Crunchy Ranch Chicken Fingers
Crispy, golden, and packed with flavor, these Crunchy Ranch Chicken Fingers are the ultimate family-friendly recipe! Tender strips of juicy chicken are marinated in tangy buttermilk, then coated in a savory mixture of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning for a perfectly crunchy exterior. A hint of paprika and garlic powder adds just the right touch of spice, while baking on a wire rack ensures even crispiness without the need for deep frying. Ready in just 35 minutes, these oven-baked chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to fast food, perfect for weeknight dinners or game-day snacks. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue for a truly irresistible meal everyone will love!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
- 1.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- as needed olive oil spray
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set a wire rack on top for a crispier result. Lightly spray the rack with olive oil spray.
Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Toss to coat and let them marinate for at least 10 minutes while preparing the breading mixture.
In a shallow dish, combine panko breadcrumbs, grated parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Coat each tender thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks.
Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared wire rack. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with olive oil spray for extra crispiness.
Bake the tenders in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Flip them halfway through cooking to ensure even crisping.
Remove from the oven and let the chicken rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1238 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.5 g | 48% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.0 g | 75% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.5 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 362 mg | 121% | |
| Sodium | 5380 mg | 234% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 86.3 g | 31% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.1 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 20.4 g | ||
| Protein | 142.6 g | 285% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.2 mcg | 16% | |
| Calcium | 808 mg | 62% | |
| Iron | 6.5 mg | 36% | |
| Potassium | 1783 mg | 38% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
