© Original Recipe By Fresh & Fit Recipes ©
🔥Healthy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strips: Crispy, Flavorful & Guilt-Free!🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a snack that’s both satisfying and nutritious, look no further than these healthy buffalo ranch chicken strips. Juicy, tender chicken tenders are coated in a crispy, flavorful buffalo sauce and topped with a cool ranch kick. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an irresistible party appetizer, these baked chicken strips deliver all the bold flavors of traditional buffalo wings but with fewer calories. Plus, they’re easily customizable for various dietary needs—gluten-free, low-carb, or paleo-friendly.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Healthier Twist: Baked instead of fried, reducing oil and calorie content.
- Crispy & Juicy Texture: Achieve that perfect crunch with minimal effort.
- Versatile Flavors: Tweak the heat level or ranch dressing to suit your taste buds.
3. Ingredient Notes
This recipe benefits from high-quality ingredients to maximize flavor and texture. Use fresh chicken tenders for tender, juicy bites. Opt for ranch dressing with real herbs or make your own for a fresher taste. The buffalo sauce—made from hot sauce and a touch of butter or olive oil—adds that classic spicy tang that makes these chicken strips irresistible.
For a healthier approach, consider homemade buffalo sauce with less sodium. To deepen the flavor, sprinkle a little smoked paprika or garlic powder on the chicken for extra aroma and depth.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
Making crispy baked chicken tenders is easy with the right tools. For perfectly even cooking and minimal mess, I recommend the Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer. It crisps up the tenders beautifully without deep frying.
To prep your ingredients efficiently, a Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master makes slicing and dicing a breeze. And, of course, a quality baking sheet like the T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set ensures easy cleanup.
5. How to Make Healthy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strips
Prepare the Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the chicken tenders dry, then season lightly with salt and pepper. For an even crisp, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
In a shallow dish, combine a cup of whole wheat flour or almond flour for gluten-free options with your favorite spices—paprika, garlic powder, onion powder. Dip each chicken tender into the flour mixture, ensuring an even coat.
Next, nestle the coated tenders onto your prepared baking sheet. Spritz with a little cooking spray for that crispy surface. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). The aroma of seasoned chicken baking alongside a hint of baking spices will fill your kitchen!
Make the Buffalo Sauce & Ranch Dip
While the chicken bakes, prepare your buffalo sauce by whisking hot sauce with a tablespoon of melted butter or olive oil. For a milder flavor, add a touch of honey or maple syrup. Toss the baked tenders in the buffalo sauce once they’re out of the oven, or dip them generously just before serving.
Finish with a side of cool ranch dressing—spread over the strips or for dipping. For homemade ranch, mix Greek yogurt, buttermilk, fresh herbs, garlic powder, and onion powder. The combination of spicy buffalo with herby ranch creates an unbeatable flavor contrast.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Even Coating: Use a three-bowl method—flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs or almond flour—for a crispy coating that adheres well.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Space out the tenders on the baking sheet to ensure even crispiness rather than steaming.
- Adjust Spice Level: Add cayenne or hot sauce to your buffalo sauce for more heat or substitute mild sauces for a gentler flavor.
- Use a Cooking Thermometer: To verify doneness, especially if you’re uncertain about the thickness of your tenders.
7. Variations & Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Use almond or coconut flour instead of wheat-based flour.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the flour coating, or use crushed pork rinds for crunch.
- Vegan: Replace chicken with cauliflower or tofu strips and use vegan buffalo sauce and ranch.
- Extra Flavor: Add a dash of cayenne, smoked paprika, or garlic powder to the buffalo sauce.
8. Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in your air fryer for 3-5 minutes until crispy again, or rewarm in a oven at 350°F. Avoid microwaving long, as it can soften the crispy coating.
9. FAQ
Can I bake these chicken strips instead of frying or air frying?
Absolutely. Baking at 400°F on a lined baking sheet yields a crispy exterior. Just ensure you flip them halfway through for even browning.
What’s the best buffalo sauce for chicken tenders?
Look for hot sauce with minimal added sugars and preservatives. Buffalo sauces made from Frank’s RedHot or homemade versions with fresh ingredients work beautifully.
Can I make these spicy or mild?
Yes! Adjust the heat by adding more or less hot sauce and cayenne pepper to suit your preference. Serve with additional ranch or cooling sides for balance.
10. Conclusion
These healthy buffalo ranch chicken strips are a perfect balance of crispy texture, spicy flavor, and creamy ranch. They’re quick, customizable, and much healthier than traditional fried versions. Whether as an appetizer or main course, they’re sure to become a family favorite. Grab your ingredients, fire up your oven or air fryer, and enjoy this delicious, guilt-free treat!
Print
Healthy Buffalo Ranch Chicken Strips
A delicious baked chicken strips recipe coated in buffalo sauce and topped with ranch dressing, perfect for quick, healthy meals.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 1/2 cup buffalo sauce
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a bowl, mix chicken strips with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
- Arrange chicken on the baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes until crispy and cooked through.
- Toss baked chicken in buffalo sauce until well coated.
- Drizzle with ranch dressing and serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra crunch, coat chicken strips in panko breadcrumbs before baking.
- You can adjust spice level by adding more buffalo sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Low Carb
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 chicken strips
- Calories: 320 Kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg