Crispy Panko Ranch Chicken Tenders (Printable)

Golden-baked tenders with crunchy panko and zesty ranch seasoning.

# Ingredient list:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.5 lbs chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
04 - 0.5 teaspoon paprika
05 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 0.25 teaspoon onion powder

→ Wet Coating

08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 2 tablespoons milk or non-dairy milk

→ For Serving

10 - Ranch dressing or favorite dipping sauce
11 - Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly coat with nonstick spray.
02 - In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk to create the wet coating.
03 - In another shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning mix, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
04 - Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to ensure coating adheres properly.
05 - Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat thoroughly in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating.
06 - Arrange breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly to allow air circulation.
07 - Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray for enhanced crispiness.
08 - Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating is golden brown and the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
09 - Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and your favorite dipping sauce.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • They're ready in 35 minutes from fridge to table, so weeknight dinner stress gets cut in half.
  • The panko-ranch coating stays crunchy even after cooling, making them perfect for lunch boxes or snacking straight from the fridge.
  • You control the seasoning, so you can make them exactly as spicy or mild as your crowd prefers.
02 -
  • Skipping the cooking spray on top seems like it'll save calories, but it's what makes the difference between decent and actually crispy, so don't skip it.
  • If you flip too late or too early, one side browns before the other gets golden, so set a timer and stick to the 9-minute mark for the flip.
03 -
  • Using a wire rack set over your baking sheet instead of baking directly on parchment lets heat circulate underneath, giving you an even crispier bottom that rivals any deep fryer.
  • If your ranch seasoning mix includes dairy and you need dairy-free, check the label carefully or make your own ranch powder from dried herbs, garlic, and onion, which costs almost nothing and tastes fresher.
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