Pretzel Ranch Chicken Tenders with Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce

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Introduction

Pretzel Ranch Chicken Tenders are a crispy, flavorful twist on classic chicken tenders. Coated in a crunchy pretzel crust and infused with the bold flavors of ranch seasoning, these tenders are baked or air-fried to perfection. Paired with a creamy, slightly spicy Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce, this dish delivers the perfect balance of crunch, zest, and heat. Whether you’re serving them as a main dish, a game-day snack, or a kid-friendly meal, these chicken tenders are sure to be a hit!

I remember the first time I made them for a family dinner. The crispy pretzel coating and ranch flavor were a huge hit, and the Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce was the perfect complement. Everyone loved how they were crunchy on the outside but tender on the inside, and the sauce added just the right amount of kick. It was one of those meals that had everyone coming back for seconds! Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner or a gathering, these tenders are bound to be a crowd-pleaser.

Perfect for:

• Family dinners
• Game-day snacks
• Kids’ meals
• Party appetizers
• Ranch lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Pretzel Ranch Chicken Tenders will become a new favorite:

• Crispy & Crunchy: The crushed pretzels create an irresistibly crispy coating.
• Bold Ranch Flavor: The ranch seasoning adds a zesty, savory taste that pairs perfectly with the pretzel crust.
• No Deep Frying Required: These tenders can be baked or air-fried for a healthier alternative to fried chicken.
• Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce: A creamy and spicy dip that complements the tenders beautifully.
• Kid-Friendly & Adult-Approved: A dish the whole family will love, with a fun twist on classic chicken tenders.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4-6 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-400 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 30g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Pretzel Ranch Chicken Tenders and Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce:

For the Chicken Tenders:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 2 cups pretzels, crushed into fine crumbs
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
• 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• Cooking spray or olive oil for baking/air frying

For the Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
• ¼ cup sour cream
• ¼ cup buffalo sauce (adjust for spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Ingredient Highlights

• Pretzels: Provide a salty, crunchy coating that’s more flavorful than traditional breadcrumbs.
• Ranch Seasoning: Adds a tangy, herby kick to both the tenders and dipping sauce.
• Greek Yogurt (in the dipping sauce): Offers a creamy texture while keeping the sauce light and protein-rich.
• Buffalo Sauce: Gives a spicy, tangy element to the dipping sauce. Adjust the amount based on your spice preference.

Step-by-Step

Instructions

Prepare the Pretzel Coating:

1. Crush the Pretzels: Place the pretzels in a food processor and pulse until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs. If using a rolling pin, place the pretzels in a zip-top bag and crush them.
2. Mix the Coating Ingredients: In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed pretzels, panko breadcrumbs, and ranch seasoning mix.

Prepare the Chicken Tenders:

3. Set Up a Breading Station:

• Bowl 1: Mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
• Bowl 2: Whisk the eggs and milk together.
• Bowl 3: Add the pretzel coating mixture.

3. Bread the Chicken:

• Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
• Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring full coverage.
• Coat in the pretzel mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks.

Cook the Chicken Tenders:

Oven Method:

5. Preheat & Prepare: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
6. Bake the Tenders: Place the breaded chicken tenders on the baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.

Air Fryer Method:

7. Preheat the Air Fryer: Set it to 375°F (190°C).
8. Air Fry the Tenders: Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray lightly with oil, and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway, until crispy and golden brown.

Make the Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce:

9. Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt (or mayo), sour cream, buffalo sauce, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and lemon juice until smooth.
10. Chill & Serve: Let the sauce sit for 10 minutes for the flavors to meld. Serve alongside the crispy chicken tenders.

How to Serve

Pretzel Ranch Chicken Tenders pair perfectly with a variety of sides and dips. Here are some serving ideas:

• With Celery and Carrot Sticks: A classic pairing with buffalo flavors.
• Alongside Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: A great way to make it a full meal.
• Over a Salad: Slice the tenders over a crisp salad with ranch dressing for a hearty, crunchy topping.
• With Extra Dipping Sauces: Try honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or extra ranch.

Additional Tips

Here are some tips to ensure your Pretzel Ranch Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly:

• Crush Pretzels Evenly: For a uniform texture, aim for small, breadcrumb-sized pieces rather than large chunks.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If air frying, cook in batches so the tenders crisp up properly.
• Adjust Buffalo Sauce Heat Level: Use mild buffalo sauce for less spice or add a dash of honey for a sweeter kick.
• Make it Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free ranch seasoning and swap Greek yogurt for dairy-free alternatives.

Recipe Variations

Here are 10 variations you can try for Pretzel Ranch Chicken Tenders:

1. Spicy Pretzel Ranch Tenders: Add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for an extra kick.
2. Honey Mustard Pretzel Chicken: Swap the buffalo ranch sauce for a homemade honey mustard dip.
3. BBQ Ranch Chicken Tenders: Mix BBQ sauce into the dipping sauce for a smoky twist.
4. Cheesy Pretzel Tenders: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the pretzel coating for a cheesy crust.
5. Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free pretzels and flour.
6. Baked Parmesan Ranch Chicken: Add Parmesan cheese to the pretzel coating for extra depth.
7. Lemon Herb Ranch Tenders: Add lemon zest and fresh herbs to the coating for a fresh, zesty take.
8. Buffalo Chicken Bites: Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces before breading for easy dipping.
9. Extra Crunchy Tenders: Double-coat the chicken by repeating the egg wash and pretzel coating steps.
10. Garlic Butter Ranch Tenders: Drizzle with garlic butter after baking for extra flavor.

Freezing and Storage

• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in an oven or air fryer for best results.
• Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.

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Conclusion

Pretzel Ranch Chicken Tenders with Buffalo Ranch Dipping Sauce are the ultimate crispy, crunchy, and flavorful treat. The pretzel coating adds an irresistible crunch, while the tangy ranch flavor pairs perfectly with the savory chicken tenders. Dip them in the bold and creamy buffalo ranch sauce for an extra kick of flavor in every bite!

Whether baked or air-fried, these tenders are a fantastic meal or snack that’s sure to impress family and friends. Perfect for game day, casual dinners, or satisfying cravings, they bring a delicious balance of flavors and textures that everyone will love.

I’d love to see how your Pretzel Ranch Chicken Tenders turn out! Snap a photo, share it on social media, and don’t forget to tag me—I can’t wait to see your tasty creations. Happy cooking!