Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe
If you’re craving a snack that’s crunchy, flavorful, and downright addictive, look no further than the Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe. This dish takes the nostalgic tangy zest of ketchup chips and turns it into a crispy, golden coating for tender chicken strips. The result is a beautiful balance of savory, slightly sweet, and salty flavors wrapped around juicy chicken that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a fun gathering with friends, these chicken tenders are sure to become a new favorite in your recipe rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making this recipe shine. Each component plays an essential role in creating the signature flavor and perfect texture that Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders are loved for.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide the tender, juicy base for the dish, easy to slice and cook evenly.
- Ketchup chips: The secret ingredient—crumbled up to create a crispy, tangy coating that adds a fun and unique twist.
- Large eggs: Used to help the coating stick to each chicken strip, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
- All-purpose flour: Mixed with seasoning, it forms the first layer of the breading process for extra crunch.
- Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of the chicken and balances the tanginess of the ketchup chips.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle warmth and depth to the overall taste.
How to Make Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Area
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius), ensuring it’s hot and ready to crisp up your chicken tenders beautifully. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to keep things simple and prevent sticking.
Step 2: Slice the Chicken
Take the boneless, skinless chicken breasts and cut them into strips about 1 inch wide. This size gives you tenders that cook evenly and are perfect for dipping and sharing.
Step 3: Set Up Coating Stations
In one bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with the salt and black pepper; this seasoned flour layer is the foundation for a crunchy exterior. In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy—this will act as the glue for the ketchup chips coating.
Step 4: Crush the Ketchup Chips
Place the ketchup chips into a zip-top bag and crush them by hand or with a rolling pin until you have small, uneven pieces. This texture will create that irresistible crunch without becoming powdery.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken strip first into the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then dunk it into the beaten eggs before pressing it firmly into the crushed ketchup chips, ensuring every inch is covered in that tangy, crispy crust.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet with some space between them. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the coating turns golden brown and the chicken is cooked through, juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside.
How to Serve Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
To add a fresh kick and a touch of color, sprinkle some chopped green onions or fresh parsley over the tenders once they come out of the oven. A few lemon wedges on the side also brighten the flavors beautifully when squeezed over just before eating.
Side Dishes
Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders pair wonderfully with simple, comforting sides. Consider serving them alongside a crisp garden salad, creamy coleslaw, or even some classic French fries. For something different, try a side of roasted vegetables or garlic mashed potatoes for a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or family? Serve these tenders on a rustic wooden board with an array of dipping sauces—ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy chipotle mayo complement the ketchup chip crust beautifully. For a playful twist, turn them into sliders using mini buns and a slice of pickles or cheese.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any tenders left over, place them in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated for up to three days. This helps preserve their flavor and texture so you can enjoy them again without losing that crave-worthy crunch.
Freezing
To freeze leftovers, wrap the tenders individually in parchment paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to one month. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge for best results.
Reheating
Reheat leftover Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 10 minutes. This method helps maintain their crisp texture, unlike microwaving, which can make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other chips besides ketchup chips?
Absolutely! While ketchup chips provide a unique tangy flavor, you can experiment with other flavored chips like barbecue or sour cream and onion for different tasty variations.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
To make it gluten-free, simply swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and ensure the ketchup chips and seasoning contain no gluten.
Can I fry the chicken tenders instead of baking?
Yes, you can shallow fry or deep fry the coated chicken tenders for an even crispier texture. Just watch closely to avoid burning the ketchup chip coating.
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Make sure to follow the sequence of flour, egg, and crushed chips carefully, pressing the chips firmly onto the chicken strips. Also, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to allow proper crisping.
What dipping sauces go well with this recipe?
Classic choices like ranch or honey mustard are always great, but spicy aioli, sriracha mayo, or even a cool tzatziki complement the ketchup chip flavor wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
Making the Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe is one of those joyful kitchen adventures that turns simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The crispy, tangy crust paired with tender chicken will have everyone asking for seconds. So grab your favorite ketchup chips, and get ready to whip up a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Print
Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Crunchy and flavorful Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders coated in crushed ketchup chips for a unique twist, baked to golden perfection. A fun and easy recipe perfect for a family-friendly dinner or snack.
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
Batter
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips approximately 1 inch wide to ensure even cooking and perfect finger-food size.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In one bowl, combine the all-purpose flour with salt and black pepper to create a seasoned flour mixture that will help season the chicken.
- Beat Eggs: In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until they become frothy, which will help the coating adhere properly to each chicken strip.
- Crush Ketchup Chips: Place the ketchup chips in a zip-top bag and crush them until they are broken into small pieces but not completely powdery, creating a flavorful and crispy crust.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken strip first into the seasoned flour mixture, then into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it thoroughly with the crushed ketchup chips ensuring all sides are covered.
- Bake: Arrange the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until the tenders are golden brown, crispy, and the chicken is cooked through.
Notes
- You can substitute ketchup chips with other flavored chips if desired, but ketchup chips give a unique tangy and savory flavor.
- Ensure chicken strips are similar in size for even cooking.
- For extra crispiness, flip the tenders halfway through baking.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or honey mustard for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
