Juicy Chicken Strips with a Golden Ranch Crust
This Buttered Ranch Chicken is crispy, juicy, and bursting with bold ranch flavor. Baked—not fried—these chicken strips are coated in a savory blend of panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan, garlic, and paprika , then basted in butter for a golden, crunchy finish.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or a healthier take on fried chicken!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🧀 Parmesan & Ranch Flavor: A craveable savory blend that’s packed with umami and herb notes.
- 🧈 Butter-Baked Crispiness: Melted butter gives that golden, crispy texture without frying.
- ⏱️ Quick & Easy: From bowl to oven in under 10 minutes—ideal for busy cooks.
- 🥘 Juicy Inside, Crunchy Outside: Baked to perfection with tender, moist meat inside.
- 🎉 Great for Sharing: Kids, teens, and ranch lovers will devour these!
Ingredients (Serves 4):
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts , cut into strips (about 1.5 lbs)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix (or 2 tbsp homemade ranch seasoning)
For the Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch – or regular breadcrumbs for softer crust)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (adds salty richness)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (or 1 clove minced garlic)
- ½ tsp paprika (smoked adds depth – or regular for color)
- Salt and black pepper , to taste
For Basting:
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter , melted (or olive oil for dairy-free)
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven & Prep Baking Sheet
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) .
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat—or lightly grease it.
Place a wire rack on the sheet (if available) for extra crispiness.
Step 2: Mix the Breadcrumb Coating
In a shallow bowl or plate, combine:
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Parmesan cheese
- Ranch seasoning
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Mix until evenly distributed.
Step 3: Baste & Dredge the Chicken
In a separate bowl, melt the butter and set aside.
Dip each chicken strip into the melted butter , coating thoroughly.
Then dredge in the breadcrumb mixture , pressing gently to help it stick.
Place coated strips on the baking sheet, leaving space between them.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden & Crispy
Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes , flipping halfway through.
The chicken is done when:
- The internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C)
- The crust is golden and crisp
- The juices run clear
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps the crust stay crunchy.
Step 5: Serve Hot & Crispy
Serve warm with:
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- BBQ sauce
- Or enjoy plain for that classic baked chicken crunch
Each bite brings together:
- Juicy, tender chicken inside
- Golden, buttery crunch on the outside
- And that bold, herby ranch-Parmesan finish
Tips for Success:
- 🧈 Butter Basting Hack: Brush extra butter over the chicken halfway through baking for extra crisp.
- 🧂 Homemade Ranch Option: Mix 2 tbsp buttermilk powder + 1 tbsp dried herbs (dill, parsley, chives) + garlic powder + onion powder for a custom blend.
- 🥣 No Panko? No Problem: Use crushed crackers, potato chips, or cereal for fun texture twists.
- 🥘 Bone-In Option: Bakes well with chicken thighs—just increase time to 35–40 minutes.
- ❄️ Make Ahead Magic: Coat chicken and refrigerate—bake fresh when ready to eat.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
- Great as a sandwich or wrap filling—try it in a ranch chicken wrap!
- Ideal with beer, iced tea, or lemon water.
Nutritional Information (per serving, makes 4 – approximate):
(With regular butter and Parmesan – per serving)
- Calories: ~350 kcal
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~15g
- Fat: ~20g
- Fiber: ~1g
- Sugar: ~2g
This Crispy Buttered Ranch Chicken proves that you don’t need a fryer to get that golden, crunchy crust. With its buttery coating, bold ranch flavor, and juicy center—it’s a must-bake for anyone who loves crispy chicken bites.
