Hey y'all! Looking for a meal that's guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters? These Kid-Friendly Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip are crispy on the outside, tender on the inside, and come with a cool, creamy homemade ranch dip. Whether it's a weeknight dinner, a lunchbox treat, or a party snack, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let's get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Kid-Friendly Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip
- Crispy, golden breading and juicy chicken make for irresistible bites every time.
- The ranch dip is creamy, tangy, and made from scratch with simple pantry staples.
- Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or after-school snacks.
- You can bake or air fry the tenders for a healthier twist without sacrificing flavor.
- This recipe is easy for kids to help make, adding fun to your kitchen routine!
Ingredients for Kid-Friendly Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or ⅓ cup vegetable oil (for baking or frying)
- For the Ranch Dip:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 2 tablespoons buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
Directions: Kid-Friendly Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) or preheat your air fryer to 400°F (205°C). Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towels for maximum crispiness.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
Place flour in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk eggs with milk. In a third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders
Dredge each chicken tender in flour, then dip in the egg mixture, then coat in the seasoned panko. Press gently to adhere.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken Tenders
- To Bake: Arrange tenders on a greased baking sheet. Spray tops lightly with cooking oil. Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
- To Air Fry: Arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and cooked through.
- To Fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Fry tenders 3-4 minutes per side until golden and crisp. Drain on paper towels.
Step 5: Make the Ranch Dip
In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Notes for Kid-Friendly Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip
- For extra-crispy tenders, toast panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes before breading (source).
- Cut tenders into bite-sized pieces for chicken "nuggets." Great for small kids!
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangier ranch dip—learn more about health swaps at EatRight.org.
Variations: Chicken Tenders and Ranch Dip
- Spicy: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Parmesan: Mix ¼ cup grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs for a cheesy crunch.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour—see tips at Celiac.org.
Required Equipment for Kid-Friendly Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip
- Baking sheet or air fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paper towels
Storage Instructions
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes for best texture. Ranch dip can be refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 4 days.
Suggested Pairings/Serving Recommendations
- Serve with carrot sticks, celery, or cucumber slices for a crunchy veggie side.
- Pair with oven-baked fries or sweet potato wedges.
- Enjoy with a side of fresh fruit for a balanced kids' meal.
Pro Tips for the Best Kid-Friendly Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip
- Always pat the chicken dry before breading for superior crunch (Bon Appetit).
- Don’t overcrowd your pan, oven, or air fryer; cook in batches if needed for even browning.
- Let breaded tenders rest for 5 minutes before cooking to help the coating stick better.
FAQ: Kid-Friendly Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip
- Can I freeze chicken tenders after cooking?
- Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze in a single layer. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes.
- What can I use instead of buttermilk in the ranch dip?
- You can use regular milk with a squeeze of lemon juice or white vinegar as a quick substitute.
- Are these chicken tenders safe for toddlers?
- Yes, just be sure to cut them into age-appropriate pieces and avoid adding extra salt or spice for little ones.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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2Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
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3Dredge each chicken tender in flour, dip in egg, then coat with the seasoned panko breadcrumbs. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
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4Bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
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5While the chicken bakes, make the ranch dip by mixing mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, chives, and lemon juice in a small bowl.
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6Serve the crispy chicken tenders warm with the homemade ranch dip.
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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