Meet your new weeknight hero: Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders. These irresistible tenders are juicy, packed with big savory flavors, and boast a shatteringly crisp golden coating that will make you want to ditch the store-bought stuff forever. Whether you’re cooking for kids or satisfyingly picky grown-ups, this recipe transforms humble chicken into an unbelievably craveable dish that’s equally suited for family dinners, game-day snacks, or lunchbox leftovers. Plus, with a few pantry staples and minimal prep, it’s a breeze to whip up anytime the craving hits.

Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s break down these straightforward yet essential ingredients: each one is carefully chosen to build epic flavor and unbeatable crunch for your Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders. Every component brings something to the table—tenderness, zest, color, or that all-important crunch!

Chicken Tenders: The star of the show; tender, lean strips are perfect for soaking up flavor and staying moist inside the crispy coating.
Buttermilk: Adds gentle tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken while infusing it with moisture.
Ranch Seasoning Mix (1 ounce packet): Provides a punch of herby, zesty flavor that’s unmistakably ranch!
Panko Breadcrumbs: Japanese-style crumbs are lighter and extra crunchy, ensuring that gorgeous golden crust.
Parmesan Cheese (grated): Salty, umami-packed Parmesan amps up flavor and gives the crust extra crispiness.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps the coating stick and gives the crust structure and bite.
Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic depth to the breading for more savory goodness.
Paprika: Gives a mild warmth plus a beautiful bronze hue to the final dish.
Black Pepper: Just the right amount of peppery kick to balance out the ranch profile.
Salt: Makes all the other flavors pop and keeps the seasoning on point!
Eggs (beaten): Acts as the glue holding the crispy coating together flawlessly.
Cooking Spray or Oil: A quick mist or drizzle ensures beautiful browning and a crunchy finish in the oven.

How to Make Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by flooding the chicken tenders with flavor by marinating them in buttermilk and half of the ranch seasoning. Toss in a large bowl, cover, and let the chicken soak up all that zippy goodness in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight if you’re planning ahead. This ensures every bite is perfectly juicy and seasoned all the way through.

Step 2: Prepare Your Breading Stations

While the chicken is marinating, set up a triple-dip assembly line. In the first shallow bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In the second, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third, mix together the panko, grated Parmesan, and the rest of that ranch seasoning mix. Each layer builds flavor and crunch for your Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders.

Step 3: Bread Each Chicken Tender

When your chicken is marinated and your stations are prepped, it’s showtime! Remove each tender from the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off. Coat it in the seasoned flour for a light dusting, dip it into the egg to lock in the moisture, then press firmly into the Parmesan panko mixture. Don’t rush this step—a generous, even coating makes all the difference.

Step 4: Arrange and Prep for Baking

Lay out the coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet or wire rack. Give them a little space so hot air can circulate for that maximize crunch. Quickly mist each one with cooking spray or drizzle a bit of oil—this is your secret weapon for that deep golden color you want from oven-baked Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders.

Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Slide your tray into a preheated 425°F (220°C) oven. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, then flip each tender for even crisping. Continue baking for another 10 to 13 minutes until your tenders are golden, deeply crunchy, and reach an internal temperature of 165°F. For next-level crispiness, broil them for 1 to 2 minutes at the end, but keep a close eye so they don’t go from golden to gone!

How to Serve Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

Fresh, bright garnishes make your Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders pop both in flavor and on the plate. Try sprinkling with chopped parsley or chives for a garden-fresh finish, or a dusting of extra Parmesan for a salty kick and showstopping presentation.

Side Dishes

Pair your tenders with classics like creamy coleslaw, homemade potato wedges, or a tangy ranch dip. If you’re feeling adventurous, a fresh corn salad or garlicky green beans also work wonders. The tender-crisp texture complements both comfort food and lighter sides beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Bring your Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders to the next level by slicing them over fresh salads, stuffing them into wraps with lettuce and tomato, or serving in a party-style platter with an array of dips—think spicy honey, smoky barbecue, or classic ranch. They even make a stellar base for a chicken tender parmesan sandwich!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftovers fresh, let your tenders cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll stay crisp and tasty in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, don’t tightly stack them—layer with parchment paper so the breading stays intact.

Freezing

If you want to stash a batch away for quick meals, freeze fully cooked, cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once solid, toss them into a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. This method prevents sticking and locks in the crunch for when you reheat later.

Reheating

To revive that fresh-from-the-oven crispiness, heat leftovers in a 375°F oven or air fryer for 8–10 minutes. Skip the microwave if possible—it can make the coating soggy. A quick oven blast brings your Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders back to their crunchy glory.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch thick to mimic the tenderness and size of traditional tenders. Everything else in the recipe remains the same, so you’ll get equally delicious results.

Is it possible to make these gluten-free?

Yes, you can easily swap both the flour and panko for your favorite gluten-free versions. Gluten-free breadcrumb mixes or crushed cornflakes work particularly well and keep the signature crunch.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

No problem—just make a quick substitute! Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to a measuring cup, fill to the 1-cup line with milk, stir, and let it sit for a few minutes. It will give you that same tangy, tenderizing effect for your marinade.

Will the tenders stay crispy after reheating?

They’ll regain most of their crunch with proper reheating. For best results, use an oven or air fryer and make sure not to overcrowd the pan—a single layer is key to crunch. Avoid the microwave to keep the exterior crisp.

Can I make Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders in an air fryer?

Definitely! Prep them as directed, then air fry at 400°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. They come out beautifully crispy with less oil and are ready in a flash—a great option for busy nights.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready for an effortless dinner everyone will rave about, it’s time to try these Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders. With their juicy inside, bold herby flavor, and irresistible crunch, they might just become your new go-to recipe. Give them a whirl and see how quickly they disappear from the table!

Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.9 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Crispy Parmesan Ranch Chicken Tenders are a delicious and kid-friendly dinner option that’s perfect for a weeknight meal. Coated in a flavorful blend of ranch seasoning, panko breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, these baked chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and tender on the inside.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Tenders:

1 ½ pounds chicken tenders

Marinade:

1 cup buttermilk
1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix

Breadcrumb Coating:

1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt

Batter:

2 eggs, beaten

Others:

Cooking spray or oil for baking

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: Combine buttermilk and half of the ranch seasoning mix in a large bowl. Add the chicken tenders, toss to coat, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.
Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack. Prepare three shallow bowls for the flour mixture, beaten eggs, and breadcrumb coating.
Coat the Tenders: Dredge each marinated tender in the flour mixture, then dip in the beaten eggs, and finally press into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring even coating.
Bake: Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with oil, and bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden, crispy, and cooked through.
Optional Finish: For extra crispiness, broil the tenders for 1–2 minutes at the end of baking. Alternatively, air-fry at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
Serve: Enjoy these crispy chicken tenders with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.