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Crispy Baked Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

crispy baked parmesan ranch chicken tenders - featured image

These crispy baked chicken tenders feature a golden parmesan and ranch coating that delivers a crunchy, flavorful dinner or snack without frying. Quick and easy to prepare, they are perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds fresh chicken tenders or chicken breast strips, boneless and skinless
  • 1 cup (100 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup (100 grams) Japanese-style panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons dry ranch seasoning mix
  • ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • Olive oil or cooking spray, for drizzling or spraying
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Optional: Fresh chopped parsley or chives

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Position your rack in the middle of the oven.
  2. Prepare three shallow bowls: one with ½ cup flour seasoned lightly with salt and pepper, one with beaten eggs, and one with a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, and ranch seasoning.
  3. Pat the chicken tenders dry with paper towels.
  4. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, shaking off excess.
  5. Dip the floured chicken tender into the beaten eggs, letting excess drip off.
  6. Roll the chicken tender in the parmesan-ranch breadcrumb mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
  7. Place the coated tenders on a wire rack set over a parchment-lined baking sheet. If no rack is available, place directly on the sheet with space between pieces.
  8. Lightly spray or drizzle olive oil over the tenders.
  9. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping halfway through if not using a wire rack, until coating is golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 3-5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking but watch carefully to avoid burning. Dry chicken thoroughly before coating to ensure the coating sticks well. Using a wire rack helps crisp the coating evenly without flipping. You can prep and coat tenders up to 2 hours ahead and refrigerate before baking. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken tenders, baked chicken, parmesan chicken, ranch seasoning, crispy chicken, easy dinner, healthy chicken tenders