Why Make This Recipe
Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips are a fantastic alternative to traditional fried chicken strips. They are crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them perfect for a quick meal or a tasty snack. With the right spices and flavors, you can enjoy the rich taste of buffalo-style chicken without all the extra calories. This recipe is not only easy to make but also packs in the flavor, making it a family favorite.
How to Make Healthy Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken Strips
Ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken tenders/strips
- 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
- 2 tablespoon buffalo sauce
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning and buffalo sauce to create a marinade.
- Toss the chicken in the marinade, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight for more flavor.
- Once marinated, remove the chicken from the marinade. There’s no need to drain any excess sauce off.
- Place the chicken on an oven rack or a baking sheet, ensuring the pieces are not crowded.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden.
- Remove from the oven and brush each tender with additional buffalo sauce (not the sauce used for marinating).
How to Serve Healthy Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken Strips
These chicken strips are delicious served hot right out of the oven. You can enjoy them on their own or pair them with a variety of sides. Some great options include a fresh salad, oven-baked fries, or celery sticks with more ranch dressing for dipping.
How to Store Healthy Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken Strips
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place them in the oven at a low temperature or use a microwave until warmed through.
Tips to Make Healthy Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken Strips
- For even crispier chicken, consider using a wire rack on your baking sheet. This allows air to circulate around the chicken as it cooks.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of buffalo sauce in the marinade to your spice preference.
- Try serving with a side of veggies or quinoa to make a complete meal.
Variation
For a twist, you can try substituting the ranch seasoning with garlic powder or onion powder for a different flavor. You could also use boneless chicken breasts cut into strips if chicken tenders aren’t available.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken strips for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken strips. Just make sure to thaw them and pat them dry before marinating.
2. Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! These chicken strips are great for meal prep and can be stored in the fridge or frozen for easy meals throughout the week.
3. What can I serve with these chicken strips?
These chicken strips go well with a variety of sides like salads, baked potatoes, or even in wraps. You can also serve them with dips for added flavor.
Healthy Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken Strips
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning and buffalo sauce to create a marinade.
- Toss the chicken in the marinade, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
- Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight for more flavor.
- Once marinated, remove the chicken from the marinade. There’s no need to drain any excess sauce off.
- Place the chicken on an oven rack or a baking sheet, ensuring the pieces are not crowded.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden.
- Remove from the oven and brush each tender with additional buffalo sauce (not the sauce used for marinating).
