Go Back
- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup grated cheddar cheese - 1 packet ranch seasoning mix - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper - 1/2 teaspoon paprika - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch) - Cooking spray or olive oil for frying Gathering the right ingredients makes cooking fun. Each item plays a key role in the flavor and texture of the dish. The chicken tenders are the main star, providing a juicy base. Buttermilk is essential for tenderizing and adding flavor. Next, flour helps create a nice crust. Grated cheddar cheese adds a rich, creamy taste. The ranch seasoning mix gives that classic flavor we love. Garlic powder and onion powder boost the taste even more. Using black pepper and paprika adds a hint of spice and color. If you want crunch, breadcrumbs are a great choice. Lastly, cooking spray or olive oil helps with browning. These ingredients come together to create a tasty meal. Each bite will have you craving more. {{ingredient_image_1}} Marinating the chicken tenders is key for good flavor and texture. Buttermilk helps tenderize the meat. I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes. You can even do it overnight for more flavor. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is very important. While it heats, you can line your baking sheet with parchment paper. If you don’t have that, just lightly grease it with cooking spray or olive oil. In a shallow dish, mix the flour, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika. Make sure everything blends well. In another bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs if you want extra crunch. Now, take the chicken out of the buttermilk. Let the extra buttermilk drip off. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mix. It’s important to coat them evenly, so shake off any extra flour. Next, press each tender into the cheese mixture. Make sure it's well coated. Place the coated chicken tenders on the baking sheet. If you want them crispier, spray lightly with cooking spray or drizzle olive oil on top. Bake them for about 20-25 minutes. You want the chicken to be cooked through and the cheese to be golden and bubbly. Flip the tenders halfway through for even cooking. To pick the best chicken tenders, look for fresh, pink meat. Check for a smooth surface and no strong smell. Avoid tenders that seem slimy or have dark spots. Properly prepare your chicken by marinating it in buttermilk. This step helps keep the meat juicy and adds flavor. A common mistake is skipping the marination time. Aim for at least 30 minutes, but overnight is best. To boost flavor, consider adding herbs and spices. Fresh parsley or dill can add a nice touch. You can also mix in some cayenne for a little heat. For dipping sauces, ranch is a classic choice. But honey mustard or barbecue sauce also works great. Feel free to get creative with your dips! Using breadcrumbs gives your chicken an extra crunch. If you prefer a lighter option, skip the breadcrumbs. You can also try air frying for a crispier finish. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through. Pan frying is another great method, but be careful not to overcrowd the pan. This way, each tender gets that perfect crisp! Pro Tips Marinate for Flavor: Allowing the chicken to marinate in buttermilk not only tenderizes it but also infuses it with flavor, making every bite delicious. Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh spices and high-quality cheese to elevate the taste of your chicken tenders, enhancing the overall dish. Perfect Baking Time: Keep an eye on the chicken tenders while baking; adjusting the time based on their thickness ensures they are perfectly cooked and not dry. Experiment with Dips: Pair these tenders with a variety of dips like ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce to complement the cheesy flavors and add extra enjoyment. {{image_2}} You can easily make a spicy version of these chicken tenders. Start by adding a few dashes of hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade. This will give the chicken a nice kick. You can also use spicy ranch seasoning instead of regular ranch. It enhances the heat and flavor. Try this if you love spice! Cheddar cheese is great, but don’t stop there! You can mix different types of cheese for more flavor. Use mozzarella for a gooey texture or pepper jack for a spicy touch. Mixing cheeses can make each bite unique. Get creative and find your favorite combo! Think about what to serve with these cheesy chicken tenders. They pair well with crisp veggie sticks or a fresh salad. You can also serve them with dips like ranch or honey mustard. For fun, try stacking them in a sandwich with lettuce and tomato. Each option makes the meal even better. To keep your cheesy ranch chicken tenders fresh, place them in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps them tasty. Store them in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to enjoy them later, freezing is a great option. When reheating chicken tenders, the oven works best. Set it to 375°F. Place the tenders on a baking sheet for about 10-15 minutes. This method keeps them warm and crispy. Avoid using the microwave, as it can make them soggy. Before freezing, let the chicken tenders cool completely. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap or foil. Then, place them in a freezer bag. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. Reheat them in the oven as described above for the best taste and texture. Yes, you can use frozen chicken tenders. However, thawing is key. Thaw them in the fridge overnight. This helps the chicken cook evenly and stay juicy. Marinating them in buttermilk after thawing adds flavor and tenderness. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use plain yogurt or milk mixed with vinegar. To make a quick swap, add one tablespoon of vinegar to one cup of milk. Let it sit for five minutes. This will mimic buttermilk’s tangy taste and acidity, which helps tenderize the chicken. To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the chicken. The safe cooking temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). If you don't have a thermometer, cut into a tender; the meat should be white and juices should run clear. Yes, you can prep the chicken tenders ahead. Marinate the chicken and coat them in the dry mix. Store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake them fresh. This saves time and keeps the tenders tasty. There are many great sauces to try. Classic ranch dressing pairs well with the cheesy flavor. Honey mustard adds a sweet kick. BBQ sauce gives a smoky touch. You can also serve them with a spicy buffalo sauce for some heat. You now have a clear path to making delicious cheesy ranch chicken tenders. We covered the key ingredients, marinating, and baking steps. You also learned tips for flavor enhancement and how to store leftovers. Don’t forget about fun variations like making them spicy or choosing different cheeses. Enjoy experimenting in the kitchen and find your perfect mix. With this guide, you can impress friends and family with crispy, tasty tenders. Happy cooking!

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 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb chicken tenders
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 teaspoon paprika
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
  • 1 spray Cooking spray or olive oil for frying

Instructions
 

  • In a bowl, marinate the chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in the refrigerator.
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  • In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and paprika until well combined.
  • In another bowl, combine the grated cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs (if using).
  • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
  • Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, ensuring they're evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
  • Next, press each tender into the cheese mixture, coating it thoroughly.
  • Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. If desired, spray lightly with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly. Flip the tenders halfway through baking for even cooking.
  • Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!

Notes

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