Ultimate Crispy Ranch Chicken Strips with Zesty Ranch BBQ Dipping Sauce (Baked, Not Fried!)

Discover the secret to perfectly crispy, flavorful chicken strips that are baked, not fried, making them a healthier and equally delicious family favorite. These Crispy Ranch Chicken Strips are bursting with savory ranch flavor and come with an irresistible homemade Ranch BBQ Dipping Sauce. Ideal for both kids and adults, this recipe promises a delightful dinner that will have everyone asking for more.

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Looking for more easy, family-friendly dinner ideas that even picky eaters will approve of? Explore these delicious options:

• Homemade Crispy Fish Sticks
• Pepperoni Pizza Mac and Cheese
• Pretzel Crusted Chicken with Mustard Cheddar Sauce

As a food blogger, you might think my children happily devour every meal I prepare. The reality is, like many parents, I often face the challenge of picky eaters at the dinner table. While they are slowly learning to expand their palates, there are a few staple recipes that consistently receive enthusiastic approval, ensuring a grumble-free mealtime.

These guaranteed hits include my homemade pizza, their beloved One-Pot Ground Beef Stroganoff, and my comforting Crock Pot Chili. But topping them all in universal appeal? You guessed it – chicken strips!

Chicken strips are a timeless classic, always a surefire hit with both the young and the young-at-heart. This particular recipe for crispy ranch chicken strips takes that classic appeal and elevates it to a new level. What makes them stand out is the double dose of ranch flavor: not only is the savory ranch seasoning mixed into the crispy breading, but it also infuses the accompanying Ranch BBQ Dipping Sauce. The result is a truly cohesive and incredibly flavorful dish.

You’ll be amazed at how wonderfully crispy these chicken strips turn out, even though they are baked instead of fried. This oven-baked approach makes them a lighter, healthier alternative without sacrificing any of the satisfying crunch. And here’s the best part – it’s not just the kids who adore them; the adults in our household are equally smitten!

Mastering the Art of Crispy Baked Ranch Chicken Strips

Achieving truly crispy chicken strips in the oven is simpler than you might think, and it all comes down to a classic three-step breading process, enhanced with our special homemade ranch spice blend. This method ensures maximum flavor and a delightful crunch with every bite.

The Three-Step Breading Process for Ultimate Crispiness:

1. Flour First: The initial coating of all-purpose flour is crucial. It creates a dry surface on the chicken tender, allowing the subsequent wet ingredients to adhere properly. Think of it as a primer for perfect breading adhesion.
2. Egg Wash as Your Glue: A lightly whisked egg acts as the binding agent. It provides the necessary moisture for the breadcrumbs to stick firmly to the chicken, creating an even and secure coating.
3. Panko Power with Ranch Flavor: This is where the magic truly happens! We opt for Panko breadcrumbs because their larger, flakier texture results in an exceptionally light and crispy crust, far superior to traditional breadcrumbs when baking. Crucially, our easy homemade ranch spice mixture is thoroughly blended into the Panko, ensuring that every inch of your chicken strips is infused with that irresistible ranch flavor.

To bread, you’ll simply dip each chicken tender first into the seasoned flour, tapping off any excess. Then, coat it completely in the egg wash, letting any extra drip away. Finally, press the tender firmly into the ranch-seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, ensuring a generous and even coating. Don’t be shy; use your hands to really press those breadcrumbs onto the chicken for maximum coverage and crispness.

Once breaded, arrange the chicken strips on a cooling rack placed over a baking sheet. This setup is key to achieving that coveted crisp texture. It allows air to circulate all around each chicken piece, preventing the bottom from becoming soggy and ensuring even cooking and golden-brown perfection from every angle.

Chicken Tenders vs. Chicken Breast: Which is Best for Strips?

This recipe specifically calls for chicken tenders, and for good reason. For many years, I would buy boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into strips, which certainly works. However, once I started using actual chicken tenders, I noticed a distinct difference in the final result.

So, what exactly are chicken tenders, and how do they differ from chicken breasts? The chicken tenderloin is a small, stripshaped muscle located directly underneath the chicken breast, loosely attached. Sometimes, you might even find it still attached to a whole chicken breast from the grocery store. Most butchers separate these two cuts and sell them individually.

The name “tenderloin” itself offers a clue: it’s inherently more tender than the main breast muscle. This difference in texture is noticeable; tenders are typically more succulent and less prone to drying out, which is ideal for quick-cooking methods like baking into strips. They have a naturally soft, fine grain that creates a more pleasing mouthfeel in a chicken strip.

If the ultimate tenderness is a priority for your chicken strips, I highly recommend seeking out chicken tenderloins. However, if you only have chicken breasts on hand, don’t worry – they will absolutely work! To mimic the tenderloin experience, you can slice the chicken breast against the grain into uniform strips and consider a quick brine (a simple saltwater solution) for 15-30 minutes to enhance moisture and tenderness before breading. Just be mindful not to overcook them, as chicken breasts can dry out more easily than tenders.

Delightful Side Dishes to Complement Your Crispy Chicken Strips

The beauty of chicken strips is their versatility. They pair wonderfully with a variety of simple sides, allowing the delicious ranch flavor to truly shine. Here are some of my favorite accompaniments that round out a perfect family meal:

• Sweet & Savory Glazed Carrots: Always a fantastic choice, these glazed carrots add a touch of sweetness and vibrant color to your plate, and they’re always a hit with the kids!
• Comforting Mashed Potatoes: A classic for a reason. While any mashed potato recipe works, I particularly adore this Mashed Potato Skin Recipe for an extra layer of flavor and texture.
• Fresh & Fruity Crown Ruby Fruit Salad: My kids absolutely go crazy for this refreshing fruit salad. Its bright flavors offer a lovely contrast to the savory chicken.
• Hearty Caesar Salad with Pasta: A substantial salad is always a great addition. This Caesar salad with fusilli pasta is not only delicious but also a clever way to get kids to eat their greens (because, pasta!).

Beyond the sides, let’s not forget the dipping experience! While our homemade Ranch BBQ Dipping Sauce is the star, another crowd-pleaser that kids consistently love is Chick-fil-A Sauce. Offering both creates a delightful dipping duo that caters to all tastes.

Explore More Family-Approved Chicken Recipes

If your family loves chicken as much as mine does, you’ll want to check out these other fantastic chicken dishes that consistently earn rave reviews:

• Garlic Paprika Instant Pot Chicken Thighs
• Refreshing Chicken Cobb Salad Wraps
• Flavorful Chicken Bacon Ranch Sliders
• Creamy Cheese Chicken Enchiladas
• Easy Chicken Divan Recipe
• Hearty Chicken Pot Pie Ragu

Essential Tools for Perfect Crispy Ranch Chicken Strips

• To ensure your chicken strips achieve maximum crispiness without getting soggy, baking them on a cooling rack placed over a baking sheet is non-negotiable. Simple, basic racks work perfectly.
• For an organized and efficient breading station, I highly recommend using pie plates. Their wide, shallow design and flat bottom make them ideal for holding flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, preventing messes and making the dipping process smooth.
• A light spray of cooking oil is key to that golden-brown, extra-crispy exterior. You can use standard non-stick cooking spray, or for a more even application and to control the type of oil, an olive oil mister is an excellent investment.

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