Introduction
Craving bold flavor and irresistible crunch? These Crispy Southwest Chicken Tenders deliver just that, coated in a spiced cornmeal crust and fried to golden perfection. Paired with a smoky, creamy chipotle lime sauce, this dish brings the heat and tang in every bite. Whether you serve them as a game-day snack, weeknight dinner, or party platter centerpiece, these tenders will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Chipotle Lime Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, soak chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- In another bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be deep enough to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the cornmeal mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly.
- Carefully add breaded tenders to hot oil in batches. Fry for 4–5 minutes per side, until crispy and golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, minced chipotle, lime juice, lime zest, and salt until smooth.
- Serve tenders hot with chipotle lime sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
Variation
- Baked Version: Instead of frying, you can bake the chicken tenders for a lighter option. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place breaded tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet, spray lightly with cooking spray, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll still get a golden, crispy crust with less oil.
- Air Fryer Option: For a healthier and quicker method, air fry the breaded chicken tenders at 400°F (200°C) for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway. This keeps them juicy inside and crisp outside without deep frying.
- Add Cheese Crust: For an extra flavor punch, mix a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan into the cornmeal mixture. The cheese adds a nutty, salty crunch that pairs well with the smoky sauce.
Cooking Notes
- Oil Temperature Matters: Keep your oil around 350°F (175°C). Too hot and the crust will burn before the chicken cooks through; too cool and the breading will soak up too much oil and turn soggy. A thermometer is helpful here.
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches. Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature quickly, leading to uneven cooking and less crispiness.
- Draining Properly: Always drain fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate or wire rack. This step helps remove excess oil and keeps the tenders crisp until serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with Southwest Sides: These tenders are perfect alongside cilantro-lime rice, black bean corn salad, or a simple avocado-tomato salsa for a complete Southwest-inspired meal.
- Use in Wraps or Tacos: Slice the tenders and tuck them into warm tortillas with lettuce, avocado, and more chipotle lime sauce for a quick and flavorful chicken wrap or taco.
- Family Platter Style: Arrange the crispy tenders on a platter with small bowls of chipotle lime sauce, ranch, and honey mustard for dipping. Add some sliced veggies or waffle fries for a fun, casual dinner spread.
Tips
- Marinate Longer for Flavor: If you have time, marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight. The acids tenderize the meat further, and the flavors get deeper.
- Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier coating, dredge the chicken once, dip it lightly back into the buttermilk, then dredge again. This creates a thicker, more textured crust.
- Make the Sauce Ahead: The chipotle lime sauce actually gets better as it sits. Make it a few hours—or even a day—in advance to let the flavors meld. Store it in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 22 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can bread the chicken tenders a few hours in advance and store them on a tray in the fridge, covered. The sauce can also be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container. When you’re ready to cook, just fry the tenders and serve! - Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely. Just slice the chicken breasts into strips about 1-inch wide to mimic tenderloins. They cook just as well and hold the breading perfectly. - Is there a dairy-free alternative to buttermilk?
You can make a dairy-free “buttermilk” substitute by mixing 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk (or oat milk) with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes before using. - How spicy is the chipotle lime sauce?
The sauce has a mild to medium heat level. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with half the amount of chipotle and taste as you go. For more heat lovers, you can add extra chipotle or a dash of hot sauce.
Conclusion
Crispy Southwest Chicken with Chipotle Lime Sauce brings the perfect balance of crunch, spice, and zing to your plate. Whether you fry, bake, or air fry these golden tenders, the bold seasoning and creamy chipotle drizzle make this a must-try for any flavor-seeker. Serve them up at dinner, game day, or your next get-together—they’re guaranteed to steal the show. Once you try that smoky lime-kissed sauce, you’ll be hooked!
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Crispy Southwest Chicken with Chipotle Lime Sauce: A Flavor Explosion
- Total Time: 35 minutes (plus optional marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Craving bold flavor and irresistible crunch? These Crispy Southwest Chicken Tenders deliver just that, coated in a spiced cornmeal crust and fried to golden perfection. Paired with a smoky, creamy chipotle lime sauce, this dish brings the heat and tang in every bite. Whether you serve them as a game-day snack, weeknight dinner, or party platter centerpiece, these tenders will quickly become a household favorite.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken:
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
Chipotle Lime Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon chipotle in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- In a large bowl, soak chicken tenders in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes to tenderize and infuse flavor.
- In another bowl, whisk together cornmeal, flour, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be deep enough to cover the bottom of the pan.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Dredge each piece in the cornmeal mixture, pressing to coat thoroughly.
- Carefully add breaded tenders to hot oil in batches. Fry for 4–5 minutes per side, until crispy and golden. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- In a small bowl, stir together mayonnaise, minced chipotle, lime juice, lime zest, and salt until smooth.
- Serve tenders hot with chipotle lime sauce drizzled on top or on the side for dipping.
Notes
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after frying to lock in juices and maintain crispness.
- Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- For extra heat, double the chipotle or add a splash of hot sauce to the mayo blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southwest, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 3–4 tenders with sauce
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg
Keywords: Southwest chicken tenders, chipotle lime sauce, crispy chicken, fried chicken strips, spicy chicken tenders
