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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 3-4 chicken strips)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Buffalo chicken strips, healthy chicken recipe, baked chicken, gluten free chicken, buffalo ranch chicken, low fat chicken strips