Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Favorite

If you’re craving a dish that’s both comforting and full of flavor, these Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution. Coated in a flavorful Ranch seasoning mix and fried to golden perfection, these chicken tenders are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer, these tenders are sure to become a new favorite in your household.

Ingredients

• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 packet Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix
• 1 tsp coarse ground black pepper
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Canola or peanut oil for frying

Directions

1. Heat the Oil

Begin by heating the oil in a Dutch oven, iron skillet, or deep fryer to about 375°F. While the oil is heating, you can start preparing and breading your chicken tenders. Keep a close eye on the oil to ensure it doesn’t overheat.

2. Soak the Chicken

In a large bowl or an 8×8 baking dish, place all the chicken tenders and cover them with buttermilk. Make sure the tenders are fully submerged and not stuck together, allowing the buttermilk to soak into the chicken while your oil heats up. This step helps tenderize the chicken and adds a layer of flavor.

3. Prepare the Breading

In a shallow large bowl, use a fork to mix together the flour, Ranch seasoning, black pepper, and dried parsley. This breading mixture will give your chicken tenders a crispy and flavorful coating.

4. Coat the Chicken

Remove one chicken tender from the buttermilk and place it into the flour mixture. Generously coat all sides of the tender with the flour mixture, gently pressing the flour into the chicken to ensure an even coating. Place the coated chicken tender on a wire rack with a baking sheet underneath to rest while you coat the remaining tenders.

5. Test the Oil

Before frying, test the oil with either a candy thermometer or by dropping a small amount of flour into it. If the flour sizzles, the oil is ready for frying. Using tongs, place one chicken tender into the oil. If it sizzles vigorously, add 2-3 more tenders, ensuring they have enough room to cook evenly.

6. Fry the Chicken

Cook the tenders for 5-8 minutes on one side, then turn them over and continue cooking until they are browned all over and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s fully cooked.

7. Drain and Serve

Once the tenders are golden brown, remove them from the oil and let them drain on a wire rack with a paper towel-lined baking sheet underneath. Sprinkle with a little salt and extra dried parsley if desired. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.

Serving Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Calories: 410 kcal per serving
• Servings: 4 servings

Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders

• Keep an Eye on the Oil Temperature: Maintaining the oil at the right temperature is key to achieving crispy chicken tenders. If the oil is too hot, the outside will burn before the inside is cooked; if it’s too cool, the tenders will absorb more oil and become greasy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the tenders in batches to ensure they cook evenly and maintain the oil temperature.
• Customize Your Seasoning: Feel free to add more spices to the flour mixture, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or garlic powder, for an extra kick of flavor.

Conclusion

These Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders are a delightful twist on a classic dish, offering a crunchy, flavorful coating that pairs perfectly with juicy chicken. Easy to prepare and quick to cook, they’re a fantastic option for both busy weeknight dinners and weekend get-togethers. Serve them with a side of dipping sauces, and watch as they disappear from the plate in no time!

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