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!
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:
PrintRanch Chicken Tenders
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
- 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
- Combine milk and lemon juice in a small bowl and let sit 5 minutes.
- Cut chicken breasts into tenders if necessary.
- In a large ziploc bag, combine chicken, yogurt, milk and spices.
- Seal and squeeze to mix and coat all of the chicken.
- Let marinate at least 45 minutes, or overnight.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
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!
Enjoy!
–Lindsay–
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!
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!
We love homemade nuggets and tenders. I’ll have to try this version- they sound yummy! 🙂
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! 🙂
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.
they look delicious I need to make some soon
these sound amazing! definitely trying!
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!
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!
What a fun meal idea!
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.