Craving a delicious dinner that’s quick to prepare? These crispy chicken tenders are a perfect choice. They mix comfort food with zesty ranch flavor. This easy chicken recipe turns ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal that will become a family favorite.

Forget about frozen or takeout options. Homemade ranch seasoning makes these chicken tenders extraordinary. With just a few simple ingredients and some kitchen magic, you can create restaurant-quality crispy chicken tenders right in your own kitchen.

Perfect for busy weeknights, game day gatherings, or when you want a satisfying meal that everyone will love, these ranch-seasoned chicken tenders bring excitement to your dinner table. Our step-by-step guide will walk you through creating the crunchiest, most flavorful chicken tenders you’ve ever tasted.

Discover how simple it can be to make an incredible meal that looks impressive and tastes even better. Get ready to become the culinary hero of your household with this irresistible crispy chicken recipe.

The Perfect Homestyle Ranch Seasoning Blend

Making your own ranch seasoning is key to making chicken tenders amazing. A homemade mix lets you control the taste, freshness, and quality. This is something store-bought blends can’t do.

Essential Herbs and Spices for Ranch Flavor

For a real ranch flavor, pick the right herbs and spices. Your homemade seasoning should have:

Dried dill – gives that tangy ranch taste
Garlic powder – adds warmth and depth
Onion powder – makes the flavor savory
Dried parsley – adds a fresh, herbaceous touch
Black pepper – gives a gentle kick
Salt – enhances and balances other tastes

Creating the Ultimate Seasoning Mix

Making your own ranch mix is easy. Use a clean, dry spoon to measure each spice. Pro tip: Mix the spices in a small bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid to ensure even distribution.

Storage and Shelf Life Tips

Your homemade ranch seasoning can last up to 6 months if stored right. Keep it in an airtight container, away from sunlight and heat. Store it in a cool, dark pantry and mark the container with the date you made it.

Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders: Step-by-Step Guide

Making the perfect chicken tender recipe needs focus and a few important steps. Start by picking high-quality chicken tenders or breast strips for tenderness. The key to a crispy coating is in how you prepare and season it.

First, choose the right ingredients for your ranch-flavored chicken. Set up a dry station and a wet station for breading:

Dry Station: Mix flour with homemade ranch seasoning
Wet Station: Prepare beaten eggs or buttermilk
Final Coating: Seasoned breadcrumbs or panko

The coating process is key for that perfect crunch. Dip each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour, then into the wet mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. This triple-dip method gives a thick, crispy exterior that keeps the inside juicy.

Temperature is very important in your chicken tender recipe. Heat oil to 350°F for the best frying. This temperature makes the outside golden and keeps the inside tender. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as it can make the chicken soggy.

Pro tip: Let the breaded chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before frying to help the coating adhere better.

Drain the fried chicken tenders on a wire rack or paper towels to keep them crispy. Serve them right away with your favorite dipping sauce for the best homemade crispy chicken coating.

Recipe card

Making tasty ranch chicken tenders at home is simple. This recipe card will guide you through making a delicious meal. It’s sure to be a hit with your family.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

First, get these kitchen tools ready:

Large mixing bowl
Baking sheet
Whisk
Measuring cups and spoons
Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed skillet
Meat thermometer
Paper towel-lined plate

Chicken Tender Ingredients

Choose the best ingredients for a great ranch chicken tender experience:

1 pound chicken tenderloins
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetable oil for frying

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these steps for perfectly crispy ranch chicken tenders:

Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk for 30 minutes
Mix flour with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika
Drain chicken and coat thoroughly in seasoned flour mixture
Heat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or skillet
Fry chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown
Check internal temperature reaches 165°F
Drain on paper towels to remove excess oil

Pro tip: Let chicken tenders rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain maximum juiciness!

Cooking time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4 | Difficulty: Easy

Secret Tips for Extra-Crunchy Coating

Getting the perfect crispy chicken coating is an art. It makes your chicken tenders stand out. With a few secrets, you can make crunchy chicken tenders every time.

The Double-Dipping Magic

The double-dipping method is a game-changer. It makes your chicken coating extra crispy. Here’s how to do it:

Dredge chicken in seasoned flour
Dip into buttermilk or egg wash
Return to flour mixture for a second coating
Let the coated chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before frying

Mastering Temperature Control

Frying techniques are key to a perfect crunch. Keep the oil between 350-375°F for the best results. Use a digital thermometer to keep the heat steady. This prevents soggy or burnt chicken.

Selecting the Right Cooking Oil

Not all oils are good for crispy chicken. Here are the best ones:

Peanut oil: High smoke point, neutral flavor
Vegetable oil: Affordable and versatile
Canola oil: Light taste, good for frying

Pro tip: Always let excess oil drain on a wire rack or paper towels to maintain maximum crispiness.

Conclusion

Now you can make tasty homemade chicken tenders with a zesty ranch flavor. These easy chicken recipes turn simple weeknight dinners into fun meals. You’ll wow your family and friends with your cooking.

The key to perfect chicken tenders is knowing the right techniques. You’ve learned how to make a custom seasoning blend and get that crispy outside. Try different herbs, adjust the coating, and explore frying methods to make it your own.

These homemade chicken tenders are great for quick meals or party appetizers. The homemade ranch seasoning makes the dish special. Remember, cooking is about being creative and having fun, so add your own twist to this classic recipe.

Start cooking with confidence now. Each batch of chicken tenders will help you get better at making this delicious dish. Enjoy the process, taste the flavors, and most importantly, have fun in your kitchen!

FAQ

Can I make these Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the chicken tenders in advance and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Keep them on a baking sheet covered with plastic wrap. When ready, fry or bake them for the crispiest results.

What are the best sides to serve with Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders?

These chicken tenders go great with classic sides like french fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or a fresh garden salad. For a lighter option, try roasted vegetables or a crisp cucumber salad. Don’t forget some extra ranch dressing for dipping!

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free flour blend or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour. Choose gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the coating. Ranch seasoning is usually gluten-free, but always check the ingredients.

How can I make these chicken tenders healthier?

For a healthier version, bake the tenders instead of frying. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the breaded tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray to crisp them up. You can also use an air fryer for a crispy texture with less oil.

What’s the best way to store leftover chicken tenders?

Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to keep them crispy. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the coating soggy. Reheat at 350°F for about 10 minutes until heated through and crisp.

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken tenders?

Definitely! Use chicken breasts cut into strips about 1-2 inches wide. Adjust cooking time slightly, as breast meat might be thicker and take a few extra minutes to cook through.

Are these chicken tenders kid-friendly?

These Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders are perfect for kids! The familiar flavors and crispy coating make them a hit. You can even involve kids in the cooking process, making it a fun family activity. crispy chicken tendersMaking tasty ranch chicken tenders at home is simple. This recipe card will guide you through making a delicious meal. It's sure to be a hit with your family. Print Recipe Pin Recipe EquipmentLarge mixing bowlBaking sheetWhiskMeasuring cups and spoonsDeep fryer or heavy-bottomed skilletMeat thermometerPaper towel-lined plateIngredients 1 pound chicken tenderloins1 cup buttermilk1 cup all-purpose flour2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix1 teaspoon garlic powder1 teaspoon paprikaSalt and pepper to tasteVegetable oil for fryingInstructions Marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk for 30 minutesMix flour with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and paprikaDrain chicken and coat thoroughly in seasoned flour mixtureHeat oil to 350°F in a deep fryer or skilletFry chicken tenders for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brownCheck internal temperature reaches 165°FDrain on paper towels to remove excess oil

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Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders

The Perfect Homestyle Ranch Seasoning Blend