Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders

Ultra-crispy, cornflake battered Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders are a delightful treat perfect for parties, game days, or any casual gathering. These tenders boast a crunchy exterior and are tossed in a zesty lemony garlic sauce that elevates their flavor. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or a main dish, these tenders are sure to impress with their unique taste and easy preparation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy Texture: The cornflake coating gives the chicken tenderloins an irresistible crunch that everyone will love.
• Flavor-Packed: Tossed in a cowboy butter sauce infused with garlic and lemon, these tenders burst with flavor.
• Quick Preparation: Made in just 30 minutes, they’re perfect for weeknight dinners or last-minute gatherings.
• Versatile Dish: Great as an appetizer, main course, or even meal prep for the week ahead.
• Healthier Cooking Method: Air frying reduces oil use while still achieving that delicious crispiness.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making your Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders, gather your kitchen tools. Having everything ready makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Kitchen Tools

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

Why These Tools Matter

• Air fryer: This tool allows you to achieve crispy chicken without deep frying, making it healthier.
• Gallon ziplock bag: Perfect for crushing cornflakes without making a mess.
• Rolling pin or meat mallet: Ideal for getting the perfect crumb size from cornflakes for optimal coating.
• Three shallow dishes: Essential for organizing the breading process efficiently.

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.

For the Chicken Tenders

• 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)

For the Cowboy Butter Sauce

• 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 Corn Flakes

Add cornflakes into a gallon ziplock bag. Seal it tightly and use a rolling pin or meat mallet to crush them into coarse crumbs. Ensure you have enough crumbs for coating each tender well.

Step 2: Prepare Breading Stations

Grab three shallow dishes:
1. In the first dish, mix together the flour and all-purpose seasoning.
2. In the second dish, whisk the eggs with the milk until smooth to create an egg wash.
3. In the third dish, place your crushed cornflakes.

Step 3: Bread the Chicken Tenders

Using one hand for dry ingredients and one hand for wet:
1. Coat each chicken tender in the flour mixture first.
2. Dip it into the egg wash ensuring it’s fully coated.
3. Finally, transfer it to the cornflake crumbs and press them onto each tender firmly.

Step 4: Air Fry the Tenders

Place several breaded chicken tenders into your air fryer basket:
– Spray them lightly with olive oil spray on top.
– Cook at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 5 minutes.
– Flip them over, spray again with olive oil spray, and cook another 5 minutes until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 5: Make Cowboy Butter Sauce

While the chicken is cooking:
1. Mix together all of the cowboy butter ingredients in a bowl.
2. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Step 6: Toss in Cowboy Butter Sauce

Once cooked:
– Transfer chicken tenders into a large bowl.
– Pour in your prepared cowboy butter sauce and toss until they are evenly coated.

Serve your Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders warm with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side for dipping! Enjoy every crispy bite!

How to Serve Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders

Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders are delicious on their own, but serving them with the right accompaniments can elevate your meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.

Pair with Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing: A classic choice that complements the crispy texture and buttery flavor of the chicken.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: For those who enjoy a tangy kick, this creamy dressing adds depth to each bite.
• Honey Mustard: The sweetness of honey combined with mustard creates a delightful contrast to the savory chicken.

Serve in a Wrap

• Tortilla Wraps: Place tenders in a tortilla with fresh veggies and drizzle with sauce for a portable meal.
• Lettuce Wraps: For a lighter option, use large lettuce leaves as wraps filled with tenders and toppings.

Create a Salad Bowl

• Mixed Greens: Toss chopped tenders over a bed of mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers for a refreshing salad.
• Caesar Salad: Add tenders to romaine lettuce, croutons, and Caesar dressing for a hearty twist on the classic.

How to Perfect Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders

To ensure your Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold Coating Technique: Use one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet to keep the breading process clean and efficient.
• Bold Seasoning Choices: Experiment with different seasonings in the flour mixture to create unique flavor profiles that suit your taste.
• Bold Air Fryer Selection: Ensure your air fryer is preheated for even cooking and maximum crispiness on the outside.
• Bold Sauce Adjustments: Taste test the cowboy butter sauce before tossing; adjust garlic, lemon juice, or herbs according to your preference.

Best Side Dishes for Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders

Pairing side dishes with your Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders can make for an impressive meal. Here are some great options that complement their flavors perfectly.

1. Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide a comforting side that balances out the dish.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and tanginess, making it a great contrast to crispy tenders.
3. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn drizzled with butter enhances the overall taste experience without overwhelming it.
4. Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a hint of sweetness that pairs well with savory chicken.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables add color and nutrition while complementing the flavors of the chicken.
6. Baked Beans: Hearty baked beans provide a smoky richness that rounds out your meal nicely.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Coating Steps: Not properly coating the chicken can lead to a lack of crunch. Ensure each tender is thoroughly coated in flour, egg wash, and cornflakes.
• Overcrowding the Air Fryer: Placing too many tenders in the air fryer at once can cause uneven cooking. Cook in batches for the best results.
• Not Preheating the Air Fryer: Failing to preheat can result in soggy tenders. Preheat your air fryer to ensure a crispy finish.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Each seasoning blend varies in strength. Always taste your cowboy butter sauce and adjust seasonings as needed.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap oils or butter can affect flavor. Use high-quality olive oil and fresh ingredients for the best taste.

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders

• For freezing, place cooled tenders in a freezer bag or airtight container.
• They can be frozen for up to 2 months.

Reheating Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F (190°C) and bake for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, but this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Warm them in a skillet over medium heat with a little oil until heated through and crispy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders?

Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders are crispy chicken strips coated in cornflake crumbs and tossed in a flavorful garlic butter sauce.

Can I use different meats for this recipe?

Yes! While this recipe uses chicken, you can try it with turkey or lamb for varied flavors.

How do I make Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders spicier?

To add more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes in the cowboy butter sauce.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the cowboy butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use it.

Conclusion

Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders are not only delicious but also versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting game day or looking for a quick meal prep option, these tenders can easily be customized with your favorite spices or dipping sauces. Give them a try, and enjoy every crispy bite!