Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders (The Easiest 20-Minute Dinner!)

These crispy ranch-seasoned chicken tenders are the perfect solution for nights when you need dinner fast. With just a few basic ingredients, this recipe checks every box: dinner recipes cheap healthy, food ideas for dinner chicken, and ready dinner ideas you can throw together anytime.

They’re golden, flavorful, tender inside, crisp outside, and made using simple pantry staples ideal for new dinner ideas for two, quick and easy dinner recipes chicken tenders, and easy meal prep. Whether you’re cooking for kids, yourself, or a crowd, these tenders will become one of your best recipes with chicken.

Time Breakdown

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4

Ingredients List

Chicken

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Seasoning & Coating

• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• Salt & pepper to taste

Optional Dipping Sauces

• Ranch
• Honey mustard
• BBQ sauce
• Spicy mayo

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets just easy kitchen basics:

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper
• Mixing bowls
• Tongs
• Measuring cups & spoons
• Oven or air fryer

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the chicken
   Pat chicken tenderloins dry, coat evenly with olive oil.
2. Mix the coating
   Combine panko, ranch seasoning, parmesan, paprika, garlic powder.
3. Coat chicken
   Press tenders firmly into the breadcrumb mixture until well coated.
4. Bake or air fry
   • Bake: 425°F for 15–17 minutes
   • Air fry: 400°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway
5. Serve hot
   Pair with veggies, potatoes, salad, or your favorite dipping sauce. 😋🔥

Pro Tips

• For extra crispiness: Spritz tenders with cooking spray before baking.
• Use chicken breasts cut into strips if tenderloins aren’t available.
• Meal prep friendly: Reheat in the air fryer to keep them crispy.
• Make it spicy: Add cayenne or spicy ranch mix.
• Keto option: Replace panko with crushed pork-free low-carb crackers.

Nutrition Table

Disclaimer

Nutrition values are estimates and may vary based on the brands you use.

Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders (The Easiest 20-Minute Dinner!)

These crispy oven-baked chicken tenders are quick, budget-friendly, and bursting with flavor. A healthy, family-approved dinner in under 20 minutes.

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Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main

Cuisine: American

Calories: 310

Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb chicken tenderloins
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp ranch seasoning mix
• 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 0.25 cup optional dipping sauces (ranch, BBQ, etc.)

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• baking sheet or air fryer
• tongs
• Meat thermometer

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Coat chicken tenders in olive oil and sprinkle with ranch seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. In a shallow bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese. Press chicken into breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly on all sides.
3. Place on lined baking sheet or air fryer basket. Bake for 15–17 minutes (oven) or 10–12 minutes (air fryer), flipping halfway. Chicken should be golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 8gProtein: 32gFat: 16gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 540mgPotassium: 420mgFiber: 0.5gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 600IUCalcium: 110mgIron: 1.2mg

Notes

Swap panko for crushed cornflakes for extra crunch. For gluten-free, use GF breadcrumbs and ranch mix. Serve with your favorite dips: honey mustard, BBQ, or ranch dressing. Leftovers reheat well in the air fryer or oven.

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Conclusion

These crispy ranch chicken tenders are easy, quick, budget-friendly, and incredibly delicious everything you want in a weeknight dinner. Whether you’re feeding two or a whole family, this recipe guarantees tender, flavorful chicken every time. A true staple meal you’ll want on repeat!

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