If you are craving a dish that brings all the spicy, tangy goodness without any guilt, these Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips are going to be your new obsession. Packed with bold flavors from buffalo sauce and zesty ranch seasoning, this recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, all while keeping things light and baked to perfection. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a crowd-pleaser, these chicken strips deliver incredible taste with a simple, wholesome approach.

Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is half the fun, and each one here plays a starring role. From the tender chicken strips that soak up all the flavor to the luscious mix of buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning that infuses every bite, these essentials make this recipe a breeze and a joy to prepare.

1 pound chicken tenders/strips: Use fresh or thawed to ensure even cooking and juicy texture.
1/4 cup buffalo sauce: This adds the spicy kick and vibrant color to your chicken strips.
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning: Bursting with herbs and tang, ranch seasoning perfectly balances the heat.
2 tablespoons buffalo sauce: Extra sauce to brush on after baking for an additional flavor boost.
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning: For mixing with the extra buffalo sauce to create a finishing glaze.

How to Make Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit so it reaches the perfect temperature while you prepare the chicken. This ensures your chicken strips bake evenly and develop that slightly crisp exterior without drying out.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

Combine the 1/4 cup buffalo sauce with 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning in a bowl. This marinade is the heart of our Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips, infusing each piece with a zingy, creamy flavor that elevates every bite.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Toss your chicken tenders thoroughly in the marinade, making sure each strip is well coated. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight if you can, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply and the chicken to become tender and juicy.

Step 4: Arrange for Baking

Remove the chicken from the marinade, no need to drain off excess sauce—this helps keep the strips moist and flavorful. Lay them flat on an oven rack or baking sheet, spacing each strip so they don’t crowd each other, which helps achieve a perfect bake with a nice texture.

Step 5: Bake and Finish with Sauce

Bake the chicken strips for 25 to 30 minutes until cooked through and beautifully cooked. Once out of the oven, brush each tender with a blend made from the remaining 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce and 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, adding one final burst of that irresistible taste.

How to Serve Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips

Garnishes

For an extra pop, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions over the baked chicken strips. A little celery or carrot sticks on the side can also add crunch and freshness that complements the spicy tang beautifully.

Side Dishes

Pair these strips with a crisp green salad, roasted sweet potatoes, or fluffy brown rice for a balanced meal. The creamy ranch and spicy buffalo flavors shine best alongside mild, wholesome sides that soak up the goodness.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips into party sliders with mini buns and slaw or serve them alongside a cooling blue cheese dip for a restaurant-style appetizer experience your friends will rave about.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep your leftover Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps preserve their flavor and texture, making them perfect for quick meals or snacks.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these strips later, freeze them individually on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain their best quality and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat your chicken strips in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes to keep their texture crispy on the outside and tender inside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep every bite deliciously crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just cut the chicken breasts into strips about the same size as tenders to ensure even cooking and a similar eating experience in these Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips.

Is the marinade spicy?

The buffalo sauce provides a moderate spice level balanced nicely by the creamy ranch seasoning, so the heat is flavorful but not overwhelming. Adjust the amount of buffalo sauce if you prefer a milder or spicier kick.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just be sure your ranch seasoning and buffalo sauce are certified gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy these Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips without any worries.

What’s the best way to serve these for a party?

Serve them with an assortment of dips like blue cheese, ranch, or even a cooling cucumber yogurt dip. Adding celery sticks and carrot sticks alongside elevates the presentation and keeps it fun and finger-food friendly.

Can I use homemade buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning?

Definitely! Homemade versions often taste fresher and allow you to control the ingredients. This makes your Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips even more special and tailored just to your tastes.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly joyful about making Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips at home, where bold flavors and wholesome ingredients come together with such ease. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a game day feast, these chicken strips bring comfort with a zing that never gets old. Give this recipe a try—you might just find your new go-to dish that’s just as delicious as it is healthy.

Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 17 reviews

Author: Zoe
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including marinating time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

These Healthy Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken Strips are a flavorful and guilt-free twist on a classic favorite. Marinated in a zesty buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning blend, then baked to perfection, they offer a crispy, spicy, and tangy meal perfect for lunch or dinner. This recipe is simple, made with wholesome ingredients, and ideal for those seeking a low-fat, gluten-free option without compromising on taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

1 pound chicken tenders/strips

Marinade

1/4 cup buffalo sauce
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning

Topping

2 tablespoons buffalo sauce (for brushing after baking)
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (optional for extra seasoning)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (205°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready for baking the chicken strips.
Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce with 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning until well combined to create a flavorful marinade.
Marinate the Chicken: Toss the chicken tenders in the marinade, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chicken for at least one hour or overnight to allow the flavors to infuse deeply.
Arrange for Baking: Remove the chicken strips from the marinade, but do not drain off the excess sauce. Place the strips individually on an oven rack or a baking sheet, making sure they are not crowded, which helps them cook evenly and crisp up.
Bake the Chicken: Bake the chicken strips in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until they are cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges.
Add Extra Sauce: After baking, brush each chicken tender with the additional 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce for extra flavor. Optionally, sprinkle the remaining 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning over the top before serving.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of buffalo sauce in the marinade.
Make sure not to overcrowd the baking pan to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
Marinating overnight enhances the flavor significantly but marinating for at least one hour will still yield great taste.
Serve with celery sticks and your favorite dipping sauce for a complete meal.
This recipe is gluten-free and low in fat, making it a healthy alternative to fried chicken strips.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Dinner, Lunch
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American