Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Chip Crust Recipe

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with a Chip Crust are an easy-to-make, healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders. With a crunchy, flavorful crust made from crushed chips and a juicy, tender chicken breast inside, this recipe promises a crispy, savory experience without the mess of deep-frying. The recipe not only provides a satisfying crunch but also a burst of flavors, all without the added grease of traditional frying. Best of all, it’s baked in the oven, making it a healthier choice for a family dinner or a game-day snack.

Introduction

Chicken tenders are a classic dish beloved by children and adults alike. The crispy coating, tender meat, and savory flavor make them an irresistible treat. While traditional fried tenders are delicious, they can be heavy and oily. The good news is you can recreate that same crispy texture by baking your chicken tenders with a deliciously crunchy chip crust.

This recipe swaps out the deep fryer for a healthier oven-baking method, while still giving you that crispy, golden finish. What makes this recipe unique is the use of crushed chips for the crust. The chips add a unique flavor, making the chicken tenders even more delicious without relying on breadcrumbs or traditional coating.

Why Bake Chicken Tenders?

Baking chicken tenders instead of frying them offers a range of benefits:

• Healthier Option: Baked chicken tenders are lower in fat and calories than fried ones, as they don’t absorb oil during cooking.

• Less Mess: Baking eliminates the need for messy oil splatters, and clean-up is a breeze.

• Crispiness Without the Frying: The chip crust provides the same satisfying crunch that fried chicken tenders offer, without the heavy oil.

Ingredient Breakdown

This recipe uses just a few simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry. Here’s a breakdown of everything you’ll need:

For the Chicken Tenders:

• Chicken breasts: 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips (about 1 inch wide). You can also use chicken tenderloins if you prefer.

• Salt and Pepper: For seasoning the chicken. Simple yet essential to bring out the natural flavor of the chicken.

• Flour: 1 cup of all-purpose flour to coat the chicken before dipping it in egg. This helps the egg adhere and ensures a good crust.

• Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten. These will create a wet layer that allows the chip crust to stick to the chicken.

• Crushed Chips: 2 cups of your favorite chips, crushed into small pieces. You can use plain potato chips, tortilla chips, or even flavored chips like sour cream and onion or BBQ for extra flavor.

• Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: To season the flour mixture and enhance the flavor of the chicken tenders.

• Paprika: Adds a bit of smokiness and color to the coating.

• Dried Parsley or Oregano: Optional, but a sprinkle of dried herbs adds a little extra depth to the flavor.

For the Dipping Sauce (Optional but Recommended):

• Ranch dressing: Classic and creamy; ranch pairs perfectly with these crispy tenders.

• Honey mustard: A sweet and tangy sauce that complements the savory chicken tenders.

• Barbecue sauce: If you prefer a smoky kick, barbecue sauce is a fantastic dipping choice.

Equipment Needed

You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools to make this recipe:

• Baking sheet: A large, rimmed baking sheet to cook the tenders. Lining it with parchment paper or aluminum foil makes for easier clean-up.

• Mixing bowls: To set up the dredging stations for the chicken (one for flour, one for eggs, and one for the crushed chips).

• Fork or tongs: To dip the chicken in the coating ingredients and to handle the tenders.

• Rolling pin or food processor: To crush the chips. You can also use a zip-top bag and a heavy object to crush the chips by hand.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into strips that are about 1 inch wide. This allows for a nice even cook and a good ratio of crispy coating to tender chicken.

Season the chicken pieces with a little salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor.

Step 3: Set Up the Dredging Station

In three separate shallow bowls, prepare the dredging ingredients:

1. Flour mixture: In the first bowl, add the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Mix well.

2. Egg wash: In the second bowl, crack the eggs and beat them until the yolks and whites are fully combined.

3. Chip crust: In the third bowl, add the crushed chips. If you want to add extra flavor, this is the time to sprinkle in some dried herbs like parsley or oregano.

Step 4: Coat the Chicken

Working one piece at a time, dip each chicken strip into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the chicken into the egg wash, followed by pressing it into the crushed chips, making sure it’s coated with the chip crumbs.

Place the coated chicken tenders onto the prepared baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake the Chicken Tenders

Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and have a golden, crispy crust on the outside.

Step 6: Serve

Once done, remove the tenders from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces, and enjoy!

Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken Tenders

• Use a meat thermometer: To ensure that your chicken is cooked through without drying out, use an instant-read meat thermometer. Chicken tenders should reach 165°F (74°C).

• Crush the chips finely: A fine crumb coating will result in a crispier texture. You can use a food processor or crush them in a plastic bag with a rolling pin.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Leave a little space between the tenders on the baking sheet so they cook evenly and stay crispy.

• Flip halfway through: For even crispiness, flip the tenders halfway through the baking time to ensure both sides are golden brown.

Flavor Variations and Customizations

This recipe is highly adaptable. Here are a few variations you can try:

• Flavored chips: For added flavor, use flavored chips such as sour cream and onion, BBQ, or cheese-flavored chips.

• Spicy coating: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a kick of heat.

• Cheese crust: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese on top of the crushed chips to add extra flavor and richness.

• Low-carb version: Substitute the flour with almond flour for a gluten-free or low-carb option.

• Vegan version: Use a plant-based egg substitute (like flax eggs) and choose vegan chips to create a delicious plant-based version of this recipe.

How to Serve Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders can be served in many ways, depending on your mood or the occasion:

• As a meal: Serve the tenders with mashed potatoes, rice, or a salad for a full meal.

• As a snack: Pair the chicken with a variety of dipping sauces like ranch, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard for an appetizer.

• In sandwiches: Place the tenders on a soft bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite condiments for a quick and tasty sandwich.

• As a topping: Chop the tenders into bite-sized pieces and add them to a salad, pasta, or tacos for added protein and crunch.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Storage:

Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating:

For the crispiest results, reheat the tenders in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use other meats for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use chicken thighs or even turkey tenders. You can also try this recipe with fish fillets like cod or tilapia for a seafood twist.

Q: Can I make these tenders ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prep the tenders and coat them with the chip crust up to a day in advance. Store them in the fridge and bake them when ready to serve.

Q: What type of chips are best for this recipe?
A: Classic potato chips work great, but feel free to experiment with tortilla chips, pita chips, or flavored varieties. The texture of the chips is key for the crunch!

Final Thoughts

Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Chip Crust are a fun and easy twist on a classic dish. By using crushed chips for the crust, you get all the crispy, crunchy satisfaction without the need for frying. This recipe is versatile, customizable, and perfect for anyone who loves crispy chicken but prefers a healthier, oven-baked option.