Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Chip Crust
🐔 Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders with Chip Crust
Crispy, crunchy, oven-baked chicken tenders made with crushed chips for a bold, savory crust — all without frying! Juicy on the inside, perfectly crunchy on the outside.
🕒 Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 10 min • Cook Time: 25 min • Yield: 4 servings
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken tenders (or chicken breasts, cut into strips)
- 1 cup crushed chips (tortilla, potato, or flavored chips like BBQ or sour cream & onion)
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for added crisp)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- Cooking spray or olive oil spray
🔥 Instructions
1. Preheat Oven
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with cooking spray.
2. Make Chip Crust
- In a bowl or zip-top bag, crush the chips into small crumbs.
- Mix in panko (if using), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Prep the Chicken
- In a separate bowl, whisk egg and mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt) together to create a sticky base.
4. Coat the Tenders
- Dip each chicken strip in the egg mixture.
- Then press into the chip crust mixture to coat thoroughly.
- Place coated chicken onto the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake
- Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray.
- Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Chicken is done when golden and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. Serve
- Let cool for 2–3 minutes before serving.
- Serve with ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or your favorite dip!
🌟 Tips & Variations
- Chip options: Try kettle chips, Doritos, or cheese-flavored chips for a fun twist.
- Spicy version: Add cayenne or chili powder to the coating mix.
- Cheesy: Mix in grated Parmesan for a cheesy crust.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free chips and omit panko.
- Vegan option: Use a plant-based egg and vegan chips.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
- Serve with mashed potatoes, rice, salad, or veggies.
- Slice into pieces for tacos, wraps, or salad toppings.
- Turn into sandwiches with lettuce, tomato & sauce on a bun.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
- Fridge: Store leftovers up to 3 days in an airtight container.
- Reheat: Use the oven at 375°F or an air fryer for 5–7 minutes to keep them crispy.