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To achieve the ultimate flavor explosion in your Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders, it’s essential to properly season your breadcrumbs. This step is crucial as it forms the flavorful crust that envelops your chicken, enhancing each bite with a zesty ranch kick.

Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders

Discover the ultimate comfort food with Crispy Ranch Chicken Tenders! This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a crunchy, flavorful coating that will delight everyone at your table. Marinated in buttermilk and ranch seasoning for maximum flavor, these tenders are quick to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward techniques, you can create a delicious dish that elevates any meal. Enjoy the crispy goodness!
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Ingredients
  

1 pound chicken tenders

1 cup buttermilk

1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix (plus extra for coating)

1 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crispiness)

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt

Cooking oil (for frying)

Instructions
 

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the buttermilk and 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning. Add the chicken tenders to the mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor.

    Prepare the Coating: In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs and add 2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning, mixing well to distribute the seasoning evenly.

      Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. One piece at a time, take each chicken tender and first coat it in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it back into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, roll the tender in the seasoned breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them adhere.

        Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat about ½ inch of cooking oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.

          Fry the Chicken Tenders: Carefully add the coated chicken tenders to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 4–5 minutes per side. Use tongs to flip them half-way through cooking for even crispiness.

            Drain and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them rest for a couple of minutes, then serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or honey mustard.

              Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy your crispy ranch chicken tenders hot!

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 minutes | 1 hour (plus marinating time) | 4 servings