Healthy Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken Strips Recipe

Introduction

These healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips are a flavorful and guilt-free alternative to fried wings. Coated in a zesty buffalo ranch marinade and baked to perfection, they make a perfect snack or meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 pound chicken tenders or strips
• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning
• 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce (for brushing)
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (for brushing)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine 1/4 cup buffalo sauce with 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning to create the marinade.
3. Step 3: Toss the chicken tenders in the marinade, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour or overnight for more flavor.
4. Step 4: Take the chicken out of the marinade. There is no need to drain any excess sauce. Arrange the tenders on an oven rack or baking sheet without crowding them.
5. Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cooked through. Once done, brush each chicken strip with the remaining 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce mixed with 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crispiness, place the chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to allow air circulation while baking.
• Add a sprinkle of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the marinade for additional depth of flavor.
• Serve with celery sticks and a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic buffalo experience.

Storage

Store leftover chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until warmed through to retain crispiness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken strips for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely before marinating and baking to ensure even cooking.

Is there a way to make this recipe less spicy?

To reduce the heat, use a mild buffalo sauce or mix the buffalo sauce with a bit of melted butter before marinating the chicken.

Healthy Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken Strips Recipe

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4.5 from 95 reviews

These Healthy Buffalo Ranch Baked Chicken Strips are a flavorful and guilt-free twist on the classic buffalo chicken. Marinated in a tangy buffalo and ranch seasoning blend, then baked to perfection, these chicken strips offer a spicy, zesty meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a game day snack.

• Author: Mila
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes plus marinating time
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1 pound chicken tenders/strips

Marinade

• 1/4 cup buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning

Topping Sauce

• 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the chicken strips evenly.
2. Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup buffalo sauce and 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning to create a flavorful marinade that will infuse the chicken strips with spicy and creamy notes.
3. Marinate Chicken: Toss the chicken tenders thoroughly in the prepared marinade so each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight for deeper flavor penetration.
4. Arrange Chicken for Baking: Remove the chicken from the marinade—do not drain off excess sauce—and place the strips spaced out on an oven-safe rack or baking sheet to prevent overcrowding, which helps them bake evenly.
5. Bake the Chicken: Cook in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the chicken strips are cooked through and slightly crispy on the edges.
6. Add Final Sauce Coating: After baking, brush each chicken strip with the separate topping sauce made by mixing 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce and 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning. This adds extra flavor and moisture to the finished dish.

Notes

• For a spicier kick, add extra buffalo sauce to the marinade or topping sauce.
• Use a wire rack over the baking sheet to promote even cooking and crispiness.
• Can be served with celery, carrot sticks, or a side salad for a balanced meal.
• Marinating overnight intensifies the flavour but minimum 1 hour is recommended for best taste.
• Ensure chicken strips are not crowded on the baking surface to promote even cooking.

Keywords: buffalo chicken, baked chicken strips, healthy chicken recipe, buffalo ranch chicken, easy dinner, low fat chicken