Buffalo Ranch Panko Baked Chicken Tenders

Thank you to NatureRaised Foods for sponsoring this article. 

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.