Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders

Ultra-crispy, cornflake battered Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders are a delightful dish perfect for various occasions. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, enjoying a family dinner, or preparing meal prep for the week, these tenders offer an irresistible crunch and mouthwatering flavor. Tossed in a zesty, garlicky cowboy butter sauce, they stand out with their unique taste and easy preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Perfection: The cornflake coating provides an ultra-crispy texture that will satisfy your crunchy cravings.
• Flavor Explosion: Infused with lemon, garlic, and spices, the cowboy butter sauce elevates the taste to a whole new level.
• Quick and Easy: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, these tenders are perfect for busy weeknights.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve them as an appetizer, main course, or alongside your favorite dips for a delightful snack.
• Kid-Friendly: These chicken tenders are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!

Tools and Preparation

To create your Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders effortlessly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that make the process smoother.

Essential Kitchen Tools

• Air fryer
• Three shallow dishes
• Gallon ziplock bag
• Rolling pin or meat mallet
• Whisk

Why These Tools Matter

• Air fryer: Cooks tenders quickly while ensuring they stay crispy without excess oil.
• Shallow dishes: Ideal for easy coating of the chicken in flour, egg wash, and cornflakes.
• Gallon ziplock bag: Perfect for crushing cornflakes mess-free!
• Whisk: Ensures your egg wash is smooth and well-mixed for better adhesion.

Ingredients

Ultra-crispy, cornflake battered Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders are made easily in the air fryer then tossed in a lemony, garlicky cowboy butter sauce.

Ingredients:
– 2 lb chicken tenderloins
– 1/2 cup flour
– 1 tbsp all purpose seasoning (Cajun, kick’n chicken seasoning, etc)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
– 3 cups corn flakes (crushed to coarse crumbs)
– olive oil or avocado oil spray (aerosol spray is ideal)
– 1 stick butter, mostly melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 lemon zested and 1 tablespoon juice
– 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes
– 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
– 1 tablespoon chives or green onions, sliced
– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley minced
– kosher salt and pepper to taste

How to Make Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Crush the Cornflakes

Add cornflakes into a gallon ziplock bag. Seal it tightly and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush them into coarse crumbs.

Step 2: Prepare Your Dipping Stations

Grab three shallow dishes:
* In one dish, mix the flour with all-purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper.
* In another dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth to create your egg wash.
* In the third dish, add the crushed cornflakes.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenderloins

Using one hand for dry ingredients and another for wet:
1. Coat each chicken tenderloin in the flour mixture.
2. Transfer it into the egg wash until fully coated.
3. Finally, press it into the cornflake crumbs ensuring an even covering.

Step 4: Air Fry the Tenders

Place a few chicken tenders at a time into the air fryer basket. Spray olive oil over the surface of each tender. Cook at high heat (400 degrees) for 5 minutes. Flip them over, spray again with olive oil spray, and cook for another 5 minutes or until fully cooked through.

Step 5: Make the Cowboy Butter Sauce

While waiting on the tenders:
Mix together all of the cowboy butter ingredients in a bowl. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 6: Toss and Serve

Transfer cooked chicken tenders into a large bowl. Pour the cowboy butter sauce over them and toss until they are well coated. Serve immediately with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping. Enjoy!

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders

Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some fantastic ways to serve these crispy chicken tenders that will elevate your meal.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A classic creamy dip that pairs perfectly with the crispy texture of the tenders.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: For those who love a tangy kick, blue cheese dressing adds depth and flavor.
• Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy, honey mustard complements the savory chicken well.

On a Salad

• Caesar Salad: Add sliced cowboy butter chicken tenders on top of a Caesar salad for a hearty twist.
• Garden Salad: Toss them on a fresh garden salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers for added protein.

In a Wrap

• Chicken Tender Wrap: Wrap the tenders in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and your favorite sauce for an easy handheld meal.
• Buffalo Chicken Wrap: For a spicy option, toss the tenders in buffalo sauce before wrapping them up.

As a Main Dish

• With Rice or Quinoa: Serve the tenders alongside fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up any extra cowboy butter sauce.
• On Sliders: Create mini sliders by placing tender pieces in slider buns with toppings of your choice.

How to Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders

Creating perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure they turn out crispy and flavorful every time.

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh chicken and spices to enhance the flavor of your dish.
• Crush Cornflakes Properly: Make sure the cornflakes are crushed into coarse crumbs for optimal coating and crunch.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: Give each tender enough space in the air fryer basket for even cooking and crispiness.
• Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Depending on your air fryer model, you may need to adjust cooking times. Make sure chicken is cooked through.
• Coat Evenly with Oil Spray: A light coat of oil spray ensures that the tenders get that golden-brown finish without being greasy.
• Let Them Rest Before Tossing in Sauce: Allowing the cooked tenders to rest briefly helps maintain their crunch when tossed in sauce.

Best Side Dishes for Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders

Pairing side dishes with Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders can make for a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic add comfort and richness to your meal.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw offers a crunchy contrast to the crispy chicken tenders.
3. Sweet Potato Fries: Baked or fried sweet potato fries provide a sweet balance alongside savory tenders.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob adds sweetness and texture, making it an ideal pairing.
5. Macaroni and Cheese: A classic side that kids love; creamy mac and cheese complements the chicken perfectly.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Colorful grilled veggies add nutrition and vibrant flavors that enhance the entire meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing your Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders, it’s easy to make a few common blunders that can affect the final dish. Here’s how to steer clear of them.

• Using too much oil: Over-spraying with oil can lead to soggy tenders. Use a light hand when spraying to keep them crispy.
• Not crushing cornflakes enough: If the cornflakes are too large, they won’t adhere well to the chicken. Aim for coarse crumbs for the perfect crunch.
• Skipping the seasoning: Forgetting to season your flour mixture will result in bland chicken. Don’t skip this step; it’s essential for flavor!
• Crowding the air fryer: Placing too many tenders at once can prevent even cooking. Cook in batches for optimal crispiness.
• Ignoring the sauce: The cowboy butter sauce adds essential flavor. Make sure to toss the tenders thoroughly for an even coating.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked chicken tenders in an airtight container.
• They will last in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders

• Place cooled, cooked tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure they are well-sealed to avoid freezer burn.

Reheating Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through and crispy.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but note that this may result in less crispiness.
• Stovetop: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cowboy Butter?

Cowboy butter is a flavorful sauce made from butter, garlic, lemon, and spices that enhances dishes like Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders with rich taste.

How do I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders spicy?

To add heat, increase the cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in the cowboy butter sauce according to your taste preference.

Can I use different proteins instead of chicken?

Yes! You can easily substitute chicken with turkey or lamb tenderloins while following the same recipe for delicious results.

How long does it take to cook Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders?

The cooking time is approximately 10 minutes in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C), ensuring they’re crispy and fully cooked.

Can I bake these tenders instead of using an air fryer?

Absolutely! Bake them on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders are not only ultra-crispy and packed with flavor but also versatile enough for any occasion. Feel free to customize the seasoning or dipping sauces according to your preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!

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