Garlic Herb Chicken Tenders with Creamy Ranch Sauce

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that the whole family will love, look no further than Garlic Herb Chicken Tenders with Creamy Ranch Sauce! This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken tenders with a mouthwatering blend of garlic and herbs, all baked to golden perfection. The creamy ranch sauce adds a delightful tang that perfectly complements the savory chicken, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or even a party appetizer, this recipe is sure to impress. Plus, it’s easy to whip up in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to choice for busy cooks. Whether served on its own, with a side of veggies, or tucked into a wrap, these chicken tenders are a versatile delight. Let’s dive into why you’ll love making this recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

First and foremost, Garlic Herb Chicken Tenders with Creamy Ranch Sauce are incredibly flavorful. The combination of garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and paprika creates a savory crust that envelops the chicken tenders, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. The herbs not only enhance the taste but also elevate the dish’s aroma, making your kitchen smell amazing while they bake.

Another reason to love this recipe is its simplicity. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can conquer this dish. The chicken tenders are coated in a flavorful mixture and baked until golden, making it a healthier alternative to frying. Plus, the creamy ranch sauce is quick to whip up, requiring no cooking, so you can have a satisfying meal on the table in no time.

Additionally, this dish is highly customizable. If you prefer a kick of heat, you can easily add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the chicken mix or ranch sauce. You could also swap out the herbs for your favorites, creating a unique flavor profile that suits your taste. Serve these chicken tenders with fresh veggies, on a salad, or as part of a sandwich for a delightful meal that can be enjoyed in various ways.

Why You Should Try This Recipe

Trying out the Garlic Herb Chicken Tenders with Creamy Ranch Sauce isn’t just about enjoying a delicious meal; it’s also about experiencing the joy of cooking. Cooking at home allows you to control the ingredients and tailor the flavors to your liking, making each dish a personal creation. Plus, this recipe encourages you to experiment with fresh herbs and spices, enhancing your culinary skills.

This dish is also a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Kids will love the crispy chicken tenders, while adults will appreciate the herbaceous twist and creamy ranch dip. It’s a win-win for everyone at the table! Additionally, the leftovers (if there are any) can be easily transformed into wraps or salads for lunch the next day, saving you time and effort.

Finally, making Garlic Herb Chicken Tenders with Creamy Ranch Sauce is a great way to introduce more homemade meals into your routine. Cooking at home is not only healthier but also more economical than dining out or relying on takeout. Enjoy the satisfaction of preparing a meal from scratch, and indulge in the delicious flavors that come from using fresh ingredients.

Ingredients and Necessary Utensils

Ingredients

• For the Chicken Tenders:
• 1 pound chicken tenders
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

• For the Creamy Ranch Sauce:
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 tablespoon dried dill
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives (optional)

Recommended Utensils

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or cooking spray
• Large mixing bowl
• Shallow dish for breadcrumbs
• Meat thermometer (for checking chicken doneness)
• Whisk for mixing sauce ingredients

Detailed Recipe Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Chicken Tenders: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Make sure to mix well. Add the chicken tenders to the bowl and toss them until they are evenly coated in the herb mixture.
3. Coat the Chicken: Pour the breadcrumbs into a shallow dish. Take each chicken tender and dredge it in the breadcrumbs, pressing down lightly to ensure they adhere well. Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are spaced apart for even cooking.
4. Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F (75°C).
5. Make the Creamy Ranch Sauce: While the chicken is baking, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and chives (if using) in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and well combined.
6. Serve: Once the chicken tenders are out of the oven, let them cool slightly before serving. Enjoy them warm with the creamy ranch sauce for dipping. These chicken tenders are perfect for snacking or as part of a hearty meal!

FAQs

In conclusion, Garlic Herb Chicken Tenders with Creamy Ranch Sauce is a delightful and easy recipe that is sure to please everyone at your table. The aromatic blend of garlic and herbs combined with a creamy dip makes for a perfect meal or snack. We encourage you to give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments below!

For more delicious recipes, check out this pin for inspiration and explore our other tasty creations like Spicy Honey Garlic Shrimp Skewers and Garlic Parmesan Chicken Strips!

Garlic Herb Chicken Tenders with Creamy Ranch Sauce

These Garlic Herb Chicken Tenders are perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, served alongside a rich and creamy ranch sauce for dipping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Mixing Bowl
• Baking Sheet
• Shallow Dish

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound Chicken tenders
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 2 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon Onion powder
• 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon Paprika
• to taste Salt and pepper
• 1 cup Breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

Creamy Ranch Sauce Ingredients

• 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup Sour cream
• 1 tablespoon Dried dill
• 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon Chopped fresh chives (optional)

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
• In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken tenders and toss until well coated.
• Place the breadcrumbs in a shallow dish. Dredge each chicken tender in the breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to adhere, and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
• Bake the chicken tenders for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
• While the chicken is baking, prepare the ranch sauce by mixing the mayonnaise, sour cream, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and chives (if using) in a bowl until smooth.
• Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly before serving.
• Serve warm with the creamy ranch sauce for dipping and enjoy your delicious Garlic Herb Chicken Tenders!

Notes

For a healthier option, you can bake the chicken tenders without breadcrumbs or use whole wheat breadcrumbs.

Keyword chicken tenders, delicious, easy, quick, ranch sauce