Why You’ll Love these Crispy BBQ Chip-Crusted Chicken Tenders
If you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s both fun and delicious, these BBQ chip-crusted chicken tenders might just become your new go-to recipe. I’m obsessed with how the crushed barbecue chips create the perfect crispy coating while infusing each bite with smoky, tangy flavor. No complicated breading station or deep-frying needed—just a quick dip in the seasoned egg mixture, a roll in crushed chips, and into the oven they go. Ready in about 15 minutes. Perfect for picky eaters, casual gatherings, or those nights when you crave something a little indulgent.
What Ingredients are in Crispy BBQ Chip-Crusted Chicken Tenders?
These BBQ chip-crusted chicken tenders require surprisingly few ingredients to create something truly spectacular. The magic happens when ordinary barbecue potato chips transform into an extraordinary crunchy coating that clings perfectly to tender chicken pieces.
I’m always amazed at how such simple ingredients can come together to create something that tastes like it came from a restaurant. The egg mixture helps the crushed chips adhere to the chicken while adding subtle flavors that complement the bold BBQ taste of the chips.
- 1 egg (can use just egg white)
- 2 tablespoons nonfat milk
- 1/8 teaspoon Tabasco sauce (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 cups barbecue potato chips, crushed
- 1/2 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
When shopping for these ingredients, quality matters, especially with the barbecue chips. Different brands offer varying flavor profiles—some are smokier, others are sweeter or spicier.
Whatever your preference, make sure to get chips with robust flavor since they’ll be the dominant seasoning. For the chicken, you could substitute chicken tenders instead of cutting up chicken breasts if you prefer.
And if you’re not a fan of heat, feel free to skip the Tabasco, though that tiny amount adds depth rather than spiciness. The beauty of this recipe is its flexibility while still delivering that irresistible crispy, BBQ-flavored crunch.
How to Make these Crispy BBQ Chip-Crusted Chicken Tenders
Making these crunchy, flavorful chicken tenders couldn’t be easier. Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees—this high temperature is essential for achieving that perfect crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside.
While the oven heats up, grab two separate bowls for your dipping stations. In the first bowl, whisk together 1 egg (just the white works fine if you prefer), 2 tablespoons of nonfat milk, 1/8 teaspoon of Tabasco sauce (totally optional, but adds a nice depth), 1/4 teaspoon of paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder until well combined. This seasoned egg mixture is what helps all those delicious crushed chips stick to your chicken.
In your second bowl, place 4 cups of barbecue potato chips and crush them thoroughly. Don’t pulverize them into dust—you want some texture there, small flakes that will create that amazing crunch we’re after.
Now for the fun part: take your 1/2 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast that you’ve cut into 1/2-inch cubes, and one by one, dip each piece first in the egg mixture, making sure it’s well coated. Then roll it in the crushed chips, gently pressing to help the coating adhere. I find using one hand for the wet mixture and one for the dry keeps things less messy.
Arrange your coated chicken pieces in a single layer on a greased baking sheet, giving them a little breathing room so they can get crispy all around.
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 10-13 minutes, or until the juices run clear when you pierce a piece with a fork. The exact time might vary depending on your oven and the size of your chicken pieces, so keep an eye on them after the 10-minute mark. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy on the outside.
For even better results, you could use a premium deep fryer to achieve that restaurant-quality crispiness and golden color that baking sometimes can’t match.
Once they’re out of the oven, let them cool just slightly before serving with barbecue sauce or creamy horseradish sauce for dipping. These little nuggets of flavor are best enjoyed fresh from the oven when they’re at their crunchiest.
Crispy BBQ Chip-Crusted Chicken Tenders Substitutions and Variations
While the classic BBQ chip-crusted chicken tenders recipe is already delicious, you can easily customize it to match your taste preferences or work with what’s in your pantry.
Don’t have BBQ chips? No worries—try sour cream and onion, salt and vinegar, or even plain potato chips with added seasonings. You can swap the Tabasco for sriracha or omit it altogether if spice isn’t your thing. Not a fan of chicken breast? Chicken thighs work beautifully and stay even juicier. For a dairy-free version, replace the milk with unsweetened almond milk or water. The possibilities are endless, and that’s what makes this recipe so fun.
What to Serve with Crispy BBQ Chip-Crusted Chicken Tenders
Now that you’ve got those irresistibly crunchy chicken tenders ready to go, let’s talk about what to pair them with for a complete meal.
I’m thinking a cooling coleslaw would offer the perfect contrast to that BBQ spice.
Can’t go wrong with some crispy sweet potato fries, right?
For a lighter option, consider a simple green salad with ranch dressing.
Mac and cheese is always a crowd-pleaser alongside these tenders, especially for the kids.
Oh, and don’t forget those dipping sauces – honey mustard, extra BBQ sauce, or that creamy horseradish mentioned in the recipe.
Final Thoughts
These crispy BBQ chicken tenders have truly transformed the humble chicken strip into something special.
The combination of crunchy potato chip coating with tender, juicy chicken creates that perfect contrast we’re all looking for in comfort food.
I love how quickly they come together, making them ideal for busy weeknights when I’m craving something homemade but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.
The hint of paprika and garlic adds just enough complexity without overwhelming the BBQ flavor.
Give these a try when you want to elevate your chicken tender game—they’re sure to become a regular in your recipe rotation.
