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–+ servings

Crack Chicken Tenders

250kcal
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Prep 15 minutes
Cook 25 minutes
Total 40 minutes
Deliciously seasoned chicken tenders, baked to perfection and coated with a creamy ranch sauce, perfect for dipping.
Servings 4 servings
Course Appetizer, Main Dish
Cuisine American

Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders
  • 1 lb chicken tenders Use fresh or thawed chicken tenders.
  • 1 cup buttermilk For marinating the chicken.
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour For coating the chicken.
  • 1 tbsp paprika Adds flavor and color.
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder Enhances the overall taste.
  • 1 tbsp onion powder Adds depth of flavor.
  • 1 tsp salt To taste.
  • 1 tsp black pepper To taste.
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs For extra crunch.
For the Ranch Sauce
  • 1 cup ranch dressing Store-bought or homemade.
  • 1 tbsp hot sauce Optional, for a spicy kick.
  • 1 tbsp fresh parsley Chopped, for garnish.

Method

Prepare the Chicken
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
  3. Add the chicken tenders to the buttermilk mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
Coat the Chicken
  1. In a separate bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  2. Once the chicken is marinated, remove each tender from the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each tender in flour, shaking off the excess.
  3. Next, dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk mixture, then coat it with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
  4. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart for even cooking.
Bake the Chicken
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
  2. While the chicken is baking, prepare the ranch sauce by mixing the ranch dressing and hot sauce in a bowl.
Serve
  1. Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
  2. Serve the chicken tenders with the ranch sauce on the side for dipping, and garnish with chopped parsley.

Nutrition

Serving1tenderCalories250kcalCarbohydrates20gProtein18gFat12gSaturated Fat2gPolyunsaturated Fat1gMonounsaturated Fat3gCholesterol70mgSodium600mgPotassium300mgFiber1gSugar1gVitamin A500IUVitamin C1mgCalcium30mgIron1mg

Notes

For extra flavor, consider adding spices like cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning to the flour mixture. These chicken tenders can also be air-fried for a healthier option.

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