Description
Crispy Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders are a mouthwatering treat that combines succulent chicken tenderloins with a crunchy cornflake coating, all tossed in a zesty cowboy butter sauce. Perfect for game days, family dinners, or quick meal prep, these tenders deliver an irresistible crunch and bold flavors. The unique combination of lemon, garlic, and spices in the sauce elevates each bite, making them a favorite among both kids and adults. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare—a definitive win for busy weeknights!
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Crush cornflakes in a ziplock bag using a rolling pin until they are coarse crumbs.
- Set up three shallow dishes: one with flour, salt, pepper, and seasoning; another with whisked eggs and milk; and the last with crushed cornflakes.
- Coat each chicken tenderloin in flour, dip in egg wash, then press into cornflakes.
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Arrange tenders in the basket, spray lightly with olive oil, and cook for about 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Mix melted butter with garlic, lemon zest and juice, mustard, paprika, thyme, red pepper flakes, chives, parsley, salt and pepper.
- Toss cooked tenders in the cowboy butter sauce before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizers & Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 chicken tenders (120g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 150mg