Imagine crispy, golden chicken tenders coated in a rich, garlicky, and slightly spicy cowboy butter sauce. These Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders are the ultimate flavor bomb—juicy on the inside, crispy on the outside, and drenched in a buttery, herby sauce that will have you licking your fingers. Whether you’re making them for a weeknight dinner, a game-day snack, or just because you deserve something delicious, this recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about cooking—it’s about indulging in bold, comforting flavors that bring excitement to every bite.
Big, Bold Flavors: Packed with garlic, butter, lemon, and a touch of heat, every bite is a flavor explosion.
Easy to Make: Simple ingredients, minimal prep, and straightforward steps make this a foolproof dish.
Crowd-Pleaser: Whether it’s for kids, adults, or a gathering, these tenders will disappear fast.
Perfectly Crispy: A crunchy, golden coating that stays crisp, even under that luscious cowboy butter.
Dippable and Delicious: Serve with extra cowboy butter for dipping—you’ll want to soak up every drop!
Ingredients
Here’s what makes these Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders irresistible:
Chicken Tenders: Juicy and tender, the perfect cut for crispy, flavorful bites.
Eggs: Helps the coating stick, creating that signature crunch.
Flour & Breadcrumbs: The key to a crispy, golden crust that holds up to the butter sauce.
Garlic Powder & Paprika: Essential seasonings for deep, smoky flavor.
Salt & Pepper: Enhances all the natural flavors of the dish.
Butter: The heart of the cowboy butter sauce—rich, silky, and packed with flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced for that bold, aromatic kick.
Lemon Juice: A touch of acidity to brighten up the sauce.
Dijon Mustard: Adds a tangy, slightly spicy depth.
Fresh Herbs (Parsley & Chives): For a vibrant, herby finish.
Red Pepper Flakes: Just enough heat to make things interesting.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken tenders dry. Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Coat the Chicken: Dip each tender in beaten eggs, then dredge in a mixture of flour and breadcrumbs. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks.
Fry or Bake:
- For frying: Heat oil in a pan and fry the tenders until golden brown and crispy, about 4 minutes per side. Drain on a paper towel.
- For baking: Place tenders on a lined baking sheet, spray lightly with oil, and bake at 400°F until crispy, about 20 minutes.
Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Add garlic, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, and fresh herbs. Stir well and let the flavors meld for a minute.
Coat the Tenders: Toss the crispy chicken tenders in the cowboy butter sauce until fully coated.
Serve and Enjoy: Plate the tenders, garnish with extra herbs, and serve with extra sauce for dipping.
How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders
These tenders are already incredible on their own, but here’s how to take them to the next level:
Dipping Sauces: Extra cowboy butter, ranch, or honey mustard make fantastic dips.
Side Dishes: Serve with crispy fries, roasted veggies, or a simple green salad.
Bread Pairing: Try them in a sandwich or wrap for an indulgent meal.
Game Day Platter: Pair with wings, sliders, and nachos for the ultimate party spread.
Additional Tips
Prep Ahead: Bread the chicken in advance and store in the fridge until ready to cook.
Spice It Up: Add cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Make It Healthier: Bake or air-fry instead of deep-frying.
Storage Tips: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Crisp them up in the oven or air fryer instead of microwaving.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
A1: Yes! Just cut them into strips before breading.
Q2: Can I make these ahead of time?
A2: Yes! Bread the chicken and refrigerate until ready to cook.
Q3: Can I freeze these?
A3: Yes! Freeze before or after cooking. Reheat in the oven for best results.
Q4: How can I make them spicier?
A4: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter.
Q5: What’s the best way to reheat?
A5: Use the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes to keep them crispy.
Q6: Can I air-fry them?
A6: Absolutely! Air-fry at 375°F for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q7: Can I use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs?
A7: Yes! Swap them for gluten-free alternatives without any issues.
Q8: What’s the best oil for frying?
A8: Use a high-heat oil like canola or vegetable oil.
Q9: How do I store the cowboy butter sauce?
A9: Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Reheat gently before using.
Q10: Can I use this sauce on other dishes?
A10: Yes! It’s amazing on steak, shrimp, veggies, or even roasted potatoes.
Final Thoughts
These Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders are crispy, buttery, and packed with bold flavors that’ll keep you coming back for more. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a main dish, or party food, they’re sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, whip up a batch, and get ready for a meal that’s downright addictive!
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 crispy, air-fried chicken tenders are coated in a flavorful cornflake crust and tossed in a rich, garlicky cowboy butter sauce with zesty lemon, Dijon mustard, and a kick of spice. Perfect for a quick dinner or game-day snack!
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 is ideal)
Cowboy Butter:
- 1 stick butter, mostly melted (1/2 cup)
- 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
1. Prep the Cornflake Breading:
- Add cornflakes into a large ziplock bag. Seal and crush into coarse crumbs using a rolling pin or meat mallet.
- In three separate shallow dishes:
- Dish 1: Combine flour, seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Dish 2: Whisk together eggs and milk until smooth.
- Dish 3: Add crushed cornflakes.
2. Coat the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg wash, ensuring full coverage.
- Coat with cornflake crumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
3. Air Fry the Chicken:
- Place tenders in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
- Spray lightly with olive oil spray.
- Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes, then flip, respray, and cook for another 5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Make the Cowboy Butter:
- While the tenders cook, mix all cowboy butter ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
5. Toss & Serve:
- Transfer cooked tenders to a large bowl.
- Pour cowboy butter sauce over the tenders and toss until evenly coated.
- Serve hot with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping.
Notes
- For extra crispy tenders, lightly press the cornflake coating into the chicken.
- Spice it up: Add more cayenne for a spicier kick.
- To make baked tenders, bake at 425°F for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tender
- Calories: 220 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 14g
- Cholesterol: 65mg