Description
Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders bring serious flavor to your dinner table with a perfectly seasoned crunch that makes weeknight meals super satisfying. Coating tender chicken strips in ranch seasoning and crispy breadcrumbs guarantees a meal everyone at the table will devour.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 3 to 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Dry Ingredients:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
Wet Ingredients and Seasonings:
- 2 large eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking oil (vegetable or canola)
Instructions
- Arrange three wide, shallow dishes on your countertop: first with ½ cup all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper, second with 2 large eggs whisked thoroughly, third with 1 cup panko breadcrumbs mixed with entire packet of ranch seasoning mix.
- Take each chicken tender and thoroughly coat it in seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Immediately dunk the floured piece into beaten eggs, ensuring complete coverage.
- Transfer egg-coated tender directly into ranch-seasoned breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to create a thick, even coating that adheres completely to the chicken.
- Pour 2 inches of vegetable oil into a large skillet, heating to precisely 350°F. Use a digital thermometer to confirm accurate temperature for consistent cooking.
- Carefully lower breaded tenders into hot oil, cooking 4-5 minutes per side until exterior reaches a deep golden-brown color and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove tenders using metal tongs, placing them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with pinch of salt while still sizzling hot.
- Let tenders rest 2-3 minutes before serving to allow coating to set and maintain maximum crispiness. Pair with ranch dressing for delicious dipping.
Notes
- Use fresh chicken tenders for the best texture and flavor, and pat them completely dry before coating.
- Make sure the oil reaches the right temperature before adding chicken, which prevents soggy breading and ensures a crisp exterior.
- Crush the ranch seasoning packet finely so it distributes evenly through the panko breadcrumbs for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Let the coated chicken rest for 10 minutes before frying to help the breading adhere better and create a crunchier crust.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 to 4
- Calories: 328 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg