© Original Recipe By The Cozy Crumb ©
🔥🥗 Healthy Baked Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strips: The Crispiest, Tastiest Snack! 🍗🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a snack that combines spicy, tangy buffalo flavor with creamy ranch, look no further than these healthy baked buffalo ranch chicken strips. Perfectly crispy on the outside and succulent inside, these tenders are a guilt-free way to indulge your taste buds. They make an excellent appetizer for parties, game day, or a nutritious weeknight dinner.
What makes this recipe stand out is how simple it is to make at home with fresh ingredients and a few healthy swaps. Say goodbye to greasy fried chicken—these baked buffalo chicken tenders are just as satisfying but lighter and better for you.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes – quick enough for busy weeknights.
- Uses lean chicken breast for high protein, low fat.
- Crunchy and flavorful without frying, thanks to oven-baked perfection.
- Bright, spicy buffalo sauce paired with cool, tangy ranch for a perfect combo.
- Can be customized for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.
3. Ingredient Notes
The key to irresistibly crispy baked buffalo chicken lies in high-quality, fresh ingredients. Use skinless, boneless chicken breasts, sliced into uniform strips for even cooking. Opt for organic or free-range chicken if possible for better flavor and texture.
The buffalo sauce should be a balance of hot sauce, butter or olive oil, and a splash of vinegar for that authentic tang. For the coating, whole wheat or panko breadcrumbs create a satisfying crunch, but you can also experiment with almond flour for a low-carb version.
The ranch dressing can be made from scratch with Greek yogurt, dried herbs, and spices, or bought store-bought for convenience. For a dairy-free option, substitute with coconut or almond-based ranch dressing.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics – Ideal for baking these tenders with a crispy exterior without frying in oil. This versatile appliance ensures even cooking and delightful texture.
- T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set – Perfect for baking or prepping your ingredients with ease and nonstick perfection.
- Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer Combo – For optimal crispiness and browning, this combo appliance excels in creating oven-like textures indoors.
5. How to Make Healthy Baked Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strips
Step 1: Prep the Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Slice the chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch wide. Pat them dry to ensure the coating sticks well. In a bowl, whisk together your seasoning—paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken
Dredge each chicken strip in a mixture of whole wheat breadcrumbs or Panko, coating thoroughly. For extra crispiness, you can dip the strips in beaten egg or a dairy-free alternative before coating.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Arrange the coated chicken tenders in a single layer, leaving space between each for even baking.
Step 3: Bake to Perfection
Place the sheet in your preheated oven or air fryer. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Look for a golden, crispy exterior and tender inside. The aroma of seasoned breadcrumbs and cooked chicken will fill your kitchen.
Step 4: Make the Buffalo & Ranch Sauces
Meanwhile, combine hot sauce, melted butter, a splash of vinegar, and a touch of honey if desired to create your buffalo sauce. For ranch, whisk Greek yogurt with dried herbs, garlic powder, onion powder, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Step 5: Toss & Serve
Once baked, toss the chicken strips in the buffalo sauce or serve on the side for dipping. Top with a drizzle of ranch or serve separately. For presentation, garnish with chopped parsley or green onions.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Use a baking wire rack on the baking sheet to allow hot air to circulate around the chicken for extra crispiness.
- Shake off excess breadcrumbs before baking to prevent sogginess.
- Marinate the chicken in a little hot sauce before coating for an extra flavor boost.
- Adjust the heat level by choosing milder or spicier hot sauces according to your preference.
7. Variations & Substitutions
- Low-Carb: Swap breadcrumbs for crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut or almond-based ranch dressing and margarine instead of butter.
- Spicy: Add more hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to increase heat.
- Kids’ Version: Use milder hot sauce and serve with a side of honey mustard instead of ranch.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken tenders in a hot oven or air fryer for about 5 minutes, until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can soften the coating.
9. FAQ
Can I make these chicken strips gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed rice crackers. Ensure your hot sauce and ranch dressing are also gluten-free if needed.
What hot sauce is best for buffalo sauce?
Frank’s RedHot is a classic choice, but feel free to use any hot sauce you prefer. Adjust the amount to control spice level.
Are ranch chicken tenders healthy?
Absolutely! By baking instead of frying, using lean chicken, and controlling your sauce ingredients, these tenders are a nutritious treat packed with flavor.
10. Conclusion
Craving a spicy, creamy snack that won’t sabotage your health goals? These healthy baked buffalo ranch chicken strips tick all boxes. They’re crispy, flavorful, and easy to prepare, making them an ideal addition to your weekly meal rotation. Give them a try, customize the heat and flavor to suit your taste, and enjoy a satisfying, guilt-free indulgence anytime!
Print
Healthy Baked Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strips
A quick and healthy baked chicken strips recipe coated in buffalo sauce and topped with ranch dressing, perfect for a flavorful dinner or snack.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) chicken tenders
- 1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh celery sticks for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Mix bread crumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a shallow dish. <li id="instruction-step-3" Dip chicken tenders in buffalo sauce, then coat evenly with breadcrumb mixture.
- Arrange coated chicken on prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing before serving. Serve with celery sticks.
Notes
- For extra crunch, double coat the chicken tenders in buffalo sauce and breadcrumbs.
- You can substitute chicken breasts sliced into strips for tenders.
- Adjust buffalo sauce to taste for spicier or milder flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free (with gluten-free bread crumbs),Low Carb (without bread crumbs)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 chicken strips
- Calories: 280 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 12 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
