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Ranch Chicken Tenders

January 13, 2016 by Lindsay 11 Comments

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Let these Ranch Chicken Tenders sit in a homemade ranch marinade overnight, then simply roll in breadcrumbs and bake for a quick weeknight dinner!

Let these Ranch Chicken Tenders sit in a homemade ranch marinade overnight, then simply roll in breadcrumbs and bake for a quick weeknight dinner!

Hi friends!

Today I have another quick and easy chicken dinner to share with you guys. The title may be a little misleading because you might think you’d use ranch dressing or even one of those powdered ranch packets to make it, but you’d be wrong. Have you checked out the ingredient list on one of those ranch packets lately? Too long.

This recipe uses plain yogurt plus a few spices to give you that ranch flavor you love without all the other junk. I coated mine in whole wheat panko breadcrumbs but if you’re looking for a gluten-free option you could try crushed Chex, almond meal or gluten-free breadcrumbs!

Let these Ranch Chicken Tenders sit in a homemade ranch marinade overnight, then simply roll in breadcrumbs and bake for a quick weeknight dinner!

I let my chicken marinate overnight, which I would suggest in order to get the most flavor, but if you’re in a pinch you could probably get away with just letting them sit for 45 minutes or so.

Here’s how you make them:

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Ranch Chicken Tenders

Ranch Chicken Tenders 8
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Let these Ranch Chicken Tenders sit in a homemade ranch marinade overnight, then simply roll in breadcrumbs and bake for a quick weeknight dinner!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound chicken tenders, or breasts cut into strips
  • 1 cup plain yogurt (regular or Greek)
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • juice from 1 lemon
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (i used whole wheat)
  • seasonings for breadcrumbs: cayenne pepper, black pepper, grated parmesan (optional)

Instructions

  1. Combine milk and lemon juice in a small bowl and let sit 5 minutes.
  2. Cut chicken breasts into tenders if necessary.
  3. In a large ziploc bag, combine chicken, yogurt, milk and spices.
  4. Seal and squeeze to mix and coat all of the chicken.
  5. Let marinate at least 45 minutes, or overnight.
  6. Remove tenders from marinade. You can hold each one at the top and run between two fingers to remove a bit of the excess yogurt, but some will remain on there which is what the breadcrumbs will stick to.
  7. Pour breadcrumbs on a plate, add additional seasonings or cheese if desired, press each tender into breadcrumbs, turning to coat, and place on a greased or foil-lined baking sheet.
  8. Bake at 400 degrees F for 15-25 minutes, depending on how thick your tenders are (until they reach a temp of 165 degrees F).

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Ta da! Dinner is served. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. We tried them with ketchup and bbq sauce and both were great. These were a hit with both hubby and Squish so hopefully your family will like them too!

Let these Ranch Chicken Tenders sit in a homemade ranch marinade overnight, then simply roll in breadcrumbs and bake for a quick weeknight dinner!

[Tweet “The whole family will love these Ranch Chicken Tenders from @leangrnbeanblog!”]

Enjoy!
–Lindsay–

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Filed Under: Dinner Tagged With: Chicken, Panko, Yogurt

About Lindsay

Lindsay Livingston is a Registered Dietitian and new mom from Columbus, Ohio. On her blog, she shares simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, workouts and snapshots of her life. Follow her on Twitter @LeanGrnBeanBlog and Instagram @TheLeanGreenBean and be sure to subscribe via RSS or email so you never miss a post!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dieititan Jess says

    January 13, 2016 at 7:38 AM

    I like the spices in ranch but not the dressing grosses me out so this is a ranch flavored chicken I would actually like to try- I’ve never marinated chicken in milk or yogurt before!

    Reply
  2. Kelli @ Hungry Hobby says

    January 13, 2016 at 8:19 AM

    Now all I want is chicken fingers! Why are chicken tenders hardly never on the adult menu? They are not just for kids people! I would have never thought to use yogurt and milk as a marinade, I’m definitely going to give this a try!

    Reply
  3. Melanie @ Nutritious Eats says

    January 13, 2016 at 9:03 AM

    We love homemade nuggets and tenders. I’ll have to try this version- they sound yummy! 🙂

    Reply
  4. Alysia at Slim Sanity says

    January 13, 2016 at 9:19 AM

    I’ve actually been craving breaded chicken tenders lately and made some at home last weekend! Healthier alternative to anything store bought, that’s for sure! 🙂

    Reply
  5. Emily @ Zen and Spice says

    January 13, 2016 at 10:49 AM

    I need to make a big batch of these and freeze them– we eat chicken strips all the time, but buy the premade frozen ones and they’re so expensive! Love the ranch flavors you used in these.

    Reply
  6. The Food Hunter says

    January 13, 2016 at 11:27 AM

    they look delicious I need to make some soon

    Reply
  7. Linz @ Itz Linz says

    January 13, 2016 at 1:31 PM

    these sound amazing! definitely trying!

    Reply
  8. Amelia @ Eating Made Easy says

    January 13, 2016 at 4:04 PM

    These look fabulous, my friend! Lucy and I made chicken tenders on Monday night using panko, but not the ranch seasoning – which would be a perfect touch!

    Reply
  9. GiselleR @ Diary of an ExSloth says

    January 13, 2016 at 10:33 PM

    I’m not a huge fan of ranch, but these look awesome. Definitely giving them a go when I’m back in my own kitchen. Pinned!

    Reply
  10. Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says

    January 14, 2016 at 7:17 AM

    What a fun meal idea!

    Reply
  11. Michael Belk says

    January 14, 2016 at 3:16 PM

    Wow, that looks great. I am cooking more now because I live alone and I enjoy good food. I love your tasty, clean recipes.

    Your pictures are great.

    Reply

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Lindsay Livingston The Lean Green Bean Healthy Living Tips and Tricks

I'm a Registered Dietitian and mom of three from Columbus, Ohio. I use this blog to share simple, healthy recipes, nutrition tips, and an honest glimpse of motherhood!

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