Description: A delectable, family-friendly recipe featuring tender chicken strips coated in a flavorful blend of ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, and crispy panko breadcrumbs, all baked to golden perfection in melted butter. This dish is incredibly easy to prepare and guarantees a satisfying crunch with every bite, making it a weeknight dinner favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into strips (approximately 1.5-2 lbs total)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade – see tips for homemade option)
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (Japanese-style breadcrumbs for extra crispiness)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated preferred for better flavor)
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (divided into two shallow bowls for easier coating)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika (smoked paprika for added depth of flavor is a great option)
- Salt and pepper, to taste (be mindful of the salt content in the ranch seasoning)
- Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: Dipping sauce of choice (ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, etc.)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and the breadcrumbs become perfectly golden brown and crispy.
Step 2: Prepare the baking sheet. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Parchment paper prevents the chicken from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Alternatively, you can lightly grease the baking sheet with cooking spray.
Step 3: Create the breadcrumb mixture. In a shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed. This flavorful coating is what gives the chicken its signature taste and texture.
Step 4: Melt the butter. In another shallow bowl, pour the melted butter. Ensure the butter is completely melted and slightly cooled to avoid burning yourself during the coating process.
Step 5: Dip and coat the chicken. Dip each chicken strip into the melted butter, ensuring it’s thoroughly coated on all sides. Let any excess butter drip off before proceeding to the next step.
Step 6: Dredge the chicken. Immediately dredge the buttered chicken strip in the prepared breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken. Make sure the chicken is fully coated with the breadcrumb mixture for maximum crispiness.
Step 7: Arrange on baking sheet. Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them slightly apart to allow for even cooking. Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this can steam the chicken and prevent it from becoming crispy. If necessary, use two baking sheets or bake in batches.
Step 8: Bake the chicken. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. Flip the chicken strips halfway through the cooking time (around 10-12 minutes) to ensure even browning on both sides.
Step 9: Check for doneness. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the chicken strip.
Step 10: Rest and serve. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken strips rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
Why you will love this recipe:
This Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken recipe is a winner for several reasons:
- Ease of Preparation: It requires minimal effort and utilizes simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The steps are straightforward and easy to follow, even for novice cooks.
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of ranch seasoning, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and paprika creates a truly irresistible flavor profile that appeals to both kids and adults. The buttery coating adds richness and depth to the taste.
- Crispy Texture: The use of panko breadcrumbs ensures a satisfying crunch with every bite, making it a far more appealing option than traditionally breaded chicken.
- Versatility: This recipe can be customized to suit your preferences. You can adjust the seasonings, experiment with different types of cheese, or add a touch of heat with a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Family-Friendly: It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy. The familiar flavors and crispy texture make it a comforting and satisfying meal.
- Healthier Alternative: Baking the chicken instead of frying it significantly reduces the fat content, making it a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or a creamy sriracha mayo.
- Pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts), coleslaw, or a simple green salad.
- Use the chicken strips in salads, wraps, or sandwiches for a quick and easy lunch.
- Make chicken tenders by cutting the chicken breasts into larger strips before coating and baking.
- Serve alongside mac and cheese for the ultimate comfort food meal.
- Consider adding a lemon wedge for brightness.
Tips:
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning: If you prefer to make your own ranch seasoning, combine 2 tablespoons dried buttermilk powder, 1 tablespoon dried parsley, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried chives, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper.
- Crispier Chicken: For even crispier chicken, lightly spray the coated chicken strips with cooking spray before baking.
- Even Cooking: Ensure the chicken strips are all roughly the same size to promote even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet, as this will steam the chicken and prevent it from becoming crispy. Bake in batches if necessary.
- Preheat the Oven: Make sure your oven is fully preheated before baking the chicken.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for best results. Microwaving is not recommended as it can make the chicken soggy.
- Freezing: Cooled chicken strips can be frozen in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Reheat from frozen in the oven.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Nutritional Information:
(Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)
- Calories: Approximately 350-400 per serving (serving size: 3-4 chicken strips)
- Protein: 30-35g
- Sodium: Varies depending on the ranch seasoning mix used (check the label). Approximately 500-700mg.
Conclusion:
This Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken recipe is a guaranteed winner for busy weeknights and family gatherings. Its simple preparation, flavorful ingredients, and satisfying crispy texture make it a dish that everyone will love. Give it a try and experience the joy of homemade, crispy chicken without the hassle of deep-frying! Enjoy experimenting with different dipping sauces and side dishes to create your perfect meal.
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs?
A: While you can use regular breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs are highly recommended for their superior crispiness. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and flakier, resulting in a much more satisfying texture.
Q2: Can I air fry the chicken instead of baking it?
A: Absolutely! Air frying is a great alternative for even crispier chicken. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken strips for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q3: What if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix?
A: You can make your own ranch seasoning mix (see tip above) or substitute it with a blend of dried herbs and spices, such as dried parsley, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Q4: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs, but be aware that they will require a slightly longer cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Q5: Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
A: No, this recipe as written is not gluten-free due to the panko breadcrumbs. However, you can easily substitute the panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it gluten-free. Always double-check the labels of all ingredients to ensure they are gluten-free certified.
