Healthy Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken Strips Recipe

Introduction

These healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips offer a flavorful and spicy twist on a classic favorite. They’re easy to prepare and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders or strips
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
• 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce (additional for brushing)
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (additional for brushing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup buffalo sauce and 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning to create the marinade.
3. Step 3: Toss the chicken tenders in the marinade, making sure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for more flavor.
4. Step 4: Remove the chicken from the marinade, without draining off the excess sauce. Arrange the strips on a baking sheet or oven rack, making sure they are not overcrowded.
5. Step 5: Bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the chicken is cooked through. Once out of the oven, brush each strip with the additional buffalo sauce mixed with ranch seasoning for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, place the chicken strips on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air circulation during baking.
• Adjust the buffalo sauce amount based on your heat preference for a milder or spicier dish.
• Serve with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
• Try using grilled chicken strips instead of baked for a smokier flavor.

Storage

Store leftover buffalo ranch chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to retain crispiness, or microwave for 1-2 minutes if short on time.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken tenders for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the chicken tenders before marinating and baking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your ranch seasoning and buffalo sauce are gluten-free. Always check the labels to confirm.

Healthy Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken Strips Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 146 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes plus marinating time
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

These Healthy Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken Strips offer a flavorful and guilt-free twist on classic buffalo chicken. Marinated in a tangy mixture of buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning, the chicken strips are baked to perfection, making them crispy on the outside while juicy inside. This easy, oven-baked recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or game day snack.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 pound chicken tenders/strips

Marinade

• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning

Topping

• 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the chicken evenly and getting a nice exterior crisp.
2. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce with 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning to create a flavorful marinade that will infuse the chicken with the classic buffalo ranch taste.
3. Marinate the chicken: Toss the chicken tenders thoroughly in the buffalo ranch marinade until each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight to maximize flavor absorption.
4. Arrange for baking: Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and place the tenders on an oven rack or baking sheet, making sure not to crowd them to allow even heat circulation and proper baking.
5. Bake the chicken: Bake the chicken strips for 25 to 30 minutes, or until fully cooked and slightly crispy on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
6. Brush with extra sauce: After baking, brush each chicken strip with the reserved 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce mixed with 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning to add an extra layer of flavor and moisture.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken overnight for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Use an oven rack placed over a baking sheet to allow excess marinade to drip and help the chicken crisp up better.
• If you prefer less spicy, adjust the amount of buffalo sauce accordingly.
• Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety.
• This recipe can be paired with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: buffalo chicken, baked chicken strips, healthy chicken recipe, buffalo ranch, oven-baked chicken, chicken tenders