Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

Featured in Satisfying Hearty Mains.

Easy baked chicken tenders with a crispy coating made from panko, parmesan, and ranch seasoning. Ready in under 30 minutes after marinating.

Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 16:15:44 GMT
A plate of golden-brown crispy chicken tenders, one of which is cut open to reveal a creamy filling. Pin it
A plate of golden-brown crispy chicken tenders, one of which is cut open to reveal a creamy filling. | recipesbyclare.com

My crispy parmesan ranch chicken tenders bring comfort food magic to your table. That perfect crunch savory cheese ranch seasoning creates something truly special. Simple ingredients easy steps pure deliciousness.

Pure Comfort

These tenders get everything right crispy outside juicy inside. Buttermilk keeps them tender while parmesan ranch coating makes every bite pop with flavor. Everyone asks for the recipe.

What You Need

  • Chicken: One pound fresh tenders best.
  • Buttermilk: One cup makes them tender.
  • Panko: One cup brings the crunch.
  • Parmesan: Half cup adds savory depth.
  • Ranch Mix: One packet pure flavor.
  • Garlic: Teaspoon powder perfect touch.
  • Paprika: Teaspoon smoky goodness.

Let's Cook

First Soak
Let chicken rest in buttermilk gets tender.
Mix Coating
Blend crumbs cheese seasonings together.
Bread Them
Press chicken in crumbs coat well.
Bake Time
Four hundred degrees flip once perfect crisp.
A close-up image of golden-brown, breaded chicken tenders, with one piece cut in half to show the tender white meat inside. Pin it
A close-up image of golden-brown, breaded chicken tenders, with one piece cut in half to show the tender white meat inside. | recipesbyclare.com

Extra Crispy Tips

Quick spray with oil before baking makes them crunchier. Like heat? Add cayenne to coating makes them spicy good.

Perfect Partners

Dip in ranch marinara whatever you love. Add salad roasted vegetables fries makes it a meal.

Keep Them Fresh

Stays good three days in fridge. Warm in oven keeps them crispy. Skip microwave makes them soggy.

Freeze For Later

Freeze them raw on tray then bag them up. Bake straight from freezer twenty minutes done.

A close-up view of crispy, breaded chicken strips, showcasing their golden crust and creamy interior. Pin it
A close-up view of crispy, breaded chicken strips, showcasing their golden crust and creamy interior. | recipesbyclare.com

Mix It Up

Try cheddar instead of parmesan Italian seasoning too. Need gluten free? Rice crackers work great.

Air Fryer Magic

These shine in air fryer twelve minutes crispy perfect. Quick easy cleanup everyone wins.

Spice Your Way

Add more paprika cayenne makes them spicier. Keep it mild sweet paprika works too.

Kid Fun

Let kids help bread the chicken choose their dips. Makes cooking fun gets everyone involved.

A close-up of golden-brown breaded cheese sticks, with one piece cut in half to reveal its creamy interior. Pin it
A close-up of golden-brown breaded cheese sticks, with one piece cut in half to reveal its creamy interior. | recipesbyclare.com

Better Baked

Baking keeps things lighter still gets crispy. All the comfort none of the guilt.

Party Perfect

Makes great appetizers everyone loves them. Different dips make it fun interactive.

Pure Joy

These tenders work magic any night. Easy enough for weekdays special enough for company. That crispy coating savory flavor makes everyone smile.

A close-up of golden-brown fried fish sticks arranged in a white bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of salt and herbs. Pin it
A close-up of golden-brown fried fish sticks arranged in a white bowl, garnished with a sprinkle of salt and herbs. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I skip the buttermilk marinade?

While you can skip it, the buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and keeps it moist. At minimum, marinate for 30 minutes.

→ How do I make these extra crispy?

Spray with cooking spray before baking and don't overcrowd the pan. Flipping halfway ensures even crispiness on both sides.

→ Can I make these ahead?

Marinate chicken overnight and prepare coating mix ahead. For best crispiness, coat and bake just before serving.

→ What can I serve with these?

Serve with ranch dressing or marinara sauce for dipping. Great with salad, fries, or roasted vegetables.

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead?

Yes, slice chicken breasts into tender-sized strips. Cooking time may vary slightly based on thickness.

Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

Chicken tenders coated in a crispy parmesan and ranch seasoned panko crust, then baked until golden. Perfect for an easy family dinner.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
18 Minutes
Total Time
28 Minutes

Category: Hearty Mains

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (16 tenders)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 1 pound chicken tenders.
02 1 cup buttermilk.
03 1 cup panko breadcrumbs.
04 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated.
05 1 packet ranch seasoning mix.
06 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
07 1 teaspoon smoked paprika.

Instructions

Step 01

Heat oven to 400°F. Line baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 02

Soak chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.

Step 03

Mix breadcrumbs, Parmesan, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.

Step 04

Dredge tenders in breadcrumb mixture and place on prepared sheet.

Step 05

Bake 15-18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

Notes

  1. Spray with cooking oil for extra crispiness.
  2. Can marinate overnight for more tender chicken.

Tools You'll Need

  • Baking sheet.
  • Parchment paper.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.
  • Wheat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 280
  • Total Fat: 10 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 15 g
  • Protein: 30 g