Crispy Panko Ranch Chicken Tenders (Printable)

Golden, crunchy chicken tenders with a zesty ranch panko coating, baked to perfection for a quick and satisfying meal.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.5 pounds chicken tenders

→ Coating

02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix
04 - 0.5 teaspoon paprika
05 - 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 - 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder

→ Wet Mixture

07 - 2 large eggs
08 - 2 tablespoons milk

→ For Baking

09 - Nonstick cooking spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil

# Directions:

01 - Preheat oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Place a wire rack on top and lightly spray with nonstick spray.
02 - In a shallow bowl, whisk eggs and milk together until well combined.
03 - In a separate shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning, paprika, black pepper, and garlic powder.
04 - Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Dip each tender in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge in the panko mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
05 - Arrange coated tenders on the prepared rack, spacing them apart. Lightly spray the tops with nonstick spray or drizzle with olive oil for extra crispiness.
06 - Bake for 18 to 22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until chicken is golden and cooked through with an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
07 - Remove from oven and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Irresistible Crunch: The combination of panko breadcrumbs and a wire rack baking method ensures a super crispy exterior.
  • Kid-Friendly Flavor: Classic ranch seasoning makes these a hit with the whole family.
  • Easy Preparation: With simple dredging steps and a quick bake time, dinner is ready in just 35 minutes.
02 -
  • Wire Rack Secret: Using a wire rack is essential for air circulation, preventing the bottom of the tenders from becoming soggy.
  • Don't Overcrowd: Leave space between the tenders on the rack to allow the hot air to crisp up every edge evenly.
  • Golden Finish: A light spray of oil on top of the breadcrumbs right before baking helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color.
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