![- 1 lb chicken tenders - 1 cup dill pickle juice - 1 cup buttermilk - 1 cup all-purpose flour - 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko) - Spices: garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt - 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix - Vegetable oil for frying To make the best Pickle Ranch Chicken Tenders, you need fresh and quality ingredients. The chicken tenders are the star of the dish. They are juicy and tender when cooked right. I love to use dill pickle juice for marinating. It adds a tangy flavor that makes the chicken taste amazing. Buttermilk also gives the chicken a rich taste and tender texture. The dry ingredients play a vital role. All-purpose flour creates a nice base for the coating. Panko breadcrumbs add extra crunch. The spices—garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt—give depth to the flavor. Don't forget the ranch seasoning mix! It ties everything together with its creamy, zesty notes. Finally, vegetable oil is essential for frying. It creates that crispy outer layer we all love. For the full recipe, you can check the [Full Recipe]. First, grab a large mixing bowl. Add the chicken tenders and pour in the dill pickle juice. Make sure all the chicken is fully submerged. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap. Place it in the fridge for at least one hour. If you want a stronger flavor, marinate overnight. In a separate medium bowl, whisk the buttermilk and ranch seasoning mix together. Mix until they blend well. This will be the soaking mixture that adds flavor to the chicken. Now, let’s set up your dredging station. In another bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt. Stir well to mix everything together. This seasoned dry mixture is key for a tasty crust. Take your marinated chicken tenders. First, dredge each piece in the flour mixture. Shake off any extra flour to keep it from clumping. Next, dip the floured chicken into the buttermilk mixture. Let the excess buttermilk drip off. Finally, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs. Press down lightly so they stick well. Grab a large skillet and heat about an inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot (but not smoking), carefully add the chicken tenders. Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry in batches if needed. Cook the tenders for about 4-5 minutes on each side. They should turn golden brown and be fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature is at least 165°F. Once they are done, place the chicken tenders on a paper towel-lined plate. This helps soak up any extra oil. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. Marinating chicken tenders in dill pickle juice adds a great tang. I suggest marinating them for at least one hour. For stronger flavor, try overnight marination. If you don’t have dill pickle juice, you can use lemon juice or vinegar. These alternatives will still give you some nice acidity. Getting the oil to the right temperature is key. Heat the oil until it reaches about 350°F. You can test this by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil. If it bubbles and sizzles, it’s ready. When frying, avoid overcrowding the pan. This helps keep the oil hot and ensures even cooking. Fry in small batches to get that perfect crisp. For a lovely presentation, serve the chicken tenders on a wooden platter. Add some dill pickle slices around them. A side of creamy ranch dip always works well too. As for side dishes, crispy fries are a classic choice. You can also serve them with a fresh garden salad for a lighter meal. {{image_4}} You can add some heat to your pickle ranch chicken tenders. Mix in hot sauce or cayenne pepper with the marinade. The spicy kick will make each bite exciting. Adjust the heat to your taste. If you love spice, add more! For a milder flavor, use less hot sauce. Baking is a great way to make this dish a bit healthier. Preheat your oven to 425°F. After coating the chicken, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spray a bit of cooking oil on top for crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Flip halfway through for even cooking. This method gives you a crunchy texture without frying. Want a new crunch? Try using crushed cornflakes or other grains instead of breadcrumbs. They add a unique texture and flavor. You can even experiment with seasoned crackers for extra taste. Be creative! Mixing different coatings can surprise your taste buds and elevate your meal. To store leftover chicken tenders, let them cool first. Place them in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap. Keep the container in the fridge. They stay fresh for about 3 to 4 days. Reheat them in the oven for the best taste. If you want to save your chicken tenders for later, freezing is a good option. First, let them cool completely. Then, wrap each tender in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped tenders in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can to avoid freezer burn. They can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake them in the oven at 375°F until hot and crispy. For the best taste, eat your chicken tenders within the first few days. After that, they may lose some flavor. If you freeze them, remember to use them within 3 months for the best quality. Always check for any signs of spoilage before eating. Pickle ranch seasoning combines tangy dill pickle flavor with classic ranch herbs. It often includes dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a hint of salt. This mix adds a zesty kick to your dishes. You can use it on chicken, veggies, or even popcorn for a fun twist. Yes, you can use chicken breasts. If you do, slice them into strips. This helps them cook evenly. Cook time may increase to about 6-7 minutes per side. Always check the internal temperature to reach 165°F for safety. Making ranch seasoning is easy! Mix these ingredients: - 1 tablespoon dried dill - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dried parsley - ½ teaspoon salt - ½ teaspoon black pepper Combine all ingredients and store in an airtight container. This mix will add flavor to many dishes, including the pickle ranch chicken tenders. You can serve these tenders with many sides. Some great choices are: - Crispy French fries - Fresh garden salad - Coleslaw - Roasted vegetables - Macaroni and cheese These sides complement the flavors and make a complete meal. Some popular brands include: - Hidden Valley - Primal Kitchen - Simply Organic These brands offer great flavor and are widely available. Check your local grocery store or online. In this post, we covered how to make crispy pickle ranch chicken tenders. We discussed key ingredients like chicken, dill pickle juice, and spices. I provided step-by-step instructions to marinate, coat, and fry the chicken. We also shared tips for flavor and serving suggestions. Remember, experimenting with variations can lead to tasty surprises. Try the spicy version or bake for a healthier choice. Enjoy your cooking journey, and savor every bite of your delicious homemade chicken tenders!](https://blissfulmeal.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/0296b92f-aeda-4421-9684-ac9b262a496d-300x300.webp)
Pickle Ranch Chicken Tenders
Enjoy a delicious twist on dinner with these Pickle Ranch Chicken Tenders! Marinated in dill pickle juice for that perfect tangy flavor, these crispy tenders are coated in a crunchy panko breadcrumb crust and seasoned to perfection. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick meal or a tasty snack. Ready in just over an hour, it's time to wow your family and friends. Click through to explore the full recipe and elevate your dinner game!