If you’ve been searching for a delightfully crispy and flavorful twist on classic chicken tenders, you’re going to adore this Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe. The surprising crunch and tangy-salty punch from crushed ketchup chips bring an exciting and nostalgic flavor to tender, juicy chicken strips. It’s comfort food reimagined in the easiest, most delicious way—perfect for weeknight dinners, casual get-togethers, or anytime you want a little fun on your plate.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple ingredients will set you up for success. Each element plays a key role: the chicken provides tender, juicy bites, the eggs help the coating stick perfectly, the seasoning adds a subtle savory kick, and the crushed ketchup chips deliver the signature zing and crunch that make this recipe unforgettable.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that cooks up tender and juicy when sliced into strips.
- Ketchup chips: These crushed chips bring a unique tangy, salty flavor and crispy texture that sets this dish apart.
- Large eggs: Help the coating adhere to the chicken and create a beautiful golden crust during baking.
- All-purpose flour: Adds a light coating so the chips stick evenly and the tenders become irresistibly crispy.
- Salt: Enhances every flavor in the recipe, ensuring the chicken and coating are perfectly seasoned.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild, complementary spice without overpowering the ketchup chip crunch.
How to Make Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to get it nice and hot, which is vital for crisping up the tenders. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper—this will prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Slice the Chicken
Cut your chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch wide. This size is perfect for even cooking and ensures each piece gets a great crispy coating without drying out the meat.
Step 3: Prepare Your Coating Stations
Set up three bowls: mix the flour with salt and pepper in the first, beat the eggs until frothy in the second, and crush the ketchup chips in a zip-top bag until mostly small pieces remain in the third. This three-step coating method ensures every tender gets a perfect, flavorful crust.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Strips
Dip each chicken strip first in the flour mixture, coating it lightly and evenly. Next, give it a good dunk in the egg wash, allowing the wet layer to help the chip crumbs stick better. Finally, press the chicken gently into the crushed ketchup chips, making sure each strip is well covered with those vibrant crunchy pieces.
Step 5: Bake to Crispy Perfection
Arrange the coated chicken tenders on your prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly for maximum crispness. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until they turn golden brown and achieve that irresistible crunch. You’ll know they’re done when the exterior is crisp and the chicken is cooked through and juicy inside.
How to Serve Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of color and freshness that contrasts beautifully with the savory, crispy tenders. A drizzle of honey mustard or a side of creamy ranch dressing makes for a perfect dipping experience that complements the unique ketchup chip coating.
Side Dishes
Serve these tenders alongside crispy oven-baked fries or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. Creamy coleslaw or corn on the cob also pairs wonderfully, bringing different textures and flavors that round out the meal in a delightful way.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to take your Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe up a notch at your next gathering? Serve them on a wooden board sprinkled with extra crushed ketchup chips and colorful veggies for a vibrant appetizer platter. You can also turn the tenders into a sandwich with soft buns, lettuce, and a tangy sauce for a fun twist that’s sure to impress.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. This keeps them fresh while preserving much of their crispness, so you can enjoy the same great flavors later without hassle.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, these chicken tenders freeze well. Arrange them on a baking sheet to freeze individually first, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag. They will keep for up to 2 months and make for a quick, tasty meal when time is tight.
Reheating
To bring the tenders back to life and keep that crunchy coating intact, reheat them in a 375°F oven for 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep the crispiness—it just won’t be the same!
FAQs
Can I use other types of chips instead of ketchup chips?
While ketchup chips are key to the unique flavor of this recipe, you can experiment with other flavored chips, like barbecue or sour cream and onion, for a different but equally delicious twist.
Is it possible to deep fry these tenders instead of baking?
You can deep fry the coated chicken strips, but baking keeps things lighter and just as crispy. If you choose to fry, watch them closely to avoid burning the chips’ delicate flavors.
How do I make sure the coating sticks well?
Dipping the chicken in flour, then egg, and finally the crushed chips in that order creates the best adhesion. Press the chip crumbs gently but firmly onto each tender to ensure a thorough coating.
What sides go best with Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe?
Classic fries, a fresh salad, or creamy coleslaw all work beautifully. The tangy, crunchy flavor of the tenders pairs especially well with mild and fresh sides to balance the taste.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and confirm your ketchup chips are gluten-free as well. The rest of the method stays the same, delivering Crunch and flavor without the gluten.
Final Thoughts
This Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe is such a fun, flavorful way to change up your chicken dinner routine. It’s approachable, packed with nostalgic flavor, and wonderfully crunchy in all the right places. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite comfort food that everyone at the table will love as much as you do.
Print
Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders are a fun twist on classic chicken strips, coated with crushed ketchup-flavored chips for a tangy, crunchy crust. Baked to perfection, these tenders make a perfect snack or meal with a deliciously unique taste.
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
Binder
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Prepare the chicken: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch wide to create uniform pieces for even cooking.
- Set up the coatings: In one bowl, mix the all-purpose flour, salt, and black pepper. In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy to prepare an egg wash.
- Crush the ketchup chips: Place the ketchup chips inside a zip-top bag and crush them into small pieces, leaving some texture for the coating.
- Coat the chicken strips: Dip each chicken strip first into the flour mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, then roll it in the crushed ketchup chips to coat thoroughly.
- Bake: Arrange the coated chicken strips evenly on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown, crispy, and cooked through.
Notes
- To check doneness, ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- You can substitute ketchup chips with other flavored chips for different tastes, but ketchup chips give the signature flavor.
- For extra crispiness, turn the tenders halfway through baking.
- This recipe is best served warm and pairs well with dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard.
