Ragdoll-Style Chicken Tenders

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

Crispy baked chicken tenders with playful dipping sauce that melts like a ragdoll's hug — perfect for game night snacks. This American-inspired chicken recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs chicken tenders, all-purpose flour, garlic powder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 20 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Step 2: In a shallow dish, mix 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Beat 1 large egg with 2 tbsp chicken broth in another shallow dish until frothy.
  4. Step 4: Dip each 1 lb chicken tender in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the flour mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  5. Step 5: Place tenders on the prepared baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking oil, and bake for 18-20 minutes until golden and cooked through, flipping halfway.
  6. Step 6: Whisk together 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 2 tbsp dill pickle relish, and 2 tbsp sour cream in a small bowl until smooth and well combined.
  7. Step 7: Serve baked tenders warm with the dipping sauce for a playful, melt-in-your-mouth experience.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Ragdoll-Style Chicken Tenders take to make?

Total time is about 40 minutes (20 min prep + 20 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 Ragdoll-Style Chicken Tenders?

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 chicken tenders from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Ragdoll-Style Chicken Tenders?

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 Ragdoll-Style Chicken Tenders 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 Ragdoll-Style Chicken Tenders?

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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