Comfort Food Done Right: Homemade Chicken Tenders and Ranch Dressing
When it comes to food, there’s a certain comfort in simple, hearty meals. While gourmet dishes certainly have their appeal, sometimes all you crave is a classic comfort food dish—like chicken tenders paired with some homemade ranch dressing. The beauty of this particular recipe lies not only in its simplicity but in how it captures the essence of comfort food.
To kick off this culinary adventure, begin with the chicken tenders. A little-known trick involves the removal of the tough tendon found in the tenders. Using a fork, poke through the tendon to expose it. With a paper towel—an essential tool here due to the slippery nature of the tendon—grasp it and pull it out entirely. Repeat this process until all tenders are ready for use.
For flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in a mixture reminiscent of classic fried chicken. Combine buttermilk for moisture, dill pickle juice for a tangy kick, and a splash of Frank's Red Hot for some heat. Optionally, enhance the flavor profile with smoked paprika. Cover the bowl and let those tenders soak up the marinade in the fridge for two to four hours. The small size of the tenders means they will take on that flavor wonderfully in a shorter time.
The Homemade Ranch Dressing
No chicken tender is complete without an excellent dipping sauce, and for many, ranch dressing reigns supreme. Rather than relying on bottled options, making homemade ranch dressing from scratch can take the experience to the next level.
Start with ingredients like distilled white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and MSG. It's worth noting that most restaurant and packet ranch dressings contain MSG, contributing to their flavor popularity. Combine the vinegar with salt, sugar, and MSG and stir until dissolved.
Using a mortar and pestle, grind up any coarse granulated garlic. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream. Gradually add buttermilk to create a creamy base, and then blend in your previously mixed spices along with finely chopped fresh herbs—such as chives, dill, and parsley—for freshness. A unique tip: let the ranch sit for 30 to 60 minutes in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld and thicken.
Once the chicken has been marinated and your masterful ranch dressing is complete, it’s time to bread the tenders. Start with a coating of flour seasoned with onion powder, followed by a dip in an egg wash, and finish with a generous coat of panko breadcrumbs. This three-step process not only gives the tenders a delightful crunch but also seals in the marinated flavor.
For cooking, shallow fry the tenders in heated oil at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. A quick two-minute fry on each side will achieve that golden brown finish. Once cooked, let the tenders rest for a few minutes before diving in.
The time has come to plate your creations. The tenders, golden and crispy, pair beautifully with the homemade ranch dressing. This ranch isn’t just a dip; it’s a versatile sauce that can elevate salads, dips, and more.
Garnish your dish, and get ready to indulge in this deeply satisfying meal that blends childhood nostalgia with culinary finesse. After all, regardless of professional training or gourmet experiences, sometimes the simplest pleasures are what bring the most joy.
As we savor these delightful tenders and ranch, there’s anticipation for future culinary endeavors. With promises for even more exciting recipes on the horizon, perhaps even from a new kitchen space, the journey of cooking continues. Remember to engage with creators, support their channels, and prepare for an evolving experience full of tantalizing recipes.
So, gather your ingredients and try this recipe today; you might just discover that homemade chicken tenders and ranch dressing can be a delightful and satisfying experience that rivals any fancy meal!
Part 1/7:
Comfort Food Done Right: Homemade Chicken Tenders and Ranch Dressing
When it comes to food, there’s a certain comfort in simple, hearty meals. While gourmet dishes certainly have their appeal, sometimes all you crave is a classic comfort food dish—like chicken tenders paired with some homemade ranch dressing. The beauty of this particular recipe lies not only in its simplicity but in how it captures the essence of comfort food.
The Secret to Perfect Chicken Tenders
Part 2/7:
To kick off this culinary adventure, begin with the chicken tenders. A little-known trick involves the removal of the tough tendon found in the tenders. Using a fork, poke through the tendon to expose it. With a paper towel—an essential tool here due to the slippery nature of the tendon—grasp it and pull it out entirely. Repeat this process until all tenders are ready for use.
Marinating the Tenders
Part 3/7:
For flavor, marinate the chicken tenders in a mixture reminiscent of classic fried chicken. Combine buttermilk for moisture, dill pickle juice for a tangy kick, and a splash of Frank's Red Hot for some heat. Optionally, enhance the flavor profile with smoked paprika. Cover the bowl and let those tenders soak up the marinade in the fridge for two to four hours. The small size of the tenders means they will take on that flavor wonderfully in a shorter time.
The Homemade Ranch Dressing
No chicken tender is complete without an excellent dipping sauce, and for many, ranch dressing reigns supreme. Rather than relying on bottled options, making homemade ranch dressing from scratch can take the experience to the next level.
Part 4/7:
Start with ingredients like distilled white vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and MSG. It's worth noting that most restaurant and packet ranch dressings contain MSG, contributing to their flavor popularity. Combine the vinegar with salt, sugar, and MSG and stir until dissolved.
Using a mortar and pestle, grind up any coarse granulated garlic. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and sour cream. Gradually add buttermilk to create a creamy base, and then blend in your previously mixed spices along with finely chopped fresh herbs—such as chives, dill, and parsley—for freshness. A unique tip: let the ranch sit for 30 to 60 minutes in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld and thicken.
Breading and Cooking the Tenders
Part 5/7:
Once the chicken has been marinated and your masterful ranch dressing is complete, it’s time to bread the tenders. Start with a coating of flour seasoned with onion powder, followed by a dip in an egg wash, and finish with a generous coat of panko breadcrumbs. This three-step process not only gives the tenders a delightful crunch but also seals in the marinated flavor.
For cooking, shallow fry the tenders in heated oil at 375 degrees Fahrenheit, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. A quick two-minute fry on each side will achieve that golden brown finish. Once cooked, let the tenders rest for a few minutes before diving in.
The Finishing Touches: Salad, Dips, and More
Part 6/7:
The time has come to plate your creations. The tenders, golden and crispy, pair beautifully with the homemade ranch dressing. This ranch isn’t just a dip; it’s a versatile sauce that can elevate salads, dips, and more.
Garnish your dish, and get ready to indulge in this deeply satisfying meal that blends childhood nostalgia with culinary finesse. After all, regardless of professional training or gourmet experiences, sometimes the simplest pleasures are what bring the most joy.
Conclusion: New Beginnings Ahead
Part 7/7:
As we savor these delightful tenders and ranch, there’s anticipation for future culinary endeavors. With promises for even more exciting recipes on the horizon, perhaps even from a new kitchen space, the journey of cooking continues. Remember to engage with creators, support their channels, and prepare for an evolving experience full of tantalizing recipes.
So, gather your ingredients and try this recipe today; you might just discover that homemade chicken tenders and ranch dressing can be a delightful and satisfying experience that rivals any fancy meal!