Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe
If you’ve always wondered what would happen if your top favorite snack teamed up with a weeknight dinner hero, you’re in for a seriously delicious surprise. Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders are exactly as fun and crave-worthy as they sound: juicy, golden tenders in a crunchy, tangy coating made from real ketchup chips. Perfect for game nights, family dinners, or just treating yourself to something irresistibly different, these baked (or air-fried!) chicken tenders will win over adults and kids alike while adding a uniquely Canadian twist to your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is how everyday kitchen staples marry with one bold, snacky ingredient to create something entirely new. Each item here serves a vital purpose—flavor, tenderness, crunch—so don’t skip any! Here’s what you’ll need for your Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders:
- Chicken Tenders: The star! Boneless strips stay tender and cook quickly, making them perfect for that snacky, finger-food vibe.
- Ketchup-Flavored Potato Chips (5 oz bag): For a tangy, deeply savory coating with a stunning color—you want them fresh and crunchy for easy crushing.
- All-Purpose Flour: Helps the egg mixture stick, creating a base layer that makes your crunchy coating possible.
- Large Eggs: Act as the glue, ensuring the crushed chips adhere to every bit of the chicken.
- Milk: Loosens up the eggs for a smooth, even dip—just enough to help with coating.
- Salt and Black Pepper: A little go a long way here; season the flour to boost overall flavor.
- Optional Dips (Ketchup or Ranch): These classics are perfect for dunking, adding an extra layer of fun.
How to Make Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Crush the Ketchup Chips
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Grab your ketchup-flavored potato chips and pulverize them to smithereens—either with a quick whirl in a food processor or by sealing them in a zip-top bag and taking out a little daily stress with a rolling pin. You want fine, even crumbs. Pour these into a shallow dish; this is where the magic crunch begins.
Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Station
Organize three shallow dishes in a row: flour (with a light sprinkle of salt and pepper), eggs whisked together with milk, and, finally, your mountain of crushed ketchup chips. This line-up makes the coating process quick and keeps things moving (and less messy!).
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
One at a time, dredge each chicken tender in seasoned flour and gently shake off the excess. Next, dip it into the egg-milk bath, making sure it’s fully coated. Finally, lay the tender in the crushed chips and press to coat every side generously. Arrange them evenly on your prepared baking sheet—don’t crowd the pan, so they get nice and crisp.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Pop those beauties into your hot oven for 15 to 18 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even color and crunch. You’re looking for a golden-red crust and chicken cooked through with no pink inside. For extra crunch, a quick spritz of cooking spray over the coated tenders before baking works wonders. Prefer your Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders ultra-crispy? The air fryer is your best friend—just 10 to 12 minutes at 400°F (200°C), flipped once, does the trick!
How to Serve Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished tenders with a little fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of green—simple, but it balances the rich color and brings a touch of freshness. A scatter of flaky sea salt right as they come out of the oven takes the flavor over the top.
Side Dishes
Level up your plate with crispy sweet potato fries, an easy slaw, or classic oven-baked potato wedges. For a lighter meal, serve your Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders with a bright salad—the tangy coating loves a little contrast. Don’t forget the dipping sauces: creamy ranch, cool Greek yogurt dip, or classic ketchup are all perfect partners.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the plate! Pile your tenders upright in a mason jar lined with parchment for a party snack, or serve them in a basket with retro diner check paper. For a fun dinner twist, slice and stuff into wraps with lettuce and pickles, or chop over salad for a crouton swap that’ll wow your tastebuds.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have extras, store your Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them cool first, so they don’t go soggy—stack with parchment between layers to keep them crisp.
Freezing
These tenders freeze beautifully! Arrange cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. They’ll keep for up to two months—ideal for quick lunches or weeknight cravings.
Reheating
For best results, reheat tenders in a 375°F (190°C) oven or air fryer until piping hot and re-crisped—about 5 to 7 minutes. The microwave works in a pinch, but won’t preserve the crunch. Avoid reheating multiple times for optimal flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use different flavors of chips for Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders?
Absolutely! While ketchup chips give their signature tangy-sweet flavor, feel free to experiment—barbecue, all-dressed, or even classic salted chips all work. Each brings its unique twist, letting you mix things up based on your mood or what’s in the pantry.
Are Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
Not as written, because of the flour and regular chips. For a gluten-free version, sub in your favorite one-to-one gluten-free flour and be sure to use gluten-free chips. The method and results remain deliciously similar!
Can I prepare these in advance and cook later?
Yes! You can bread your chicken tenders up to a few hours ahead; arrange them on the baking sheet, cover, and refrigerate until ready to bake. For the crunchiest results, bake just before serving so the chips stay crisp and vibrant.
What if I don’t have a food processor?
No worries at all! Place your ketchup chips in a sturdy zip-top bag, seal tightly, and gently crush with a rolling pin, heavy pan, or even your hands. The goal is fine crumbs, but a little texture adds great crunch to Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes, and it’s incredibly easy! Simply follow the same breading steps and pop the tenders in your air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway. The result is perfectly crisp, golden Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders with very little oil.
Final Thoughts
If you’re on a quest for something bold, playful, and impossibly satisfying, you have to give Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders a spot in your dinner rotation. A guaranteed family favorite, this recipe delivers big flavor with minimal fuss. Happy snacking!
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Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders are a fun twist on traditional chicken tenders, coated in crunchy ketchup-flavored potato chips and baked to perfection. They make a delicious and easy-to-prepare meal or appetizer for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
- 5 oz bag ketchup-flavored potato chips
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: ketchup or ranch for dipping
Chicken Tenders:
Ketchup-Flavored Potato Chips Coating:
Coating:
Egg Mixture:
Additional:
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare chip coating: Crush ketchup chips until finely crushed. Place in a shallow dish.
- Set up coating stations: Place flour in another dish seasoned with salt and pepper. Whisk eggs and milk in a third dish.
- Coat the tenders: Dredge each chicken tender in flour, dip in egg mixture, then press into crushed chips to coat.
- Bake: Arrange coated tenders on baking sheet and bake for 15–18 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
Notes
- For extra crunch, lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray before baking.
- Alternatively, air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping once.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course / Appetizer
- Method: Baking (or Air Frying option)
- Cuisine: Canadian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~3 tenders
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 24 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
