Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip

Lora Lopez

Posted on October 5, 2025

Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip

If you’re looking for a delicious and satisfying meal that will impress your family and friends, look no further than these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip. This recipe combines juicy chicken tenders with a crispy, flavorful coating that is perfect for dipping into a zesty homemade ranch sauce. Whether you’re planning for a game day snack, a family dinner, or simply craving something crunchy and savory, this dish ticks all the boxes. It’s easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and will undoubtedly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a versatile recipe that allows for customization, so feel free to add your favorite spices or herbs for an extra kick!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe for Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip is not only mouthwatering but also incredibly easy to make. Here are some reasons why you’ll adore it:

Quick Preparation: With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a cooking time of about 10 minutes, you can serve this dish in no time. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners when you’re short on time.
Kid-Friendly: Children love chicken tenders, and these are no exception! The crispy texture combined with the cheesy flavor is sure to please even picky eaters.
Versatile Dish: Serve these tenders as an appetizer, a main course, or even as a party snack. Pair them with a variety of dips or sauces to suit your taste.
Healthy Twist: By making your own tenders, you can control the ingredients and reduce the amount of unhealthy additives often found in store-bought options.
Impressive Flavor: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and Italian herbs creates a flavor explosion that elevates ordinary chicken tenders to something extraordinary.

In short, this recipe is not just about eating; it’s about enjoying a delightful culinary experience that brings everyone together. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself making it again and again!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

If you’ve never made homemade chicken tenders, now is the time to start! Here’s why you should try these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip:

Fresh Ingredients: Homemade tenders mean you can use the freshest ingredients available, which elevates the overall taste of the dish. You can choose organic chicken and fresh herbs to enhance flavor.
Cost-Effective: Making chicken tenders at home is generally cheaper than buying them from a restaurant or store, and you’ll get more servings for your money.
Customization Options: This recipe is highly adaptable. You can change the seasoning, use different types of cheese, or even make it gluten-free with alternative breadcrumbs.
Cooking Techniques: You’ll learn valuable cooking techniques like breading and frying, which can be applied to other dishes, making you a more versatile home cook.
Perfect for Meal Prep: These chicken tenders can be made in bulk and stored in the fridge or freezer, making them a great option for meal prepping for the week.

By trying this recipe, you’re not just preparing a meal; you’re creating a delicious experience that your taste buds will thank you for!

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

To make Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip, you’ll need the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Tenders:

1 lb (450g) chicken tenders
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
Oil for frying

For the Ranch Dip:

1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup sour cream
1 tablespoon dried dill
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste

Recommended Tools

Having the right tools can make the cooking process much smoother. Here are the utensils you’ll need:

3 shallow bowls for breading
Large skillet or frying pan
Slotted spatula for flipping
Paper towels for draining
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board for mincing garlic

With these ingredients and tools, you will be well-equipped to create mouthwatering chicken tenders that will impress everyone!

Detailed Recipe Steps

Now that you have all your ingredients and tools ready, let’s dive into the preparation of your Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip. Follow these steps for the best results:

Prepare the Coatings: Set up a breading station using three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs until well beaten. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, and dried Italian herbs. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
Bread the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and dip it into the flour first, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any extra to drip off. Finally, coat it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well. Repeat this process for all chicken tenders.
Fry the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat about 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of breadcrumb into the oil. If it sizzles, you’re ready to fry. Carefully add the breaded chicken tenders in batches, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 4-5 minutes per side. Once cooked, transfer the tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Make the Ranch Dip: While the chicken is frying, prepare the ranch dip. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
Serve: Once the chicken tenders are fried and the ranch dip is ready, serve the crispy garlic Parmesan chicken tenders warm with the ranch dip on the side for dipping. Enjoy your meal!

**Practical Tips:** Make sure the oil is sufficiently hot before adding the chicken to avoid soggy tenders. If you want to bake them instead of frying, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bake the chicken tenders instead of frying them?

Yes, you can bake these chicken tenders! Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.

What can I serve with these chicken tenders?

These chicken tenders pair wonderfully with various sides. You can serve them with a fresh salad, fries, or even coleslaw. They are also great with a variety of dipping sauces.

How can I store leftovers?

To store leftovers, place the chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven for the best texture.

Can I make the ranch dip ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the ranch dip in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Conclusion

In conclusion, these Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders with Ranch Dip are a fantastic addition to any meal or gathering. They are easy to make, packed with flavor, and sure to be a hit with everyone. Don’t forget to try the homemade ranch dip, as it perfectly complements the crispy chicken. If you enjoyed this recipe, please leave a comment below, share it with your friends, and let us know how your cooking adventure went!

For more delicious recipes, check out our other posts like Crispy Chicken Meatballs with Honey Mustard Dip and Spicy Beef Bites with Soy Ginger Dipping Sauce.

For more inspiration, visit our Pinterest page: Cheflora Recipes.