Are you craving a delicious, satisfying meal but short on time? Look no further! These homemade Ranch Chicken Strips are the perfect solution for a quick and easy dinner, packed with flavor and ready in under 30 minutes. Forget takeout – this recipe is incredibly simple, even for beginner cooks, and offers a healthier twist on a classic favorite. It's the perfect example of healthy meals that don't compromise on taste!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup ranch seasoning mix (or homemade – see variations below!)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized strips. This ensures even cooking and quicker preparation time.
Step 2: Create the Breading Station
Set up three shallow dishes. In the first, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. In the second, pour the buttermilk. The third dish will hold the panko bread crumbs mixed with the ranch seasoning.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Dredge each chicken strip in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dip it into the buttermilk, letting any excess drip off. Finally, coat thoroughly in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help it adhere.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot (a pinch of breadcrumb should sizzle immediately), carefully place the chicken strips in the skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd. Fry for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Remove the chicken strips from the skillet and place them on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce – more ranch, BBQ, honey mustard – the possibilities are endless!
Cooking Tips for Perfect Ranch Chicken Strips:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in batches for best results.
- Use a meat thermometer: Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- Adjust seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add paprika, cayenne pepper, or other herbs for extra flavor.
- Make it ahead: You can bread the chicken strips ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator until ready to fry.
Variations:
- Spicy Ranch: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of your favorite hot sauce to the panko breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Homemade Ranch: Making your own ranch seasoning is easy! Combine dried dill, parsley, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Baked Ranch Chicken Strips: For a healthier option, bake the chicken strips at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. Lightly spray with cooking spray before baking.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on serving size and specific ingredients used. This is an estimate for a serving of approximately 3-4 chicken strips.
- Calories: Around 250-300
- Protein: Around 25-30g
- Fat: Around 12-15g
- Carbohydrates: Around 15-20g
These delicious and easy Ranch Chicken Strips are a fantastic addition to your weekly meal rotation. They are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, a casual lunch, or even a fun appetizer for gatherings. Enjoy!