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- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating) - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz) - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch) - Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling When making Cheesy Ranch Chicken Tenders, I start with fresh chicken tenders. They are easy to work with and cook quickly. Next, I soak them in buttermilk. This helps keep the chicken juicy and tender. I let them marinate for at least 30 minutes. You can even leave them overnight for more flavor. For the coating, I mix all-purpose flour with ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. This blend adds great taste. If I want a crunchier texture, I include breadcrumbs. Before baking, I prepare my baking sheet with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil. This helps the chicken crisp up nicely in the oven. With these simple ingredients, you’re on your way to a tasty dish that everyone will love! {{ingredient_image_2}} Immerse the chicken tenders in buttermilk. Make sure they are fully covered. This step helps the chicken stay juicy and adds flavor. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. If you have time, marinate overnight for better taste. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps the chicken get nice and crispy. Prepare your baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. You can also lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil. This ensures easy cleanup. In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Whisk these ingredients together until they are well mixed. This mixture will give the chicken its great flavor and crisp texture. In another bowl, combine the grated sharp cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs. If you want a crunchier coating, use the breadcrumbs. Stir until they are evenly mixed. This cheesy blend adds extra flavor to your chicken tenders. Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk. Let the extra liquid drip off. First, dredge each tender in the flour mixture. Make sure to coat them evenly. After this, move to the cheese mixture. Press down gently to cover the chicken well. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Space them apart for even cooking. Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake the chicken for about 20-25 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). The cheese should be crispy and golden. Flip the tenders halfway through the baking time for even results. Once done, let them cool for a few minutes. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy this tasty dish! To make this dish shine, marinate the chicken in buttermilk. Let it soak for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, try marinating overnight. The longer you marinate, the better the flavor and tenderness. Buttermilk helps the chicken stay juicy and adds a tangy taste. For a crispy finish, use the right technique. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly. After coating the chicken, spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle olive oil. This adds crunch without frying. Flip the tenders halfway through baking for even crisping. Pair these tenders with your favorite sauces. Ranch dressing complements the ranch flavor. Honey mustard adds sweetness, while barbecue sauce brings a smoky kick. For a twist, try a spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy yogurt dip. Each sauce enhances the taste of the cheesy ranch chicken tenders, making them even more enjoyable. Pro Tips Marinate Longer for Flavor: For the best flavor and tenderness, consider marinating the chicken tenders overnight in buttermilk. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper and results in juicier chicken. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, such as pepper jack or mozzarella, for a unique twist on the flavor profile. Each cheese will add its own distinct taste and melt differently. Add Spices for Extra Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder into the flour mixture. This will give your chicken tenders a spicy kick that complements the ranch flavor. Rest Before Serving: After baking, let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring that each bite is moist and flavorful. {{image_4}} For cheesy ranch chicken tenders, you can switch up the cheese. Cheddar is great, but mozzarella or pepper jack also works well. Mozzarella gives a nice stretch, while pepper jack adds a spicy touch. You can even mix different cheeses for extra flavor. Try gouda for a smoky taste or parmesan for a sharp kick. Each cheese brings its own unique twist to your dish. If you want some heat, add spices or sauces to the mix. You can use cayenne pepper in the flour coating to boost the spice level. A few dashes of hot sauce in the buttermilk marinade can also do wonders. For a zesty finish, serve with a spicy ranch dip or sriracha. This way, you can enjoy a flavorful kick with every bite. To make this recipe gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free blend. Many brands offer great alternatives that work well in coatings. You can also use almond flour or coconut flour for a unique taste. Check your ranch seasoning for gluten, too. Some brands are gluten-free, making it easy to enjoy this dish without worry. To keep your cheesy ranch chicken tenders fresh, store them in an airtight container. Let them cool first. Place a paper towel in the bottom of the container to soak up moisture. This trick helps keep the tenders crispy. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to freeze chicken tenders, first let them cool completely. Wrap each tender in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place the wrapped tenders in a freezer-safe bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. You can freeze them for up to three months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight. To keep your tenders crispy after reheating, use the oven. Preheat it to 375°F (190°C). Place the tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. This method keeps them crunchy and delicious. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. You can use regular milk, but the flavor changes. Buttermilk adds a nice tang. This tang also helps tenderize the chicken. If you don't have buttermilk, add a bit of vinegar or lemon juice to regular milk. Let it sit for about five minutes. This makes a quick substitute. Bake chicken tenders for 20-25 minutes at 400°F (200°C). Make sure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) inside. For even cooking, flip the tenders halfway through. The outside should look golden and crispy. Yes, you can pan-fry the chicken tenders. Heat oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the tenders for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Pan-frying gives a nice crunch, but it can be greasier than baking. These tenders pair well with many sides. Try fresh veggies, like carrot sticks or celery. You can also serve them with fries or a salad. For dipping, ranch or honey mustard works great! You now have all the tools to make amazing cheesy ranch chicken tenders. Start with marinating the chicken in buttermilk for great flavor. Then, coat it with a tasty mix of flour and spices. Bake it until golden for a crispy finish. Don't forget to explore variations, like adding spice or using different cheeses. Finally, store leftovers wisely to enjoy them later. With these tips, you'll impress everyone at the table!

Cheesy Ranch Chicken Tenders

Deliciously crispy chicken tenders coated in a cheesy ranch mixture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk (for marinating)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for added crunch)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil for drizzling or cooking spray

Instructions
 

  • In a medium-sized bowl, immerse the chicken tenders in the buttermilk, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
  • Set your oven to preheat at 400°F (200°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray or olive oil.
  • In a shallow dish, whisk together the all-purpose flour, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
  • In another bowl, combine the grated sharp cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs (if using) for an added crunch. Stir until evenly mixed.
  • Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip back into the bowl.
  • Carefully dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, making sure to coat them evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
  • Move each tender to the cheese mixture and press down gently to ensure thorough coverage of cheese.
  • Place the coated chicken tenders onto the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced evenly apart. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or drizzle a small amount of olive oil.
  • Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken tenders are fully cooked and the cheese has formed a crispy, golden crust. Flip the tenders halfway through the baking time.
  • Once baked, remove the tenders from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes on the baking sheet. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For extra crunch, use breadcrumbs.
Keyword baked, cheesy, chicken, ranch, tenders