Why You’ll Love these Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders
If you’re searching for a dinner option that will please even the pickiest eaters, these Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders might just become your new go-to meal.
I’m talking about juicy chicken breast cubes coated in crushed barbecue potato chips—genius, right? The combination creates this perfect crunchy exterior while keeping the meat tender and flavorful.
What makes them special is how quickly they come together. In just about 20 minutes, you’ll have these crispy morsels ready to dip.
And let’s not forget—they’re baked, not fried, so I can feel somewhat virtuous while enjoying them.
What Ingredients are in Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders?
These Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders have a secret weapon that makes them irresistible—crushed barbecue potato chips!
I’m always looking for ways to add more flavor and texture to chicken, and this coating creates the perfect crunch while infusing each bite with that distinctive barbecue flavor. The combination of spices in the egg mixture complements the chips beautifully, and the best part? You probably have most of these ingredients in your kitchen already.
- 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1 egg (just the white works fine too)
- 2 tablespoons nonfat milk
- 1/8 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups barbecue potato chips, thoroughly crushed
- Barbecue sauce or creamy horseradish sauce for serving
When shopping for these ingredients, the quality of your barbecue chips really matters.
Different brands have varying flavor intensities, so choose your favorite—the more robust the flavor, the more it will shine through in the final dish. And while the recipe calls for 4 cups of chips, you might want to grab an extra bag just in case.
Trust me, once you start crushing them, it’s easy to get carried away snacking on the leftovers.
Oh, and if you’re sensitive to heat, feel free to skip the Tabasco, though that tiny amount adds depth rather than spiciness.
How to Make these Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders
Making these chicken tenders couldn’t be easier, and they’re ready in under 30 minutes. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees—this high temperature is key for achieving that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
While the oven heats up, prepare two separate bowls: in the first one, whisk together 1 egg (just the white works perfectly fine if you’re watching calories), 2 tablespoons of nonfat milk, 1/8 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce (totally optional if spice isn’t your thing), 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. This wet mixture will help all those beautiful seasonings stick to the chicken.
In your second bowl, crush 4 cups of barbecue potato chips until they’re fine but not powdery—you want some texture to remain for that satisfying crunch.
Now comes the fun part: take your 1/2 pound of chicken breast (cut into 1/2-inch cubes) and dip each piece first in the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated, then roll it in the crushed chips. The key here is to be gentle but thorough, pressing the chips lightly onto the chicken to help them adhere.
Place each coated piece on a greased baking sheet, giving them a bit of breathing room so they can crisp up evenly on all sides. If you want to elevate your outdoor cooking experience, consider preparing these tenders in an outdoor pizza oven for an amazing wood-fired flavor.
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for about 10-13 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the juices run clear and the coating has turned a gorgeous golden brown.
Why the range in cooking time? Well, every oven runs a bit differently, and the thickness of your chicken pieces matters too. During the last few minutes, I always hover near the oven like a helicopter parent on the first day of school—nobody wants overcooked chicken!
Once done, serve these crispy delights with barbecue sauce for dipping, or get fancy with a creamy horseradish sauce that cuts through the savory crunch with a zingy kick. For an even more gourmet approach, consider using a premium meat grinder to create your own custom blended dipping sauces with fresh ingredients. The contrast between the warm, crispy tenders and cool, creamy sauce? Absolute perfection.
Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders Substitutions and Variations
While the original recipe creates mouthwatering BBQ chicken tenders, don’t feel locked into following it precisely—customization is half the fun of home cooking!
I’m a firm believer in making recipes your own. Swap regular potato chips for salt and vinegar, sour cream and onion, or even tortilla chips for different flavor profiles.
Not a fan of Tabasco? Try sriracha or omit it completely. The paprika could be smoked for deeper flavor, and the chicken can be sliced into strips rather than cubes.
Vegetarians might substitute firm tofu or cauliflower florets, though they’ll need adjusted cooking times.
What to Serve with Crispy BBQ Chicken Tenders
Now that you’ve mastered the art of customizing your chicken tenders, let’s talk about what goes on the plate alongside them.
These crispy BBQ bites deserve worthy companions. Classic sides like french fries or potato wedges are no-brainers, but why not try something fresher?
A crisp coleslaw cuts through the richness perfectly, while corn on the cob slathered with butter complements the barbecue flavor profile.
For dipping options beyond the basic BBQ sauce, I’m partial to ranch dressing, honey mustard, or that creamy horseradish sauce mentioned in the recipe.
Trust me, dipping sauces can elevate even the most perfect chicken tender to new heights.
Final Thoughts
These crispy BBQ chicken tenders have become a staple in my kitchen repertoire, and I hope they’ll find their way into yours too.
There’s something magical about the combination of crunchy barbecue chip coating and tender chicken that just works, don’t you think?
The beauty lies in their versatility—perfect for weeknight dinners, game day snacks, or even packed lunches.
What I love most is how simple they’re to prepare.
Just dip, roll, bake, and voilà—a crowd-pleasing dish that satisfies without the mess of deep-frying.
If you’re looking for another crispy comfort food option, you might enjoy preparing cube steaks with a seasoned flour coating similar to classic chicken fried steak.
If you enjoy easy preparation methods, you might also appreciate a classic hearty meatloaf that combines ground beef with simple ingredients and bakes at the same temperature.
Give them a try, and watch them disappear from the plate!
