If you’ve ever wished you could turn your favorite snack into dinner, this Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders recipe is about to make your dreams come true! Tender strips of chicken get wrapped in a boldly seasoned, ultra-crunchy coating using crushed ketchup-flavored chips and golden panko. Every bite delivers comfort food levels of juiciness on the inside with restaurant-style crispy crunch on the outside. Whether you bake them or pop them in the air fryer, these chicken tenders deliver unexpected nostalgia and kid-friendly fun, all in under 40 minutes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With only a handful of simple ingredients, you’ll be surprised at just how much flavor and texture you can coax out of this recipe. Each element plays its perfect part, creating Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders that are mouthwateringly good, with very little fuss.
- Chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts: These are the base—tender, juicy, and ready to soak up all the crunch and flavor. Cut breasts into strips for perfect bites every time.
- Ketchup-flavored potato chips (crushed): The star ingredient! Crushed chips add a tangy, sweet, and salty crunch that makes the breading unforgettable.
- Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs ensure the coating is extra light and crispy—no soggy tenders here!
- All-purpose flour: This helps the seasonings climb on board and makes sure the egg sticks to the chicken for a better final crunch.
- Large eggs: Essential for binding the coating to your chicken; don’t skip the egg dip or you’ll lose all that tasty crunch.
- Garlic powder: Adds subtle, savory depth to every bite—an easy but crucial way to build in flavor.
- Onion powder: This blends beautifully with the ketchup chips, boosting that classic, addictive snack taste.
- Smoked paprika: Just half a teaspoon gives a gentle smokiness and a gorgeous color to the final coating.
- Salt and pepper: Elevates all the other flavors, so season generously!
- Cooking spray or oil: A light mist ensures your tenders come out crispy and golden, whether you’re baking or air frying.
How to Make Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep Your Equipment
Preheat your oven to 400°F, or your air fryer to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to avoid sticking—or, if you’re using an air fryer, give the basket a light spray with oil. This step sets you up for success and ensures every piece cooks up evenly without sticking.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Stations
Grab three shallow bowls. In the first, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, plus a generous pinch of salt and pepper. In the second bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, combine the crushed ketchup chips with panko breadcrumbs. Having everything ready makes the breading assembly a breeze!
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
Take each strip of chicken and dredge it first in the seasoned flour, coating every bit. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs so it’s fully moistened. Finally, press it firmly into the ketchup chip and panko mixture, making sure every side gets a nice, thick crust. Gently pat any loose crumbs onto the chicken for extra crunch power.
Step 4: Arrange and Oil
Lay each coated chicken tender in a single layer, whether you’re using a baking sheet or air fryer basket. Be sure not to crowd them—good airflow is the secret to irresistible crispiness. Once they’re all arranged, give them a light spritz with cooking oil. This step inspires that tanned, crunchy finish everyone loves.
Step 5: Bake or Air Fry to Perfection
Bake in the oven for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping once halfway through to ensure every side gets golden. In the air fryer, cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning at the halfway mark. You’re looking for a crisp exterior and a juicy interior with an internal temperature of 165°F. Get ready for your kitchen to smell absolutely amazing!
How to Serve Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color and a hit of fresh flavor. For even more zing, serve with a few lemon wedges to squeeze over the top—citrus always brightens up the ketchup-chip crust. If you’re feeling playful, an extra little pinch of crushed ketchup chips scattered on top is fun and signals the secret inside!
Side Dishes
Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders pair perfectly with all sorts of sides. Think crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, or even a zesty slaw for contrast. Want a lighter option? Try a simple green salad with cherry tomatoes and a tangy vinaigrette. Don’t forget a little bowl of ranch, honey mustard, or even more ketchup for dunking.
Creative Ways to Present
Pile your tenders in a basket lined with parchment for classic snack-bar vibes. Layer them over a big platter of oven fries and drizzle with cheese sauce for loaded chicken fries. Or, skewer each tender with a fun dipper for an appetizer spread that gets everyone talking about where you even found ketchup chips in the first place.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Stash any leftover Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for two to three days, making them terrific for lunchboxes or quick next-day snacks.
Freezing
Let your cooked tenders cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer to a resealable freezer bag—this helps preserve texture and keeps the coating crisp. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To revive the crunch, bake refrigerated or frozen tenders in a preheated oven at 375°F, or pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes. They’ll heat through and crisp up without drying out. Microwave reheating will soften the coating, so oven or air fryer is your best bet.
FAQs
What can I use if I can’t find ketchup-flavored potato chips?
If you can’t track down ketchup chips, try using classic potato chips mixed with a teaspoon of tomato powder, paprika, and a pinch of sugar for a similar flavor twist. You can also get creative and use BBQ chips for a smoky swap, but ketchup chips are the secret to the signature flavor in Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders.
Can I make Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for your favorite gluten-free blend, use gluten-free panko, and check that your chips are gluten-free as well. The process stays exactly the same, so everyone can enjoy these crispy tenders.
Will this work with chicken thighs instead of breasts or tenders?
Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs bring extra juiciness to the party. Just make sure to slice them into even strips so the breading adheres and everything cooks at the same rate.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Coat the chicken well at each step—flour, then egg, then the chip mixture—pressing gently but firmly. For even better sticking power, let the breaded tenders chill in the fridge for about 10 minutes before baking or air frying. This helps the crust set and stay put.
Can I prep Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders ahead of time?
Definitely! You can bread the chicken in advance and refrigerate it, covered, for up to four hours before baking or air frying. This not only saves time but also helps the coating cling and crisp up beautifully when cooked.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a fun new spin on a comfort food favorite, there’s no better way than these Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders. Perfect for families, snack attacks, or anyone ready to be wowed by an unforgettable coating, this is one dinner you’ll be excited to share again and again. Go ahead—get those chips, grab some chicken, and see why this crave-worthy creation will never get old!
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Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Ketchup Chips Chicken Tenders are a fun twist on classic chicken tenders, coated in a crunchy ketchup chip and breadcrumb mixture for a flavorful and crispy finish. Perfect for a family-friendly meal or game day snack.
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
- 1½ pounds chicken tenders or boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
Coating:
- 1½ cups crushed ketchup-flavored potato chips
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for baking or air frying
Instructions
- Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat oven to 400°F or air fryer to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease the air fryer basket.
- Prepare Coating: Combine crushed ketchup chips and panko breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. In a separate bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Beat the eggs in another bowl.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tender in flour, then eggs, and coat with the ketchup chip and breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to adhere.
- Cook: Place coated tenders on the baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Spray with oil. Bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry for 10–12 minutes until golden, crispy, and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Serve: Serve hot with dipping sauce of choice.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, chill coated tenders in the fridge for 10 minutes before cooking.
- Try dipping in ranch, honey mustard, or extra ketchup for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking or Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 tenders
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 19g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
