If you’re craving something crunchy, flavorful, and a little bit unexpected, this Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food indulgence. Imagine tender chicken strips coated in a crispy, tangy crust made from crushed ketchup chips that bring a delightful pop of sweet, zesty flavor. It’s a playful twist on the classic chicken tenders that will impress everyone at your table whether it’s for a casual weeknight dinner or a fun snack time. This dish combines familiar ingredients in a totally fresh way to deliver bold taste and irresistible texture from the very first bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe is easy because the ingredients are straightforward yet so important. Each component plays a role, whether it’s building layers of flavor or ensuring that perfect crispy coating that keeps you coming back for more.
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein, cut into tender strips for quick cooking and easy eating.
- 2 cups ketchup chips: Crushed for that unmistakable tangy crunch, they’re the key ingredient that sets these tenders apart.
- 2 large eggs: Act as the binding agent, helping the coating stick beautifully to the chicken.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour: Creates the first layer of coating and helps seasonings cling evenly.
- 1 tsp salt: Enhances overall flavor without overpowering the ketchup chips’ zing.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Adds a mild kick that balances the sweetness from the chips.
How to Make Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Chicken
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot for baking. While it’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easy. Next, slice the chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch wide—this size ensures even cooking and perfect dunking ability.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations
In one bowl, combine the flour with salt and black pepper so the coating has seasoning baked right in. In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy to create a smooth wash that will help the crushed ketchup chips stick to the chicken strips.
Step 3: Crush the Ketchup Chips
Place your ketchup chips in a sturdy zip-top bag and crush them until you have mostly small pieces with some slightly larger chunks for texture. These crushed chips provide that signature flavor and crispy bite everyone will rave about.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Strips
Dip each chicken strip first into the seasoned flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Then dunk it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off, before pressing the strip firmly into the crushed ketchup chips. Repeat this with each piece to build a thick, flavorful crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Arrange the coated chicken tenders on your parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through if you like, until the tenders are golden brown and irresistibly crispy on the outside but juicy inside.
How to Serve Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Keep things simple with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or green onions to add a pop of color and freshness that contrasts nicely with the rich, crispy coating. A light drizzle of your favorite dipping sauce, like honey mustard or ranch, livens things up without competing with the ketchup chip flavor.
Side Dishes
These tenders pair perfectly with a crisp garden salad, crunchy carrot sticks, or classic fries for a well-rounded meal. For a fun twist, serve with sweet potato wedges or tangy coleslaw to complement the zesty coating with contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings or kids’ parties, present tenders skewered on sticks alongside mini dipping bowls for a playful finger food experience. Alternatively, layer cooked tenders inside soft rolls with lettuce and tomato for a satisfying chicken tender sandwich that highlights the unique ketchup chip crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The tenders will retain much of their crispness, especially if you reheat them properly. This makes them perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze uncooked, breaded chicken tenders by arranging them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freezing until solid. Then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They keep for up to 2 months and bake from frozen when you’re ready for them.
Reheating
To bring back the original crispy texture, reheat your refrigerated or thawed tenders in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep that satisfying crunch that makes this Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe such a treat.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chips for the coating?
Absolutely! While ketchup chips give this recipe its unique tangy flavor, you can experiment with other flavored chips like barbecue or sour cream and onion to mix things up in delicious ways.
Is it possible to fry these tenders instead of baking?
Yes, frying will give you an even crispier crust very quickly. Just heat oil to medium-high and fry tenders until golden, about 2-3 minutes per side, but baking is a healthier and simpler method.
What’s the best way to crush the ketchup chips evenly?
Using a zip-top bag and gently rolling over the chips with a rolling pin or bottle works well to break them into mostly small, crunchy pieces without turning them to dust.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Chicken thighs will work, but they are fattier and may need a bit longer to cook. Cut them into similar-sized strips and keep an eye on baking time to ensure they’re cooked through.
Are these tenders kid-friendly?
Definitely! The familiar chicken tender shape combined with the fun ketchup chip crust is a big hit with kids. Just be mindful of any chip seasoning that might be too spicy or salty.
Final Thoughts
Now that you’ve got the scoop on this delightfully different Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe, there’s nothing stopping you from exciting your taste buds and surprising your friends with a snack that’s crispy, tangy, and downright addictive. Once you try these tenders, they’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen repertoire for any time you want simple ingredients to shine with incredible flavor. So go ahead and dive in—you won’t regret it!
Print
Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crispy and flavorful Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders are a fun twist on classic chicken tenders, coated in crushed ketchup-flavored chips for a uniquely tangy and crunchy crust. Baked to golden perfection in the oven, these tenders make a perfect snack or meal for family and friends.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating
- 2 cups ketchup chips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch wide, perfect for tenders that cook evenly and are easy to eat.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In one bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with salt and black pepper, creating a seasoned flour coating for the chicken strips.
- Beat Eggs: In another bowl, beat the two large eggs until frothy to use as a binding agent for the ketchup chip coating.
- Crush Ketchup Chips: Place the ketchup chips in a zip-top bag and crush them into small pieces, which will give the tenders a crispy and tangy crust.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken strip first into the flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat them thoroughly with the crushed ketchup chips.
- Bake: Arrange the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until they are golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
Notes
- You can substitute other flavored chips if ketchup chips are not available, but the ketchup flavor adds a unique tang.
- Make sure to crush the chips finely but not into a powder to get the best crispy texture.
- Check the chicken at 20 minutes to avoid overcooking and drying out the tenders.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or extra ketchup for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Chicken
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
