
06 - Place breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly apart.
07 - Lightly spray the tops of the coated tenders with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
08 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking, until the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
09 - Remove from oven and serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and your preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Maximum Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs provide a light, airy texture that stays crispy even after baking.
  • Zesty Flavor: The ranch seasoning mix adds a complex blend of herbs and spices without extra effort.
  • Quick Preparation: With only 15 minutes of prep, it’s an ideal solution for busy weeknights.
  • Kid-Approved: A familiar flavor profile that makes it a winner for even the pickiest eaters.
02 -
  • Pat Dry: Always use paper towels to dry the chicken tenders before breading; this helps the egg wash stick better.
  • Oil Spray: A light mist of cooking spray on top of the panko before baking is essential for that deep golden color.
  • Spacing: Do not overcrowd the baking sheet; giving each tender space ensures they bake evenly and get crispy rather than steaming.
Back