Best 6 Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipes

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Craving a juicy and flavorful chicken dish that will tantalize your taste buds? Look no further than ranch chicken tenders! These golden-brown delights are coated in a delectable ranch seasoning blend, ensuring a mouthwatering experience with every bite. Whether you prefer them crispy or tender, baked or fried, ranch chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey as we explore the secrets of creating the perfect ranch chicken tenders, guaranteed to become a hit at your next gathering or as an easy weeknight meal.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

RANCH CHICKEN TENDERS



Ranch Chicken Tenders image

Chicken seasoned with dry ranch mix, then breaded and baked, makes for some tasty tenders! For a more intense ranch flavor, serve with additional ranch dressing for dipping.

Provided by Melissa Conger

Categories     Meat and Poultry Recipes     Chicken     Chicken Breast Recipes

Time 40m

Yield 2

Number Of Ingredients 6

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ pound skinless, boneless chicken breast
1 (1 ounce) package dry ranch salad dressing mix (such as Hidden Valley Ranch®)
1 large egg
1 tablespoon milk
¾ cup plain bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Place butter in 9x13-inch baking dish and let melt in the preheating oven.
  • Slice chicken breast against the grain into thin strips.
  • Place ranch dressing mix in a small bowl. Whisk egg and milk together in a second bowl. Place bread crumbs in a third bowl.
  • Dredge each chicken strip in ranch dressing mix, then coat in egg mixture and cover with bread crumbs; arrange in the prepared baking dish.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Gently turn chicken pieces over and bake until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center reads 165 degrees F (74 degrees C), about 15 minutes longer.
  • Allow to rest 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 461.8 calories, Carbohydrate 36.7 g, Cholesterol 188.7 mg, Fat 19 g, Fiber 1.8 g, Protein 32.5 g, SaturatedFat 9.4 g, Sodium 1372.4 mg, Sugar 3.1 g

RANCH CHICKEN TENDERS



Ranch Chicken Tenders image

Family favorite Ranch flavors will delight everyone.

Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens

Categories     Entree

Time 30m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 5

1/3 cup ranch dressing
1 tablespoon chopped fresh basil leaves
1 cup Progresso™ plain panko crispy bread crumbs
1 package (14 oz) uncooked chicken tenders (not breaded)
Additional ranch dressing

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 400°F. Spray large cookie sheet with cooking spray.
  • In small bowl, mix 1/3 cup ranch dressing and the basil. In large resealable food-storage plastic bag, place bread crumbs. Dip chicken into ranch dressing mixture. Place chicken in bread crumb bag; seal and shake to coat. Place chicken on cookie sheet.
  • Bake 15 to 20 minutes, turning once, until chicken is no longer pink in center and bread crumbs are golden brown. Serve with additional ranch dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 320, Carbohydrate 20 g, Cholesterol 70 mg, Fat 1 1/2, Fiber 0 g, Protein 24 g, SaturatedFat 2 1/2 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 320 mg, Sugar 1 g, TransFat 0 g

CHICKEN TENDERS WITH BUTTERMILK RANCH DIPPING SAUCE



Chicken Tenders with Buttermilk Ranch Dipping Sauce image

Provided by Guy Fieri

Categories     main-dish

Time 2h35m

Yield 24 tenders

Number Of Ingredients 45

1 quart water
1/2 cup kosher salt
1/4 cup sugar
1 bay leaf
4 whole peeled garlic cloves
3/4 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/2 lemon
2 quarts ice cubes
1/2 cup buttermilk
1/4 cup pickle juice
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, for seasoning
4 eggs, beaten
3 cups panko breadcrumbs
1 cup cornstarch
1 1/2 tablespoons dried oregano
1 1/2 tablespoons garlic powder
1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon paprika
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, for seasoning
1/2 cup fajita seasoning
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic salt
1 1/2 teaspoons chili powder
1 tablespoon superfine sugar
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
24 chicken tenders (about 2 2/3 pounds), tendons removed
Canola oil, for deep frying
Buttermilk Ranch Dipping Sauce
1 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
4 to 5 turns fresh ground black pepper
Pinch of cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Make the brine: Combine the water, salt, sugar, bay leaf, garlic, pepper and lemon in a large stock pot and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce the heat and let simmer until fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes.
  • When done, remove from the heat, add the ice cubes and stir until the liquid is chilled. Add the buttermilk and pickle juice. Stir well then pour enough brine over the chicken tenders in a large bowl to submerge them. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours.
  • Make the seasoned flour: Combine the ingredients in a medium bowl and mix well.
  • Make the panko breading: Take half of the panko breadcrumbs and pulse in a food processor until fine. Combine with the remaining ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix well and set aside.
  • Make the seasoning: Combine the ingredients in a small bowl, mix well and set aside.
  • Prepare the chicken tenders: Remove the chicken tenders from the brine and pat dry. Set up a breading station with the seasoned flour, egg wash and panko breading. Working with 1 or 2 tenders at a time, lightly coat in the seasoned flour, dip in the egg wash, then place in the panko breading. Cover the tender in the breading then firmly press the tender flat with your palm to an even 1/4 inch thick. Flip and press again as needed to achieve even thickness and breading.
  • Preheat 3 to 4 inches of oil in a Dutch oven to 350 degrees F. Working in batches, fry the chicken tenders, turning occasionally, until golden brown all over and cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from the oil to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Season the tenders evenly all over with the seasoning and serve with the dipping sauce.
  • In a medium bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until well combined and creamy in texture. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, up to 5 days.

OVEN BAKED ONION RANCH CHICKEN TENDERS



Oven Baked Onion Ranch Chicken Tenders image

This recipe is almost identical to Kittencal's Easy and Delicious Ranch-Parmesan Chicken (Recipe #200296). I used all the same spices. I had chicken tenders left after I used up all of the seasoned breading from her recipe (because I wasn't using the size she stated in the recipe) so I mixed more using Frenches Brand French Fried Onions instead of the parmesan cheese and everyone loved them. She had the option of using less spices and you can do that with this one if you want, but we liked it with the full teaspoon of spices. Also due to the onions being fried, I left the butter off of the Onion Ranch batch because there was enough fat from the onions to brown nicely. As Kittencal said, you can marinate your chicken in the ranch dressing 2 -24 hours (highly recommend it because it was wonderful). I marinated mine for 18 hours. Prep time does not include marinating, but is longer than Kittencal's because of the smaller, more numerous pieces taking longer to coat.

Provided by SwoR8193

Categories     Chicken Breast

Time 29m

Yield 20-30 chicken tenders, 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 1/2 lbs chicken breast tenders
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 cup French-fried onions
1 teaspoon seasoning salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup ranch salad dressing

Steps:

  • Set oven to 400° F with rack in lowest position.
  • Lightly grease a 13 x 9-inch or larger foil lined baking sheet.
  • Place the fried onions in a shallow bowl and crush them until they are about the size of your panko bread crumbs. I used an absorbant paper towel to crush them to remove some of the excess oil.
  • Add the panko, seasoned salt, black pepper and garlic powder to the crushed onions and mix together.
  • Dip the chicken into the ranch to coat and allow excess to drip off.
  • Coat in the onion and panko mixture.
  • Place in a single layer on the greased baking sheet. Do not use a smaller baking sheet to prevent soggy chicken coating.
  • Bake uncovered for 7 minutes turn and cook until done. Usually another 7 to 10 minutes depending on the size of the tenderloins. This will take longer if you use full size chicken breast.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 593.4, Fat 34.7, SaturatedFat 5.7, Cholesterol 115, Sodium 882.9, Carbohydrate 22.9, Fiber 1.6, Sugar 4.2, Protein 43.9

CRUNCHY RANCH CHICKEN TENDERS



Crunchy Ranch Chicken Tenders image

My kids will love these tasty homemade ranch chicken tenders!

Provided by Anonymous

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Land O'Lakes, Inc.

Time 30m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 7

⅔ cup corn flake cereal crumbs*
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 Land O'Lakes® Eggs, slightly beaten
1 (1 ounce) package dry ranch-flavored dressing mix
1 pound boneless skinless chicken tenders
3 squares Land O'Lakes® Garlic & Herb Saute Express®
Ranch dressing

Steps:

  • Place corn flake crumbs, flour and eggs each into individual shallow bowls. Add ranch dressing mix to flour; stir until combined.
  • Coat each chicken tender with flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into beaten egg. Press into corn flake crumbs.
  • Melt Saute Express® squares in 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-low heat just until bubbles begin to form.
  • Place coated chicken tenders into skillet. Cook, turning occasionally, 10-12 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink.
  • Serve with ranch dressing.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 345.5 calories, Carbohydrate 21.9 g, Cholesterol 146.4 mg, Fat 13.7 g, Fiber 0.4 g, Protein 30.1 g, SaturatedFat 5.7 g, Sodium 793 mg, Sugar 1.1 g

YOGURT RANCH DRESSING MARINATED CHICKEN LEGS AND TENDERS



Yogurt Ranch Dressing Marinated Chicken Legs and Tenders image

Provided by Rachael Ray : Food Network

Time 55m

Yield 4 servings

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 cups Greek-style yogurt or reduced fat yogurt
1/2 cup milk
2 large cloves garlic, grated
1 tablespoon granulated onion, a palmful
1 tablespoon paprika, a palmful
1 tablespoon hot sauce
1/4 cup finely chopped chives
A small handful dill leaves, finely chopped
Pinch salt and freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning
12 white meat tenders and 6 chicken leg drummers
Vegetable or any light frying oil
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon mustard powder, a palmful
1 tablespoon poultry seasoning or ground thyme
1 tablespoon sweet paprika or smoked sweet paprika, a palmful
1 1/2 teaspoons turmeric
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/3 palmful
Honey and hot sauce, for serving
Pickle spears, carrot and celery sticks and salted radishes, for serving

Steps:

  • Dressing: Combine the yogurt and milk in a medium bowl. Add all of the remaining ingredients and stir to incorporate.
  • Wash and dry the chicken pieces and coat them in the dressing.
  • Heat a couple of inches of frying oil in a large Dutch oven over medium to medium-high heat. The oil is ready when rapid bubbles surround the handle of a wooden spoon when submerged in the oil.
  • Put the flour in large double-bagged paper sack and add the mustard, poultry seasoning or thyme, paprika, turmeric and cayenne. Add the chicken tenders and shake to coat them in the flour. Using tongs add the chicken to the hot oil. Tenders will fry in 7 to 8 minutes time while you bread the 6 drummers. Remove the tenders to a cooling rack and add the drummers, they will take about 12 minutes for the juices to run clear. Remove the drummers to the cooling rack and season all of the chicken with salt while still hot.
  • Arrange the chicken on a serving platter and serve it at room temperature or cold with hot sauce and honey for topping. Pickles, celery, carrot sticks and salted radishes make crunchy accompaniments.

Tips:

  • Choose the right chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders for even cooking and tender results.
  • Tenderize the chicken: Pounding the chicken lightly with a meat mallet or rolling pin helps break down the fibers, resulting in more tender chicken.
  • Use a flavorful marinade: Marinating the chicken in a mixture of buttermilk, spices, and herbs infuses it with flavor and keeps it moist during cooking.
  • Coat the chicken properly: Ensure the chicken is evenly coated in the breading mixture to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
  • Fry the chicken at the right temperature: Maintain a consistent oil temperature of around 350°F (175°C) to prevent the chicken from overcooking or undercooking.
  • Drain the chicken thoroughly: After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil for a crispy texture.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauce: Ranch dressing is a classic choice, but feel free to experiment with other sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or sriracha mayo.

Conclusion:

Homemade ranch chicken tenders are a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as an appetizer, main course, or even as a game-day snack. With the right ingredients, preparation techniques, and a touch of creativity, you can create delicious and crispy ranch chicken tenders that will satisfy your cravings. So gather your ingredients, follow the steps outlined in the recipes, and get ready to indulge in a delightful culinary experience that combines the classic flavors of ranch dressing and tender, juicy chicken.

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