Hey y'all! If you're on the lookout for the ultimate comfort food, these Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip are about to become your new go-to. With juicy, tender chicken wrapped in a perfectly seasoned, crunchy coating and paired with creamy ranch dip, this recipe is a total crowd-pleaser—ideal for family dinners, game days, or just satisfying those snack cravings. Ready to treat your taste buds? Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip Recipe
- Irresistibly Crunchy: Every bite delivers a golden, crispy exterior with juicy meat inside.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal prep, simple ingredients, and under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Family Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike—perfect for meals or snacks.
- Perfect Pairing: The tangy homemade ranch dip takes the flavor over the top.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the spices or breading to suit your cravings.
Ingredients for Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip
- 1.5 lbs chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2-3 cups)
- For Ranch Dip:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoon buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Place chicken tenders in a bowl and cover with buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 20 minutes (or up to 2 hours in the fridge for extra tenderness).
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
In one shallow dish, combine flour, panko, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In a second bowl, whisk eggs until smooth.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders
Remove each tender from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dip into the flour mixture, then the egg, then back into the flour mixture to coat evenly. Press gently for maximum crunchy bits!
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Fry tenders in batches—don’t overcrowd the pan—about 3-4 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F/74°C). Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
Step 5: Whip Up the Ranch Dip
Mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
Notes for Making the Best Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip
- Marinating longer makes for even juicier chicken—try overnight for max flavor.
- Use a thermometer to keep oil at 350°F for even frying (learn more about frying here).
- For gluten-free, swap panko and flour for certified gluten-free versions (details here).
Variations on Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip
- Spicy Buffalo: Toss fried tenders in buffalo sauce and serve with extra ranch.
- Parmesan Herb: Add ¼ cup grated parmesan and Italian herbs to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Baked Version: Bake tenders at 425°F (218°C) on a greased rack for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Required Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Shallow dishes for breading
- Whisk
- Deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Cooking thermometer
- Wire rack or paper towels
How to Store Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip
Let chicken cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake at 375°F (190°C) for 8-10 minutes until hot and crispy. The ranch dip will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
What to Serve with Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip
- Sweet potato fries or classic French fries
- Fresh veggie sticks (carrots, celery, cucumber)
- Coleslaw or a simple green salad
- Extra ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for dipping
Pro Tips for Perfect Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip
- Double-dip in flour for extra crunchiness.
- Let breaded tenders rest 10 minutes before frying for a crispier crust (see this frying tip).
- Drain on a wire rack (not paper towels) to keep the crust crispy.
FAQs about Crispy Fried Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
- Yes! Slice chicken breasts into 1-inch strips and follow the recipe as written.
- Can I freeze the cooked chicken tenders?
- Absolutely—let them cool, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat in an oven at 400°F (204°C) for 12-15 minutes.
- How do I make the tenders even spicier?
- Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade and a pinch of cayenne to the flour mixture!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 12-16 minutes
Total Time: 32-36 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- ½ cup mayonnaise (for ranch dip)
- ¼ cup sour cream (for ranch dip)
- 2 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (for ranch dip)
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (for ranch dip)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for ranch dip)
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder (for ranch dip)
- Salt and pepper to taste (for ranch dip)
Instructions
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1In a large bowl, marinate chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 15 minutes to tenderize.
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2In a shallow dish, combine flour, panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
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3Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge each tender in the flour mixture until well coated.
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4Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry chicken tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Drain on paper towels.
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5For the ranch dip, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, chives, dill, lemon juice, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.
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6Serve crispy chicken tenders hot with the homemade ranch dip on the side.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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