Name: Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-486934H18M21S
Total time: 1 h 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1/4 cup buffalo sauce; 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning; 1 pound chicken tenders/strips; 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce; 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a crowd-pleaser that’s both guilt-free and full of bold flavor, let me introduce you to healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips. They bring all the zip and zest you crave from classic buffalo wings, minus the deep frying and messy cleanup. Each bite delivers that irresistibly tangy heat from buffalo sauce balanced with the creamy tang of ranch seasoning—tender, savory, and utterly addictive. Whether you’re after a dinner-star or the ultimate finger food for your next get-together, this recipe deserves a spot in your rotation.

Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You only need a handful of straightforward ingredients for healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips, and every one of them plays an essential role. This simple lineup ensures a punchy result, crispy edges, juicy interiors, and that familiar flavor combination everyone adores.

Chicken tenders/strips (1 pound): Go for fresh or well-thawed strips—they’re the star and soak up the marinade beautifully.
Bottled buffalo sauce (1/4 cup for marinade + 2 tablespoons for topping): Choose your favorite level of heat and tang—this brings the signature fire!
Ranch seasoning (1 tablespoon for marinade + 1 tablespoon for topping): This dry blend delivers a creamier, herby flavor that cools things down just enough for perfect balance.

How to Make Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Start by firing up your oven to 400°F. Giving your oven ample time to heat ensures your healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips get that delicious golden finish without drying out. If you’re using a convection oven, consider reducing the temp slightly—it cooks a bit faster!

Step 2: Whip Up the Marinade

In a bowl, mix together 1/4 cup buffalo sauce and 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning until you have a silky, spicy marinade. This is the magic combination that infuses your chicken with bold, zesty flavor. Give it a good whisk to dissolve the seasoning blend completely so there are no powdery pockets.

Step 3: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

Add the chicken tenders to the bowl, tossing thoroughly until every strip is coated from end to end. Cover the bowl (plastic wrap or a lid is fine), then pop it in the fridge. For best results, let the chicken marinate at least an hour—but if you can swing it overnight, you’ll get deep, savory flavor in every bite.

Step 4: Arrange for Baking

Pull the chicken from the fridge and give it a quick stir. No need to drain—let the extra marinade cling! Lay the strips out on an oven-safe rack over a sheet pan, or directly on a well-oiled baking sheet. Make sure there’s space between each strip so the heat can work its crisping magic.

Step 5: Bake, Then Brush for Extra Flavor

Bake the chicken for 25 to 30 minutes, flipping halfway if you like super-even color. The chicken should be cooked through and golden at the edges. As soon as you pull them out, brush with the remaining 2 tablespoons of buffalo sauce (not the marinade), then sprinkle with the last tablespoon of ranch seasoning. This step makes your healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips absolutely irresistible and extra saucy!

How to Serve Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips

Garnishes

A final sprinkle of chopped chives or green onions adds a pop of color and brightness. For those who love extra heat, toss on some thinly sliced jalapeños or a dusting of smoked paprika. A drizzle of light ranch or a blue cheese dip on the side never hurts, either!

Side Dishes

Pair your healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips with crisp celery and carrot sticks for that classic combination, or go bolder with roasted sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad. The cooling crunch of veggies balances out the heat like nothing else, making every bite more satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the plate! Pack them into lettuce wraps with slaw for a fun hand-held meal, slice them over hearty grain bowls, or tuck them in whole wheat wraps with extra sauce and greens. They also make a killer protein topper for loaded salads or game-day snack platters.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftover healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips into an airtight container and keep them chilled in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, retaining most of their juicy bite and punchy flavor for quick meals all week.

Freezing

If you want to make a double batch or save some for later, these chicken strips freeze wonderfully. Arrange the cooled strips on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then bundle them in zip-top bags once solid. They’ll keep their quality for about 2 months—perfect for meal prep or last-minute guests.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat the strips in a 375°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through—this helps restore their original texture without drying them out. Microwave reheating is fastest but the exterior won’t be as crispy, so use the oven if you can.

FAQs

What’s the best way to keep the chicken strips juicy?

Marinating is key! Let the chicken soak in the buffalo ranch mixture for at least an hour or overnight for maximum tenderness and flavor retention during baking.

Can I use chicken breasts or thighs instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just slice them into evenly sized strips so they cook consistently. Adjust the cooking time if your pieces are thicker or thinner than typical tenders.

Are healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips gluten-free?

As long as your buffalo sauce and ranch seasoning are labeled gluten-free, you’re good to go! Always double-check ingredient labels if you’re sensitive to gluten.

Can I make these spicier or milder?

You have control! Use a hotter or milder buffalo sauce to suit your taste, or even add a pinch of cayenne for more fire. For less heat, drizzle with extra ranch after baking to mellow things out.

What’s the best way to avoid soggy chicken strips?

Spacing the strips out on a rack or baking sheet is crucial, so air can circulate properly. If you crowd the pan, moisture can build up and make the strips steam instead of bake.

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong with these healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips. Each bite packs a punch of flavor without any of the guilt, making them a go-to for weeknight dinners or game day feasts. Give them a try and watch them disappear—your taste buds (and your friends) will thank you!

Healthy buffalo ranch baked chicken strips Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 6 reviews

Author: lilan
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 twist on classic chicken tenders, combining the spicy kick of buffalo sauce with the zesty tang of ranch seasoning. Baked to crispy perfection, these chicken strips are perfect for a delicious and wholesome meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Marinade:

1/4 cup buffalo sauce
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning

For the Chicken:

1 pound chicken tenders/strips
2 tablespoons buffalo sauce
1 tablespoon ranch seasoning

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F.
Mix Marinade: In a bowl, mix together ranch seasoning and buffalo sauce to create a marinade.
Marinate Chicken: Toss chicken in the marinade, ensuring it is evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour or overnight.
Prepare Chicken: Remove chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess sauce to remain. Place the chicken on an oven rack or baking sheet without crowding.
Bake: Bake the chicken for 25-30 minutes until cooked through. Remove from the oven and brush each tender with additional buffalo sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American