1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or set a wire rack on top for maximum crispiness.

2. Marinate the Chicken:
Place the chicken tenders in a bowl with buttermilk and let them marinate for 20–30 minutes. This step adds flavor and keeps the chicken juicy.

3. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow dish, mix the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

4. Coat the Chicken:
Remove the chicken tenders from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.

5. Bake the Tenders:
Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Spray them lightly with cooking spray to enhance the crisp texture. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).

6. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the chicken tenders hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or spicy ketchup.