Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and easy way to spice up your weeknight dinner, look no further than this flavorful Buffalo Ranch Chicken Tenderloins recipe. Combining tender chicken with zesty ranch seasoning and a spicy buffalo sauce, this dish is sure to please everyone at the table. Whether served as a main course, in wraps, or on top of salads, these tenderloins are packed with flavor and are incredibly simple to make.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 2 lbs chicken tenderloins
– 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– ½ cup hot sauce
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Directions
1. **Season the Chicken:**
– Place the chicken tenderloins in a large bowl.
– Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken.
– Drizzle the olive oil over the seasoned chicken.
– Toss the chicken until evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
2. **Cook the Chicken:**
– Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken tenderloins in a single layer.
– Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until browned.
– Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
3. **Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:**
– While the chicken is cooking, combine the hot sauce and unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
– Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is well combined.
4. **Combine and Serve:**
– Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it in a large bowl.
– Pour the prepared buffalo sauce over the chicken.
– Toss the chicken until each piece is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
– Serve immediately.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Season the Chicken:
– Place the chicken tenderloins in a large bowl.
– Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken.
– Drizzle the olive oil over the seasoned chicken.
– Toss the chicken until evenly coated with the seasoning and oil.
Cook the Chicken:
– Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
– Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken tenderloins in a single layer.
– Cook for 3-4 minutes on one side until browned.
– Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Prepare the Buffalo Sauce:
– While the chicken is cooking, combine the hot sauce and unsalted butter in a small saucepan over low heat.
– Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is well combined.
Combine and Serve:
– Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it in a large bowl.
– Pour the prepared buffalo sauce over the chicken.
– Toss the chicken until each piece is thoroughly coated with the sauce.
– Serve immediately.
Notes
Tip for Cooking:
– Ensure that the chicken pieces are not overcrowded in the skillet to achieve a nice browning.
Serving Suggestions:
– This dish pairs well with celery sticks and blue cheese or ranch dressing for dipping.
Storage:
– Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
Cook techniques
Seasoning Chicken
To enhance the flavor of chicken tenderloins, it’s essential to coat them evenly with seasonings. Using ranch seasoning mix provides a tangy and herby flavor that complements the chicken. The olive oil helps the seasoning adhere better and adds moisture during cooking.
Searing Chicken
When cooking the chicken in a skillet, searing at medium-high heat creates a caramelized crust that locks in juices. It’s important to avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking and browning.
Making Buffalo Sauce
Buffalo sauce is made by combining hot sauce with melted butter. Heating the sauces together allows the flavors to meld, creating a rich and spicy coating for the chicken.
Tossing and Serving
After cooking, tossing the chicken in buffalo sauce ensures that each piece is evenly coated, enhancing both flavor and presentation. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
FAQ
Can I use frozen chicken tenderloins for this recipe?
Yes, but it’s recommended to thaw them completely before seasoning and cooking to ensure even cooking.
What can I substitute for ranch seasoning mix?
You can create a homemade version using a blend of herbs such as dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder if you don’t have ranch seasoning.
How can I adjust the spiciness of the dish?
To adjust spiciness, you can choose a milder hot sauce or reduce the amount used in the buffalo sauce. Adding a touch of honey can also balance out the heat.
Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-frying it?
Yes, you can bake the chicken. Preheat the oven to 375°F and arrange the seasoned tenderloins on a baking sheet. Bake for about 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
What side dishes pair well with buffalo chicken?
Buffalo chicken pairs well with celery sticks, carrot sticks, ranch or blue cheese dressing, and sides like coleslaw or a green salad.
Conclusion
This Buffalo Ranch Chicken recipe is a delightful combination of flavors that brings together the savory taste of ranch seasoning and the spicy kick of buffalo sauce. The tender chicken, perfectly cooked and coated in a rich sauce, makes for a quick and satisfying meal that can be enjoyed in various ways.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Buffalo Chicken Tacos
Use the buffalo chicken as a filling for soft or hard taco shells, and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and crumbled blue cheese.
Buffalo Chicken Salad
Shred the buffalo chicken and mix it with greens, cucumbers, avocado, and ranch dressing for a hearty and spicy salad option.
Buffalo Chicken Sliders
Serve the buffalo chicken on mini slider buns with pickles and a drizzle of ranch dressing for an easy party appetizer.
Buffalo Chicken Pizza
Spread the buffalo chicken over pizza crust, add mozzarella cheese, and bake until bubbly for a spicy twist on pizza night.
Buffalo Chicken Wraps
Combine the buffalo chicken with fresh veggies and wrap them in a tortilla for a quick and tasty lunch on the go.
