If you love the tangy, nostalgic flavor of ketchup chips and crave a chicken tender recipe that brings that fun twist front and center, then you’re going to adore this Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe. It’s a vibrant and crunchy take on classic chicken tenders, coated in crushed ketchup chips that add a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory notes. These tenders bake up golden and crispy, making them an irresistible crowd-pleaser whether for family dinners, game day snacks, or casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for just a handful of simple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in building the flavor, texture, and overall joy of the dish. From the tender chicken itself to the salty-sweet punch of ketchup chips, every element keeps things straightforward but exciting.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Provides tender, juicy meat that’s easy to slice into perfect strips.
- Ketchup chips: The star ingredient offering a crunchy, tangy crust that elevates the chicken.
- Large eggs: Acts as an adhesive to hold the coating firmly on each chicken strip.
- All-purpose flour: Creates a dry base layer on chicken ensuring the coating sticks well and cooks evenly.
- Salt: Enhances all the individual flavors for that well-rounded taste.
- Black pepper: Adds a subtle hint of heat that perfectly balances the sweetness from the chips.
How to Make Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Chicken
Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Then take your chicken breasts and slice them into strips about one inch wide. This size ensures they cook evenly and stay juicy.
Step 2: Mix Your Coating Components
In one bowl, combine the flour with salt and black pepper—this simple seasoning gives flavor right at the base of your coating. In another bowl, beat the eggs until they are light and frothy, creating the perfect layer for the crushed ketchup chips to cling to.
Step 3: Crush the Ketchup Chips
Place the ketchup chips into a sturdy zip-top bag and crush them gently with your hands or a rolling pin until you have crunchy bits with a few smaller pieces—this makes for the irresistible crispy and flavorful coating.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Strips
First, dip each chicken strip in the flour mixture, ensuring an even dusting. Next, dunk it into the beaten eggs to moisten the surface. Finally, press each strip firmly into the crushed ketchup chips, coating them generously to create that signature crisp and tangy crust.
Step 5: Bake Until Crispy
Arrange the coated chicken tenders on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside, and completely cooked through inside.
How to Serve Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
To add a little fresh pop, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives over the tenders right after baking. A squeeze of lemon juice or a drizzle of your favorite dipping sauce can complement the tangy chip coating beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with classic sides like creamy coleslaw, crispy fries, or a simple green salad. The bright, zesty coating on tenders contrasts nicely against fresh or creamy textures, making your meal feel balanced and exciting.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun and casual presentation, stack the tenders in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper and serve alongside multiple dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or spicy sriracha mayo. For a more formal dinner, slice the tenders and arrange atop a bed of lightly dressed arugula or baby spinach leaves for a light salad twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, ready for a quick snack or meal addition.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked tenders as well. Place them in a freezer-safe container separated by parchment paper to prevent sticking. They’ll keep well for up to 2 months, making them perfect for easy, on-the-go meals.
Reheating
Reheat your tenders in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) for about 10 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy and less enjoyable.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well too and offer even juicier, more flavorful tenders. Just be sure to cut them into uniform strips for even cooking.
What can I substitute if I don’t have ketchup chips?
If ketchup chips aren’t available, you can experiment with other flavored chips like barbecue or plain potato chips mixed with a bit of ketchup powder or tomato seasoning for a close approximation.
Is it possible to fry instead of bake the tenders?
Yes, pan-frying or deep-frying will make your tenders extra crispy, but baking is a healthier choice and still delivers fantastic crunch and flavor thanks to the ketchup chips crust.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Definitely! Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour and ensure your chips and other ingredients are gluten-free certified. This way, the recipe remains safe without sacrificing texture or taste.
What dipping sauces complement the Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe?
Classic choices like ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli enhance the flavor wonderfully. You can also try a cool yogurt-based dip or a tangy barbecue sauce to elevate the experience.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly fun and satisfying about a recipe that takes a snack favorite like ketchup chips and turns it into an irresistible chicken tender dish. The Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe is a guaranteed hit that combines familiar flavors with crispy, tender perfection. I wholeheartedly encourage you to give this recipe a try — your taste buds will thank you, and you might just find a new favorite to share with friends and family.
Print
Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- 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, these tenders bake up golden and crunchy, making a perfect snack or meal for kids and adults alike. They are easy to prepare, requiring only a few simple ingredients, and are baked in the oven to achieve a healthier yet delicious crispy texture.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Coating and Breading
- 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 ensure the tenders bake evenly without sticking.
- Prepare Chicken Strips: Cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch wide. This size helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures a good ratio of crispy coating to meat.
- Mix Dry and Wet Ingredients: In one bowl, combine the flour with salt and black pepper to season the coating. In another bowl, beat the eggs until frothy, which will help the coating adhere to the chicken strips.
- Crush Ketchup Chips: Place the ketchup chips into a zip-top bag and crush them until only small pieces remain. The crushed chips provide the unique ketchup flavor and crispy texture on the chicken.
- Coat Chicken Strips: Dip each chicken strip first into the flour mixture, making sure it is well coated. Then dip into the beaten egg wash, and finally, coat thoroughly with the crushed ketchup chips, pressing gently to adhere the chips.
- Bake: Arrange the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet spaced slightly apart. Bake them in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are golden brown, crispy, and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Notes
- You can use any flavor of potato chips for a different twist, but ketchup chips provide a distinct tangy sweetness.
- For extra crispiness, you can spray the coated chicken strips lightly with cooking oil before baking.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the baking sheet to allow proper air circulation for even baking.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or a side of fries for a complete meal.
