Crispy Panko Ranch Chicken (Printable)

Golden, crunchy chicken tenders coated with panko and zesty ranch for a satisfying meal everyone loves.

# What You'll Need:

→ Chicken

01 - 1.5 pounds chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
03 - 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
04 - 0.5 teaspoon paprika
05 - 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
06 - 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 0.25 teaspoon onion powder

→ Wet Coating

08 - 2 large eggs
09 - 2 tablespoons milk or non-dairy milk

→ Serving

10 - Ranch dressing or preferred dipping sauce
11 - Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

# How to Make It:

01 - Preheat oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or coat lightly with nonstick spray.
02 - In a shallow bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until well combined.
03 - In another shallow bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, ranch seasoning mix, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
04 - Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
05 - Dip each chicken tender into the egg mixture, let excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure even coverage.
06 - Place breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
07 - Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray for enhanced crispiness.
08 - Bake for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the coating turns golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
09 - Transfer to a serving plate, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve hot with dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Incredibly crunchy texture thanks to the panko breading and high-heat baking.
  • Zesty ranch flavor built directly into the crust.
  • Quick 35-minute total time makes it perfect for busy evenings.
  • Versatile enough to serve as a main dish or a crowd-pleasing party appetizer.
02 -
  • Place tenders on a wire rack set over the baking sheet for 360-degree crispiness.
  • Substitute gluten-free panko and ranch seasoning for a gluten-free version.
  • For spicier tenders, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the panko mixture.
  • Pair with a crisp, dry white wine for adults or sparkling lemonade for kids.
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