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**Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders**

Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders are a flavorful twist on classic chicken tenders, coated in a crunchy, golden crust infused with zesty ranch seasoning.
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Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • #### **For the Chicken Tenders**
  • - 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips
  • - 1 cup buttermilk or milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar
  • - 1 teaspoon salt
  • - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • #### **For the Coating**
  • - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • - 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes for extra crunch
  • - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • - 1 packet 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
  • - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • - 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • #### **For Breading**
  • - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • - 2 large eggs beaten
  • #### **For Cooking**
  • - 2 tablespoons olive oil for baking
  • - Vegetable oil for frying, if applicable

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • - Baking sheet or deep frying pan
  • - Wire rack (for crispy baking)
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Tongs
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. #### **Step 1: Marinate the Chicken**
  2. In a bowl, mix buttermilk, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Add chicken tenders and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for extra tenderness).
  4. #### **Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station**
  5. In one bowl, place flour.
  6. In a second bowl, beat eggs.
  7. In a third bowl, mix panko, crushed crackers, Parmesan, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika.
  8. #### **Step 3: Coat the Chicken**
  9. Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
  10. Dredge in flour, dip in beaten eggs, then coat in the ranch breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to adhere.
  11. #### **Step 4: Cooking Options**
  12. ##### **For Baking (Healthier Option)**
  13. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
  14. Place chicken tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Brush or spray lightly with olive oil.
  15. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
  16. ##### **For Frying (Extra Crispy)**
  17. Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a frying pan to 350°F (175°C).
  18. Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
  19. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
  20. #### **Step 5: Serve & Enjoy**
  21. - Serve warm with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.