Zesty Ranch Chicken Tenders Crispy and Flavorful Meal

ByJasmine
To make your zesty ranch chicken tenders, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 lb chicken tenders - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1/2 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornmeal - 2 teaspoons paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - Salt and pepper to taste - Oil for frying These ingredients come together to create a crispy and flavorful meal. If you need alternatives, here are some ideas: - No buttermilk? Use regular milk mixed with a bit of vinegar. - No ranch dressing? Try a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter twist. - For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. - You can replace cornmeal with crushed crackers for a different crunch. These swaps still keep the dish tasty and enjoyable! Each serving of zesty ranch chicken tenders provides a satisfying meal. On average, you get: - Calories: 380 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fat: 18g - Fiber: 1g These values are based on four servings. Adjustments in ingredients may change these numbers slightly. Always check your labels for the best information. For the full recipe, check the details and instructions provided. Enjoy cooking! First, grab a large bowl. Combine 1/2 cup of buttermilk and 1/2 cup of ranch dressing. Stir well until mixed. Next, add 1 pound of chicken tenders. Make sure they are fully covered in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours. This step helps the chicken soak up all the zesty goodness. While the chicken marinates, prepare your breading mixture. In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of cornmeal. Add 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will give your chicken tenders a crispy and tasty coating. Now it’s time to fry! Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. After the oil is hot, take the chicken tenders out of the marinade. Let any extra liquid drip off. Dredge each tender in the breading mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well. Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the skillet. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to know they are done. Once cooked, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining tenders. Serve them warm with extra ranch dressing for a tasty dip. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, refer to the details above. To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken tenders well. Use buttermilk and ranch dressing for this. I like to let them soak for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate them for up to 2 hours. This helps the flavors really sink in. You can also add extra spices to the marinade, like cayenne pepper for heat. For frying, I recommend using vegetable oil or canola oil. Both oils have high smoke points. This means they can handle high heat without burning. If you like a richer flavor, you can try peanut oil. Just be careful if you have nut allergies. Always heat the oil to the right temperature before adding the chicken. To get a crispy coating, use a mix of flour and cornmeal. The cornmeal adds crunch. Make sure you press the breading onto the chicken. This helps it stick better. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause the oil temperature to drop. This leads to soggy chicken instead of crispy goodness. For the best texture, drain the cooked tenders on a paper towel-lined plate. This keeps them crispy until you serve them. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through the process. {{image_2}} You can spice up your zesty ranch chicken tenders. Add hot sauce to your marinade for extra heat. You can use cayenne pepper in the breading mix. This gives a nice kick. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Enjoy the extra flavor in each bite. You can choose to bake or fry your chicken tenders. Frying gives a crispy texture, while baking is healthier. For baked tenders, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place breaded tenders on a baking sheet. Spray them with cooking oil for crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Both methods are tasty and satisfying. Serve your zesty ranch chicken tenders with sides for a complete meal. Fresh veggies or a simple salad work well. Pair them with fries or mashed potatoes for comfort food. Don’t forget extra ranch dressing for dipping. You can even make a fun platter for sharing. These options make your meal fun and flavorful. After enjoying your zesty ranch chicken tenders, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let them cool before sealing. This helps keep them crispy and tasty. To reheat chicken tenders, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. In an air fryer, set it to 350°F and cook for 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm without drying them out. You can freeze the chicken tenders for later use. Let them cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To cook from frozen, reheat them in the oven or air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the time. You can find the full recipe for the chicken tenders above. You should marinate chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in. For more taste, marinate them for up to 2 hours. Keeping the chicken in buttermilk and ranch dressing makes it juicy and full of flavor. Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken. Chicken breasts or thighs work well. Just make sure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. Adjust the cooking time if you use thicker pieces. Thicker cuts may need a few extra minutes in the oil. You can serve zesty ranch chicken tenders with many sides. Try crispy fries or a fresh salad. They also pair well with veggies like carrots or celery sticks. For a fun twist, add some garlic bread or a creamy coleslaw. For the full experience, don't forget extra ranch dressing for dipping. In this post, I covered how to make tasty chicken tenders. We discussed the key ingredients, smart substitutions, and nutritional facts. You learned easy steps to marinate, bread, and fry the chicken. I shared tips for the best flavor and perfect crispiness. Lastly, I offered variations and storage tips for leftovers. With these insights, you can enjoy delicious chicken tenders any time. Happy cooking!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Are you ready to elevate your dinner game? My Zesty Ranch Chicken Tenders are crispy, flavorful, and sure to please everyone at your table. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll whip up a meal that feels special without the fuss. Whether you want spicy, baked, or classic fried, this recipe has you covered. Let’s dive into the magic of these tasty tenders and make tonight’s dinner unforgettable!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Flavorful Marinade: The combination of buttermilk and ranch dressing creates a tangy and rich flavor that penetrates the chicken, making every bite deliciously juicy.
  2. Crispy Coating: The mixture of flour and cornmeal gives the chicken tenders a perfectly crispy texture that contrasts beautifully with the tender meat inside.
  3. Quick and Easy: This recipe is simple to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and just a few steps, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner.
  4. Customizable: You can easily adjust the seasoning in the breading or try different dipping sauces to suit your taste preferences.

Ingredients

List of Required Ingredients

To make your zesty ranch chicken tenders, gather these simple ingredients:

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 cup ranch dressing
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup cornmeal
  • 2 teaspoons paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Oil for frying

These ingredients come together to create a crispy and flavorful meal.

Substitutions and Alternatives

If you need alternatives, here are some ideas:

  • No buttermilk? Use regular milk mixed with a bit of vinegar.
  • No ranch dressing? Try a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter twist.
  • For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
  • You can replace cornmeal with crushed crackers for a different crunch.

These swaps still keep the dish tasty and enjoyable!

Nutritional Information

Each serving of zesty ranch chicken tenders provides a satisfying meal. On average, you get:

  • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 1g

These values are based on four servings. Adjustments in ingredients may change these numbers slightly. Always check your labels for the best information.Enjoy cooking!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

First, grab a large bowl. Combine 1/2 cup of buttermilk and 1/2 cup of ranch dressing. Stir well until mixed. Next, add 1 pound of chicken tenders. Make sure they are fully covered in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours. This step helps the chicken soak up all the zesty goodness.

Preparing the Breading Mixture

While the chicken marinates, prepare your breading mixture. In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of cornmeal. Add 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will give your chicken tenders a crispy and tasty coating.

Frying the Chicken Tenders

Now it’s time to fry! Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. After the oil is hot, take the chicken tenders out of the marinade. Let any extra liquid drip off. Dredge each tender in the breading mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well. Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the skillet. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to know they are done. Once cooked, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining tenders. Serve them warm with extra ranch dressing for a tasty dip. Enjoy your meal!

Pro Tips

  1. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow the chicken tenders to marinate for the full 2 hours to enhance the flavor and tenderness of the meat.
  2. Press the Coating: When breading the chicken, gently press the flour mixture onto the tenders to ensure a thick, even coating that will stay on during frying.
  3. Oil Temperature is Key: Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature, aiming for around 350°F (175°C) for perfectly crispy chicken without absorbing too much oil.
  4. Rest After Frying: Let the cooked chicken tenders rest on a paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes before serving to help retain their crispiness.

Tips & Tricks

How to Achieve the Best Flavor

To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken tenders well. Use buttermilk and ranch dressing for this. I like to let them soak for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate them for up to 2 hours. This helps the flavors really sink in. You can also add extra spices to the marinade, like cayenne pepper for heat.

Recommended Cooking Oil

For frying, I recommend using vegetable oil or canola oil. Both oils have high smoke points. This means they can handle high heat without burning. If you like a richer flavor, you can try peanut oil. Just be careful if you have nut allergies. Always heat the oil to the right temperature before adding the chicken.

Ensuring Crispy Coating

To get a crispy coating, use a mix of flour and cornmeal. The cornmeal adds crunch. Make sure you press the breading onto the chicken. This helps it stick better. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause the oil temperature to drop. This leads to soggy chicken instead of crispy goodness. For the best texture, drain the cooked tenders on a paper towel-lined plate. This keeps them crispy until you serve them.

Variations

Spicy Zesty Ranch Chicken Tenders

You can spice up your zesty ranch chicken tenders. Add hot sauce to your marinade for extra heat. You can use cayenne pepper in the breading mix. This gives a nice kick. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Enjoy the extra flavor in each bite.

Baked vs. Fried Options

You can choose to bake or fry your chicken tenders. Frying gives a crispy texture, while baking is healthier. For baked tenders, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place breaded tenders on a baking sheet. Spray them with cooking oil for crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Both methods are tasty and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your zesty ranch chicken tenders with sides for a complete meal. Fresh veggies or a simple salad work well. Pair them with fries or mashed potatoes for comfort food. Don’t forget extra ranch dressing for dipping. You can even make a fun platter for sharing. These options make your meal fun and flavorful.

Storage Info

How to Store Leftovers

After enjoying your zesty ranch chicken tenders, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let them cool before sealing. This helps keep them crispy and tasty.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat chicken tenders, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. In an air fryer, set it to 350°F and cook for 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm without drying them out.

Freezing Recommendations

You can freeze the chicken tenders for later use. Let them cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To cook from frozen, reheat them in the oven or air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the time.

FAQs

How long to marinate chicken tenders?

You should marinate chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in. For more taste, marinate them for up to 2 hours. Keeping the chicken in buttermilk and ranch dressing makes it juicy and full of flavor.

Can I use different cuts of chicken?

Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken. Chicken breasts or thighs work well. Just make sure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. Adjust the cooking time if you use thicker pieces. Thicker cuts may need a few extra minutes in the oil.

What to serve with zesty ranch chicken tenders?

You can serve zesty ranch chicken tenders with many sides. Try crispy fries or a fresh salad. They also pair well with veggies like carrots or celery sticks. For a fun twist, add some garlic bread or a creamy coleslaw. For the full experience, don’t forget extra ranch dressing for dipping.

In this post, I covered how to make tasty chicken tenders. We discussed the key ingredients, smart substitutions, and nutritional facts. You learned easy steps to marinate, bread, and fry the chicken.

I shared tips for the best flavor and perfect crispiness. Lastly, I offered variations and storage tips for leftovers.

With these insights, you can enjoy delicious chicken tenders any time. Happy cooking!

To make your zesty ranch chicken tenders, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 lb chicken tenders - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1/2 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornmeal - 2 teaspoons paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - Salt and pepper to taste - Oil for frying These ingredients come together to create a crispy and flavorful meal. If you need alternatives, here are some ideas: - No buttermilk? Use regular milk mixed with a bit of vinegar. - No ranch dressing? Try a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter twist. - For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. - You can replace cornmeal with crushed crackers for a different crunch. These swaps still keep the dish tasty and enjoyable! Each serving of zesty ranch chicken tenders provides a satisfying meal. On average, you get: - Calories: 380 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fat: 18g - Fiber: 1g These values are based on four servings. Adjustments in ingredients may change these numbers slightly. Always check your labels for the best information. For the full recipe, check the details and instructions provided. Enjoy cooking! First, grab a large bowl. Combine 1/2 cup of buttermilk and 1/2 cup of ranch dressing. Stir well until mixed. Next, add 1 pound of chicken tenders. Make sure they are fully covered in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours. This step helps the chicken soak up all the zesty goodness. While the chicken marinates, prepare your breading mixture. In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of cornmeal. Add 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will give your chicken tenders a crispy and tasty coating. Now it’s time to fry! Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. After the oil is hot, take the chicken tenders out of the marinade. Let any extra liquid drip off. Dredge each tender in the breading mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well. Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the skillet. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to know they are done. Once cooked, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining tenders. Serve them warm with extra ranch dressing for a tasty dip. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, refer to the details above. To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken tenders well. Use buttermilk and ranch dressing for this. I like to let them soak for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate them for up to 2 hours. This helps the flavors really sink in. You can also add extra spices to the marinade, like cayenne pepper for heat. For frying, I recommend using vegetable oil or canola oil. Both oils have high smoke points. This means they can handle high heat without burning. If you like a richer flavor, you can try peanut oil. Just be careful if you have nut allergies. Always heat the oil to the right temperature before adding the chicken. To get a crispy coating, use a mix of flour and cornmeal. The cornmeal adds crunch. Make sure you press the breading onto the chicken. This helps it stick better. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause the oil temperature to drop. This leads to soggy chicken instead of crispy goodness. For the best texture, drain the cooked tenders on a paper towel-lined plate. This keeps them crispy until you serve them. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through the process. {{image_2}} You can spice up your zesty ranch chicken tenders. Add hot sauce to your marinade for extra heat. You can use cayenne pepper in the breading mix. This gives a nice kick. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Enjoy the extra flavor in each bite. You can choose to bake or fry your chicken tenders. Frying gives a crispy texture, while baking is healthier. For baked tenders, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place breaded tenders on a baking sheet. Spray them with cooking oil for crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Both methods are tasty and satisfying. Serve your zesty ranch chicken tenders with sides for a complete meal. Fresh veggies or a simple salad work well. Pair them with fries or mashed potatoes for comfort food. Don’t forget extra ranch dressing for dipping. You can even make a fun platter for sharing. These options make your meal fun and flavorful. After enjoying your zesty ranch chicken tenders, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let them cool before sealing. This helps keep them crispy and tasty. To reheat chicken tenders, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. In an air fryer, set it to 350°F and cook for 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm without drying them out. You can freeze the chicken tenders for later use. Let them cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To cook from frozen, reheat them in the oven or air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the time. You can find the full recipe for the chicken tenders above. You should marinate chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in. For more taste, marinate them for up to 2 hours. Keeping the chicken in buttermilk and ranch dressing makes it juicy and full of flavor. Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken. Chicken breasts or thighs work well. Just make sure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. Adjust the cooking time if you use thicker pieces. Thicker cuts may need a few extra minutes in the oil. You can serve zesty ranch chicken tenders with many sides. Try crispy fries or a fresh salad. They also pair well with veggies like carrots or celery sticks. For a fun twist, add some garlic bread or a creamy coleslaw. For the full experience, don't forget extra ranch dressing for dipping. In this post, I covered how to make tasty chicken tenders. We discussed the key ingredients, smart substitutions, and nutritional facts. You learned easy steps to marinate, bread, and fry the chicken. I shared tips for the best flavor and perfect crispiness. Lastly, I offered variations and storage tips for leftovers. With these insights, you can enjoy delicious chicken tenders any time. Happy cooking!

Zesty Ranch Chicken Tenders

Discover the ultimate Zesty Ranch Chicken Tenders recipe that will elevate your dinner game! These crispy, flavorful tenders are marinated in a delicious ranch buttermilk mix and coated with a perfectly seasoned breading. Perfect for family meals or game day snacks, they’re easy to make and utterly irresistible. Ready in under an hour, this dish will have everyone coming back for more.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1/2 cup buttermilk

1/2 cup ranch dressing

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornmeal

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon dried parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil for frying

Instructions
 

In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and ranch dressing. Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for extra flavor.

    In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. This will be your breading mixture.

      Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

        Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each tender in the breading mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.

          Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the skillet in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

            Transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then repeat with the remaining tenders.

              Serve the zesty ranch chicken tenders warm with extra ranch dressing for dipping.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 mins (marinating) | 20 mins | 4 servings

                  To make your zesty ranch chicken tenders, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 lb chicken tenders - 1/2 cup buttermilk - 1/2 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornmeal - 2 teaspoons paprika - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - Salt and pepper to taste - Oil for frying These ingredients come together to create a crispy and flavorful meal. If you need alternatives, here are some ideas: - No buttermilk? Use regular milk mixed with a bit of vinegar. - No ranch dressing? Try a yogurt-based dressing for a lighter twist. - For gluten-free options, substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend. - You can replace cornmeal with crushed crackers for a different crunch. These swaps still keep the dish tasty and enjoyable! Each serving of zesty ranch chicken tenders provides a satisfying meal. On average, you get: - Calories: 380 - Protein: 30g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fat: 18g - Fiber: 1g These values are based on four servings. Adjustments in ingredients may change these numbers slightly. Always check your labels for the best information. For the full recipe, check the details and instructions provided. Enjoy cooking! First, grab a large bowl. Combine 1/2 cup of buttermilk and 1/2 cup of ranch dressing. Stir well until mixed. Next, add 1 pound of chicken tenders. Make sure they are fully covered in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. For even more flavor, you can marinate them for up to 2 hours. This step helps the chicken soak up all the zesty goodness. While the chicken marinates, prepare your breading mixture. In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour and 1/2 cup of cornmeal. Add 2 teaspoons of paprika, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Then, mix in 1 teaspoon of dried parsley. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste. This mixture will give your chicken tenders a crispy and tasty coating. Now it’s time to fry! Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. After the oil is hot, take the chicken tenders out of the marinade. Let any extra liquid drip off. Dredge each tender in the breading mixture. Press gently so the coating sticks well. Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the skillet. Fry them for about 3-4 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color and an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to know they are done. Once cooked, place the chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining tenders. Serve them warm with extra ranch dressing for a tasty dip. Enjoy your meal! For the full recipe, refer to the details above. To get the best flavor, marinate your chicken tenders well. Use buttermilk and ranch dressing for this. I like to let them soak for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate them for up to 2 hours. This helps the flavors really sink in. You can also add extra spices to the marinade, like cayenne pepper for heat. For frying, I recommend using vegetable oil or canola oil. Both oils have high smoke points. This means they can handle high heat without burning. If you like a richer flavor, you can try peanut oil. Just be careful if you have nut allergies. Always heat the oil to the right temperature before adding the chicken. To get a crispy coating, use a mix of flour and cornmeal. The cornmeal adds crunch. Make sure you press the breading onto the chicken. This helps it stick better. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Overcrowding can cause the oil temperature to drop. This leads to soggy chicken instead of crispy goodness. For the best texture, drain the cooked tenders on a paper towel-lined plate. This keeps them crispy until you serve them. You can find the full recipe above to guide you through the process. {{image_2}} You can spice up your zesty ranch chicken tenders. Add hot sauce to your marinade for extra heat. You can use cayenne pepper in the breading mix. This gives a nice kick. Adjust the spice level to fit your taste. Enjoy the extra flavor in each bite. You can choose to bake or fry your chicken tenders. Frying gives a crispy texture, while baking is healthier. For baked tenders, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place breaded tenders on a baking sheet. Spray them with cooking oil for crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown. Both methods are tasty and satisfying. Serve your zesty ranch chicken tenders with sides for a complete meal. Fresh veggies or a simple salad work well. Pair them with fries or mashed potatoes for comfort food. Don’t forget extra ranch dressing for dipping. You can even make a fun platter for sharing. These options make your meal fun and flavorful. After enjoying your zesty ranch chicken tenders, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Place them in the fridge. They will stay fresh for up to three days. Make sure to let them cool before sealing. This helps keep them crispy and tasty. To reheat chicken tenders, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Heat them for about 10-15 minutes. In an air fryer, set it to 350°F and cook for 5-7 minutes. This keeps them crispy and warm without drying them out. You can freeze the chicken tenders for later use. Let them cool completely before freezing. Place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To cook from frozen, reheat them in the oven or air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the time. You can find the full recipe for the chicken tenders above. You should marinate chicken tenders for at least 30 minutes. This time allows the flavors to soak in. For more taste, marinate them for up to 2 hours. Keeping the chicken in buttermilk and ranch dressing makes it juicy and full of flavor. Yes, you can use other cuts of chicken. Chicken breasts or thighs work well. Just make sure they are cut into similar sizes for even cooking. Adjust the cooking time if you use thicker pieces. Thicker cuts may need a few extra minutes in the oil. You can serve zesty ranch chicken tenders with many sides. Try crispy fries or a fresh salad. They also pair well with veggies like carrots or celery sticks. For a fun twist, add some garlic bread or a creamy coleslaw. For the full experience, don't forget extra ranch dressing for dipping. In this post, I covered how to make tasty chicken tenders. We discussed the key ingredients, smart substitutions, and nutritional facts. You learned easy steps to marinate, bread, and fry the chicken. I shared tips for the best flavor and perfect crispiness. Lastly, I offered variations and storage tips for leftovers. With these insights, you can enjoy delicious chicken tenders any time. Happy cooking!

                  Zesty Ranch Chicken Tenders

                  Crispy chicken tenders marinated in a zesty ranch mixture and coated for frying.
                  Print Recipe Pin Recipe
                  Prep Time 30 minutes
                  Cook Time 20 minutes
                  Total Time 50 minutes
                  Course Main Course
                  Cuisine American
                  Servings 4 servings
                  Calories 400 kcal

                  Ingredients
                    

                  • 1 lb chicken tenders
                  • 0.5 cup buttermilk
                  • 0.5 cup ranch dressing
                  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
                  • 0.5 cup cornmeal
                  • 2 teaspoons paprika
                  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
                  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
                  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
                  • to taste salt and pepper
                  • as needed oil for frying

                  Instructions
                   

                  • In a large bowl, combine the buttermilk and ranch dressing. Add the chicken tenders, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for extra flavor.
                  • In another bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and pepper. This will be your breading mixture.
                  • Heat about 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
                  • Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each tender in the breading mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
                  • Once the oil is hot, carefully add the breaded chicken tenders to the skillet in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for about 3-4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
                  • Transfer the cooked chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil, then repeat with the remaining tenders.
                  • Serve the zesty ranch chicken tenders warm with extra ranch dressing for dipping.

                  Notes

                  For extra flavor, marinate the chicken tenders longer.
                  Keyword chicken tenders, fried chicken, ranch

                  WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

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