Nothing beats the crispy, juicy perfection of homemade chicken tenders—except when they’re coated in rich, garlicky cowboy butter. These Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders are the ultimate indulgence, packed with bold flavors and a buttery kick that will have everyone reaching for seconds. Trust me, this one’s a game-changer!
Why You’ll Love Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile: Perfect for busy weeknights or as a standout dish at gatherings. Imagine coming home after a long day, knowing you can whip up something delicious and comforting in no time. Or envision serving this at a party, where guests ask for the recipe before the night ends.
Budget-Friendly: Uses ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for exotic items; this dish proves that simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. It’s perfect for when you’re trying to stick to a budget but still want something hearty and satisfying.
Quick and Easy: Straightforward steps that even beginners can follow. If you’re someone who usually avoids complex recipes, this one is for you. It’s designed to be foolproof, so you can enjoy cooking without stress.
Customizable: Easy to tweak with different flavors to suit your preferences. For example, if you love bold flavors, add a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika. Prefer something milder? You can adjust the seasoning to make it kid-friendly.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders
Here’s what makes these tenders absolutely irresistible:
Chicken Tenders: The main event. These turn out golden and crispy on the outside, while staying juicy and tender inside.
Flour & Seasonings: A blend of flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper creates the perfect coating for these tenders, adding just the right amount of flavor and crunch.
Eggs & Milk: This combination helps the breading stick, giving the tenders that beautifully crispy texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: The secret to extra crunch! Panko creates a lighter, airier crisp compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Butter: The rich, golden base of the cowboy butter, bringing velvety goodness to every bite.
Garlic & Lemon Juice: The perfect duo for adding a zingy, aromatic depth to the butter sauce.
Fresh Herbs & Spices: Parsley, red pepper flakes, and Dijon mustard give the cowboy butter a vibrant, zesty kick.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Preheat Your Equipment: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heating oil in a pan for frying. This ensures even cooking and gives your dish the right texture.
Prepare the Coating: In separate bowls, set up your flour mixture, egg wash, and panko breadcrumbs. This three-step breading process is key to achieving that perfect crunch.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally, coat it generously with panko breadcrumbs.
Cook the Chicken: Place the tenders on a baking sheet or fry them in hot oil until golden brown and crispy. If baking, drizzle lightly with oil for an extra crispy finish.
Make the Cowboy Butter: In a saucepan, melt the butter and stir in garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, parsley, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for a minute to infuse all the flavors together.
Toss & Serve: Once the tenders are cooked, toss them in the warm cowboy butter or serve it as a dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy immediately!
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
Fresh Salads: Pair it with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast to the dish’s rich flavors.
Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauces or juices. Garlic bread or a simple baguette works wonderfully.
Creamy Accompaniments: Add a dollop of sour cream, Greek yogurt, or a creamy dip to complement the dish’s flavor profile.
Vegetable Sides: Roasted vegetables, like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, are excellent pairings that add color and nutrients to the meal.
As a Standalone: Sometimes, this dish is hearty enough to enjoy on its own. Simply garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a finishing touch.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:
Prep Ahead: Save time by chopping and measuring ingredients the night before. Store them in airtight containers in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Spice It Up: Experiment with spices like cumin, turmeric, or chili flakes to give the dish a unique twist.
Dietary Adjustments: If you’re catering to specific dietary needs, swap ingredients like regular flour for gluten-free alternatives or dairy products for plant-based options.
Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to preserve the dish’s texture and flavor.
Double the Batch: This recipe freezes beautifully, so consider making a double batch. Having a homemade meal ready in the freezer can be a lifesaver on busy days.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute chicken tenders with chicken breasts?
A1: Absolutely! Just slice chicken breasts into strips for a similar result.
Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can bread the chicken tenders in advance and store them in the fridge until ready to cook.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat in the oven to maintain texture.
Q4: Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
A4: Yes! Place them in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen or thaw overnight in the fridge.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Q6: Can I air-fry these chicken tenders?
A6: Definitely! Cook in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q7: Can I make the cowboy butter less spicy?
A7: Yes! Simply reduce or omit the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
Q8: What dipping sauces go well with this?
A8: Ranch, honey mustard, or a simple garlic aioli are great choices!
Q9: Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
A9: Yes, but panko gives a crispier texture.
Q10: How do I make these gluten-free?
A10: Use gluten-free flour and panko alternatives.
Enjoy your Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders and happy cooking!
Print
Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 12 tenders 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
These ultra-crispy, cornflake-battered Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders are air-fried to perfection and tossed in a rich, garlicky cowboy butter sauce. Made with a blend of lemon, Dijon mustard, and warm spices, these chicken tenders are packed with bold flavors. Perfect for an easy dinner recipe, game-day snack, or quick dinner idea!
Ingredients
Chicken Tenders:
- 2 lb chicken tenderloins
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1 tbsp all-purpose seasoning (Cajun, Kick’n Chicken, etc.)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
- 3 cups cornflakes, crushed into coarse crumbs
- Olive oil or avocado oil spray (aerosol spray ideal)
Cowboy Butter:
- 1 stick butter, mostly melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 lemon, zested + 1 tbsp juice
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne or red pepper flakes
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp chives or green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, minced
- Kosher salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place cornflakes in a ziplock bag, seal, and crush with a rolling pin or meat mallet into coarse crumbs.
- Set up three shallow dishes:
- Dish 1: Mix flour, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dish 2: Whisk eggs with milk until smooth.
- Dish 3: Add crushed cornflakes.
- Using one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet, coat each chicken tender in the flour mixture, then the egg wash, and finally the cornflake crumbs, pressing to adhere.
- Place chicken tenders in an air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray evenly with olive oil.
- Air fry at 400°F for 5 minutes. Flip, spray again with olive oil, and cook for another 5 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.
- While the tenders cook, mix all cowboy butter ingredients in a bowl and adjust seasoning to taste.
- Once done, transfer chicken tenders to a large bowl, pour in cowboy butter, and toss to coat evenly.
- Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, cook 1-2 minutes longer.
- Buttermilk adds extra tenderness to the chicken.
- If you don’t have an air fryer, bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tender
- Calories: 180 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 55mg