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To make the best ranch chicken tenders, you need simple and fresh ingredients. Here’s what to gather: - 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornmeal - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (approximately 1 oz) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) These ingredients come together to create a crispy and flavorful dish. The buttermilk helps the chicken stay moist. The ranch seasoning and spices add great taste. Having the right tools makes cooking easier. Here’s what I recommend: - Large mixing bowl - Whisk - Skillet or frying pan - Tongs or slotted spoon - Paper towels - Serving platter These tools will help you mix, fry, and serve the chicken tenders perfectly. Want to kick up the flavor? Here are some fun add-ins: - Crushed red pepper for heat - Grated Parmesan cheese for a savory touch - Lemon zest for brightness - Chopped green onions for crunch You can mix these into your breading for a unique twist. Enjoy experimenting with flavors! Making ranch chicken tenders is easy and fun. First, gather all your ingredients. You want everything ready to go. Start by marinating the chicken tenders in buttermilk. This step is crucial as it helps the chicken stay moist and tender. You should let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to soak in and makes the chicken taste great. Take your chicken tenders and place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour in 1 cup of buttermilk. Make sure every piece is coated well. This buttermilk helps to break down the chicken's fibers, making it juicy. Cover the bowl tightly and refrigerate. You can marinate them for up to 2 hours if you have the time. The longer, the better for flavor! While the chicken marinates, it's time to make the breading. In a separate bowl, mix together 1 cup of all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup of cornmeal, and 1 packet of ranch seasoning. Add 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and some salt and pepper. Whisk it all together until it looks uniform. This mixture will give your chicken a crunchy and tasty crust. Once the chicken is marinated, take it out and let any extra liquid drip off. Now, coat each tender in the breading mixture. Press down firmly so the breading sticks well. This is key for that crispy texture we all love! You can find the full recipe at the end of this article. Enjoy making your ranch chicken tenders! To get your chicken tenders crispy, you need to focus on the breading. A good coating makes all the difference. First, allow the chicken to marinate in buttermilk. This adds moisture and flavor. After marinating, ensure you shake off any excess buttermilk. Dredge each tender in the breading mixture. Press down firmly to help the coating stick. The more you press, the crunchier your tenders will be. Fry them in hot oil to achieve that golden color. This high heat gives the perfect crispy finish. You can bake or fry your chicken tenders. Frying gives the best crispy texture. However, baking is a healthier option. To bake, preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the breaded tenders on the sheet. Spray them lightly with cooking oil. Bake for about 20-25 minutes. Flip them halfway for even cooking. While they won’t be as crispy as frying, they will still be delicious. Avoid common mistakes to ensure great chicken tenders. First, don't rush the marinating time. It’s key to flavor and tenderness. Next, don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying. This lowers the oil temperature and leads to soggy tenders. Always check the oil temperature. If it’s too low, the chicken will absorb oil instead of frying. Lastly, remember to let the cooked tenders rest on paper towels. This helps remove excess oil and keeps them crispy. For the full recipe, check the section above. {{image_4}} To spice things up, add heat to your ranch chicken tenders. You can mix in cayenne pepper or hot sauce into the breading. This will give your tenders a nice kick. For an even bolder flavor, try using spicy ranch seasoning. It adds a layer of heat without losing the classic ranch taste. Serve these spicy tenders with a cooling dip, like sour cream or yogurt. If you're looking for a healthier option, try baking instead of frying. Coat the chicken tenders with a mix of whole wheat flour and crushed oats. This gives a crunchy texture with less fat. You can also use skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein. Marinate the chicken in low-fat buttermilk and use less oil when cooking. Serve these tenders with a fresh salad for a lighter meal. Think about how you want to serve your ranch chicken tenders. For a casual lunch, pair them with fries and a dipping sauce. For a party, serve them on skewers with veggies. You can also arrange them on a platter with various dips like BBQ, honey mustard, or ranch. This way, guests can mix and match their flavors. These tenders fit well for game day, family dinners, or even movie night! After you enjoy your ranch chicken tenders, store leftovers in a sealed container. This keeps them fresh and tasty. Let them cool down first. If you place warm food in the fridge, it can create moisture. Moisture can make your tenders soggy. Keep the tenders in the fridge for up to three days. Use parchment paper to separate layers if stacking. To keep your ranch chicken tenders crispy when reheating, use an oven or an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until hot. The air fryer is even faster. Set it to 350°F and heat for about 5-7 minutes. This method makes the coating nice and crunchy again. For long-term storage, you can freeze your chicken tenders. After cooking and cooling, place them in a freezer-safe bag. Remove as much air as possible to avoid freezer burn. They can last up to three months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat using the oven or air fryer to restore their crispiness. This way, you can enjoy a quick meal anytime! For the full recipe, check the section below. You can make ranch seasoning with simple spices. Combine these: - 1 tablespoon dried parsley - 1 teaspoon dried dill - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon salt - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon paprika Mix these well and store in an airtight jar. This mix adds great flavor to your chicken tenders. Ranch chicken tenders pair well with many sides. Here are some tasty ideas: - Fresh carrot sticks - Celery sticks - Crispy fries - A simple green salad - A bowl of ranch dip for extra fun These sides balance the flavors and make a complete meal. Yes, chicken breasts work well too. Cut them into strips for even cooking. You may need to adjust cooking time. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. This way, your chicken remains juicy and safe to eat. To make ranch chicken tenders, gather these simple ingredients: - 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1/2 cup cornmeal - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (approximately 1 oz) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil) - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) Follow these steps to create crispy ranch chicken tenders: 1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix chicken tenders with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes. 2. Prepare the Breading: In another bowl, whisk flour, cornmeal, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. 3. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high until it covers the bottom. 4. Coat the Chicken: Remove tenders from buttermilk. Dredge each in the breading mix. Press to ensure it sticks well. 5. Fry the Tenders: Place breaded tenders into the hot oil. Cook 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Check the internal temperature is 165°F. 6. Drain and Garnish: Transfer tenders to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with parsley before serving. This recipe serves about four people. Each serving contains: - Calories: Approximately 350 - Protein: 25g - Carbohydrates: 30g - Fat: 15g These ranch chicken tenders are both tasty and filling! Enjoy them with a side of veggies or your favorite dip. For the full recipe, check out the cooking instructions above. In this article, we explored how to make ranch chicken tenders. You learned the essential ingredients, tools, and optional flavors. The step-by-step instructions guide you through marinating and breading. We shared tips for crispy results, alternative cooking methods, and common mistakes to avoid. You also discovered variations, storage tips, and answers to your questions. In conclusion, making ranch chicken tenders is fun and rewarding. You'll enjoy tasty meals that everyone loves. Keep experimenting, and you'll find your perfect version. Happy cooking!

Ranch Chicken Tenders

Get ready to savor the deliciousness of Zesty Ranch Chicken Tenders! This easy-to-follow recipe offers a perfect blend of flavors with crispy golden tenders that are marinated in buttermilk and coated in a special ranch mix. Perfect for a family dinner or a game day snack, these tenders are sure to impress! Click through for the full recipe and tips on presentation that elevate your dish to the next level!
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Ingredients
  

1 lb chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

1/2 cup cornmeal

1 packet ranch seasoning mix (approximately 1 oz)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Oil for frying (canola or vegetable oil)

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken tenders with the buttermilk. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated to allow for a flavorful marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes to let the chicken tenderize and soak up the flavors.

    In a separate bowl, prepare the breading mixture by whisking together the all-purpose flour, cornmeal, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Ensure the ingredients are well blended to achieve a uniform coating.

      Heat a generous amount of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should cover the bottom of the skillet by about 1/2 inch to ensure even frying.

        After marinating, remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off. Dredge each tender in the prepared breading mixture, pressing down firmly to ensure a thick, even coating sticks to the chicken.

          Carefully place the breaded tenders into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry in batches if necessary. Cook each tender for 4-5 minutes on each side or until they are golden brown and cooked through, checking that the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.

            Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil, keeping them crispy.

              Just before serving, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and flavor.

                Prep Time: 30 min | Total Time: 1 hr | Servings: 4

                  - Presentation Tips: Present the chicken tenders on a beautiful rustic wooden platter for a charming touch. Include a small bowl of ranch dip on the side and arrange a few sprigs of fresh parsley to enhance the dish's appeal. For added crunch, serve alongside carrot and celery sticks, creating a delightful and colorful platter!