My family is obsessed with this buttered ranch panko chicken tenders recipe! And I don’t mind, because they’re so easy to make on one sheet pan in the oven, so winner-winner chicken dinner (yes, I just went there). You need this recipe in your dinner rotation! 

cut chicken tenders on a wood cutting board

Your whole family will love these Buttered Ranch Panko Chicken Tenders Recipe

My kids love chicken tenders, and I love that these hit that mark but are a healthier option. They are oven-baked rather than deep-friend, and since they are homemade, I know what all is going into the breading mixture for the crispy outside. Plus, they are so tasty thanks to the combination of seasonings. 

These always get all eaten up in my house the night I make them, but once we did have leftovers and they reheated really well for my lunch the next day. As a mom of three, I can vouch for the fact that this easy dinner recipe is loved by my husband and my picky kids!

This recipe yield juicy chicken tenders that have crispy perfection on the outside thanks to the combination of panko crumbs, seasonings, butter, and parmesan cheese. It dirties 3 dishes (two shallow bowls and one sheet pan), so not too bad in my opinion as the resident dish-washer in my family.

crispy chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

What You’ll Need for these Baked Buttered Ranch Chicken Tenders

Your entire family will love this, so just go ahead and bookmark this recipe! Here is a summary of what you’ll need to make this panko chicken tenders recipe (full recipe below):

  • Chicken tenderloins (you can substitute for boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced into strips)
  • Ranch seasoning mix
  • Panko bread crumbs (I don’t recommend substituting for regular breadcrumbs. I have not tested this but I don’t think you would get the crispy exterior result that you do with panko breadcrumbs)
  • Grated Parmesan cheese
  • Unsalted butter, melted
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Salt and black pepper
one whole and one cut crispy chicken tender on a wood cutting board

How to Make Baked Buttered Ranch Chicken Tenders with Panko

These of perfect for your busiest day of the week because they’re quick and easy to make! Here are the easy steps:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. If using aluminum foil, lightly grease it with cooking spray. 
  1. In a small shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This creates your breadcrumb mixture.
  1. In a second shallow dish, melt the butter. 
  2. Dip each chicken tenderloin into the butter, coating it well, then dredge it in the panko mixture, pressing well to adhere.
  1. Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Do not overcrowd the pan.
  1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  2. Rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce! 
close up of oven baked panko chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper

Storing Leftover Panko Chicken Fingers

If you have leftovers, store the remaining chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 325 degrees F, lightly grease a baking sheet and lay them on it. Heat them in the preheated oven for about 5 minutes or until warmed through. You could also microwave them, but they won’t maintain their crispiness (which is the best part, in my opinion).  

panko chicken tenders on a wood cutting board

What to Serve with this Panko Chicken Tenders Recipe

These go well with any of your favorite dipping sauces (think BBQ sauce, honey mustard, ranch), on their own, with any side or even on a salad. Here are some ideas of more of my favorite recipes that would go great with this crispy chicken:

crispy baked chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper on top of a red kitchen towel

More Chicken Recipes:

panko chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper on top of a red kitchen towel

Buttered Ranch Panko Chicken Tenders Recipe

My family is obsessed with this buttered ranch panko chicken tenders recipe! And I don't mind, because they're so easy to make on one sheet pan in the oven, so winner-winner chicken dinner (yes, I just went there). You need this recipe in your dinner rotation! 
Course Main Course
Cuisine American

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs chicken tenders about, I use 2 packs of chicken tenders
  • 1 packet 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  • In a shallow bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • In another bowl, pour the melted butter.
  • Dip each chicken strip into the butter, ensuring it’s well coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
  • Place the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overcrowded.
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
  • Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauce!
Keyword panko chicken tenders