Crispy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tenders are a delightful fusion of crunchy texture and bold flavors, combining the zesty heat of buffalo sauce with the creamy, herby notes of ranch seasoning. This dish has become a favorite in American cuisine, offering a satisfying experience that's perfect as a snack, appetizer, or main course.
Ingredients:
1 pound chicken tenderloins
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 cup buffalo sauce
1/4 cup ranch dressing
Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken tenderloins in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to tenderize and infuse flavor.
Prepare the Breading Station: In one shallow dish, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. In another dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
Bread the Chicken: Remove each chicken tender from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring full coverage. Dip it back into the buttermilk, then coat it with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet or frying pan, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook each tender for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Coat with Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the buffalo sauce and ranch dressing. Once the chicken tenders are cooked, toss them in the sauce mixture until evenly coated.
Serve: Arrange the Crispy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tenders on a serving platter. They pair well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, and additional ranch dressing or blue cheese dip on the side.
Serving Size: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
Calories: 450
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
Sodium: 1200mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredient brands and preparation methods.
Enjoy your homemade Crispy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tenders!