Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders with Crispy Panko

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy chicken tenders coated in a flavorful ranch-seasoned panko crust, baked to golden perfection for a family-friendly meal. This american-inspired chicken ready in about 33 minutes pairs pound boneless skinless chicken tenders, packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix, panko breadcrumbs for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 18 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a shallow bowl, mix 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs with 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning.
  2. Step 2: Place 1/2 cup all-purpose flour in a second shallow bowl. In a third bowl, beat 2 large eggs.
  3. Step 3: Dip each of the 1 pound chicken tenders first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat evenly with the ranch-panko mixture. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Step 4: Spray the coated tenders lightly with olive oil spray and bake for 15-18 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden and crispy.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders with Crispy Panko take to make?

Total time is about 33 minutes (15 min prep + 18 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders with Crispy Panko?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep panko breadcrumbs from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders with Crispy Panko?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders with Crispy Panko for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Baked Ranch Chicken Tenders with Crispy Panko?

American chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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