Thank you to NatureRaised Foods for sponsoring this article. Learn how NatureRaised Foods is “Doing What’s Right, Right from the Start™” in your area.

One of the most common questions I hear from readers is, “What is a quick, healthy chicken recipe I can make for a weeknight dinner? My kids have a million activities, we all get home at different times, but I want to make something healthy and delicious that my family can eat together.” Today’s recipe is one that answers this common concern. It’s simple, delicious, and uses ranch and buffalo flavors to make a healthier version of everyone’s favorite fried food. It also appeals to a large crowd making it work for families with the pickiest of eaters.

For today’s recipe, I had the privilege of working with NatureRaised Farms^® brand Chicken, a brand that supplies delicious all natural chicken. NatureRaised Farms^® brand focuses on producing great tasting chicken that is 100% all natural, raised without antibiotics, fed a vegetarian diet, and raised without any added hormones or steroids. Their chicken is healthy, good for you, and has a richer flavor than many other chicken products found on the market that contain extra water, preservatives, or added flavors.

Using their delicious natural chicken (you can seriously taste the difference) it is easy to create a healthy family friendly meal that everyone will love. First you marinate the chicken with your favorite buffalo sauce giving it a nice spicy flavor. You can use your favorite barbecue sauce, marinade, or skip this step if you don’t like spice. Then you bread the chicken with Panko breadcrumbs that are seasoned with the traditional flavors of ranch dressing. Finally you bake it until it is crispy and crunchy for a healthy, spicy version of your favorite chicken tenders.

This dish is perfect to serve for a quick weeknight dinner, game-day snack, or freezer meal that can be warmed up in minutes. Normally when I make it I like to make a triple or quadruple batch so I can freeze some and use some for leftovers. I love to stuff these tenders into sandwiches or quesadillas, add on top of healthy salads, or wrap up with my favorite veggies and dressing. They are also incredibly versatile and can be spiced and seasoned with whatever flavors you enjoy.

Prep Time

Buffalo Ranch Panko Baked Chicken Tenders

Prep Time:

4 hours 20 min

Cook Time:

25 min

Total Time:

4 HOURS 45 MINUTES

Ingredients

1.33 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
1/2 cup buffalo hot sauce
1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1/2 tbsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp onion flakes
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp. dried chives
1/4 tsp salt

Print recipe Download PDF

Nutritional Facts

Serving Size:

2 tenders

Amount Per Serving

Calories 197

Calories from Fat 14

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 2g

Saturated Fat 0g

Monounsaturated Fat 0g

Polyunsaturated Fat 0g

Cholesterol 74mg

24%

Sodium 288mg

13%

Total Carbohydrate 6g

Dietary Fiber 0g

Sugars 0g

Protein 33g

Directions

Cut the chicken breast into strips and pierce it all over with a fork. Add the buffalo sauce and refrigerate for 4 hours or more.
Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Arrange a wire rack on top of a baking sheet covered with foil or parchment.
In a shallow dish combine the Panko breadcrumbs with all of the spices.
Remove the chicken from the buffalo sauce and season with salt and pepper.
Dip each piece into the Panko ranch breadcrumbs.
Place on the wire rack and bake for 18-20 minutes until cooked through completely. The wire rack will help ensure the chicken stays crispy and doesn’t get soggy on one side.
If the chicken doesn’t brown, broil it for the last 3 minutes of cooking. Serve on it’s own or with your favorite dipping sauce.
To freeze, layer cooked chicken tenders in a freezer safe bag or container with parchment paper. To reheat, place in a hot oven (400 degrees) for 15 minutes or microwave for 3-4 minutes.

Slender Kitchen Meal Plans

Customizable weekly meal plans that include Weight Watchers^® friendly recipes for breakfast, lunch and dinner, nutritional information, shopping lists, and more...

Learn More

† SmartPoints™ and PointsPlus^® calculated by Slender Kitchen; Not endorsed by Weight Watchers International, Inc.

Footer Recipes

Comments

By Kerri Gilmore

on April 6, 2016 - 13:24

Rate this Recipe:

I am amazed this has no reviews yet! I'm new to this site and this was the second recipe of yours I tried. My husband said this recipe is a keeper for sure. We both truly enjoyed it and it was so quick and easy to make. I can't wait to try more recipes!