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Crispy Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders

Featured in: Hearty and Delicious Meals

Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders bring together the best of both worlds - ultra crispy chicken and rich, flavorful sauce. The chicken tenders are coated in seasoned flour and crushed cornflakes for maximum crunch, then air fried until golden brown. The star of the show is the cowboy butter sauce, a mouthwatering blend of melted butter, fresh garlic, lemon, herbs and a kick of heat from cayenne. The sauce coats every piece of chicken perfectly, creating an irresistible combination of textures and flavors. Ready in just 30 minutes, these tenders are ideal for dinner, game day snacking or meal prep.
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sana kitchen chef
Updated on Mon, 24 Feb 2025 21:06:32 GMT
A plate of fried chicken with a bowl of dipping sauce and a lemon wedge. Pin it
A plate of fried chicken with a bowl of dipping sauce and a lemon wedge. | recipebyme.com

Tender, crispy chicken strips bathed in a rich, zesty butter sauce create an irresistible combination that transforms ordinary chicken tenders into a memorable meal. This Cowboy Butter Chicken recipe brings together the perfect crunch of cornflake coating with a luxurious butter sauce infused with fresh herbs, garlic, and a hint of heat.

Last weekend, I prepared these tenders for a family gathering and watched them disappear within minutes. The cornflake coating stayed remarkably crispy even as the butter sauce added its rich flavor, proving this combination is truly special.

Essential Components

  • Fresh chicken tenderloins: Offer the perfect texture and quick cooking time
  • Cornflakes: Create an exceptionally crispy coating that holds up well
  • All-purpose flour: Helps the coating adhere properly
  • Cajun seasoning: Adds depth and complexity to the flavor profile
  • Farm fresh eggs: Ensure proper coating adhesion
  • Whole milk: Enhances the richness of the egg wash
  • Premium butter: Forms the base of our signature sauce
  • Fresh lemons: Provide bright citrus notes
  • Garden fresh garlic cloves: Add essential aromatic depth
  • Dijon mustard: Brings subtle tang and complexity
  • Fresh parsley: Adds color and herbal notes
  • Green onions: Contribute mild onion flavor
  • Hungarian paprika: Provides rich color and flavor
  • Aromatic thyme: Complements the butter beautifully
  • Cayenne pepper: Adds perfectly balanced heat

Creating Your Masterpiece

Preparation Station:
Arrange three shallow dishes for your coating process. Combine flour and Cajun seasoning in the first, creating a well-seasoned base.
Egg Wash Creation:
Whisk together eggs and milk until completely blended, ensuring proper coating adhesion.
Cornflake Magic:
Crush cornflakes to achieve uniform, medium-sized crumbs that will create the perfect crispy exterior.
Coating Process:
Dredge each tender thoroughly in seasoned flour, ensuring complete coverage before moving to egg wash.
Final Layer:
Press tenders firmly into cornflake mixture, ensuring complete and even coating adhesion.
Air Frying Excellence:
Arrange prepared tenders in a single layer, allowing proper air circulation for optimal crispiness.
Sauce Creation:
Melt butter slowly and combine with freshly minced herbs and spices until perfectly blended.
Final Assembly:
Gently toss crispy tenders in warm butter sauce just before serving for maximum flavor impact.
A plate of fried chicken with a lemon wedge and a bowl of dipping sauce. Pin it
A plate of fried chicken with a lemon wedge and a bowl of dipping sauce. | recipebyme.com

My grandmother always insisted on using Hungarian paprika in her chicken recipes, and after years of cooking, I completely understand why. Its rich, complex flavor adds an unmistakable depth that regular paprika simply cannot match.

Perfect Pairings

Transform your meal by serving these tenders alongside creamy mashed potatoes, crisp garden salad, or homemade coleslaw. For a lighter option, serve over mixed greens with ranch dressing.

Creative Adaptations

Consider using gluten-free cornflakes and flour for dietary restrictions. Experiment with different seasonings like Italian herbs or Mexican spices for variety. Add extra cayenne or red pepper flakes for those who enjoy more heat.

Fresh For Days

Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 350°F to restore crispiness. Keep extra butter sauce separate and warm gently before serving.

A plate of fried chicken with a bowl of dipping sauce on the side. Pin it
A plate of fried chicken with a bowl of dipping sauce on the side. | recipebyme.com

After years of perfecting various chicken recipes, this Cowboy Butter version consistently receives the most enthusiastic responses from family and friends. The combination of crunchy coating and rich, flavorful butter sauce creates an unforgettable dish that will become a regular request in your household.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make these chicken tenders without an air fryer?
Yes! You can bake them in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.
→ How do I store leftover chicken tenders?
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
→ What can I serve with cowboy butter chicken tenders?
They pair great with french fries, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or a fresh green salad. Ranch or blue cheese dip makes a perfect sauce.
→ Can I make the cowboy butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce up to 2 days ahead. Store in the fridge and gently reheat before tossing with the chicken.
→ What's the best way to crush the cornflakes?
Place them in a sealed ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin. You want coarse crumbs, not too fine, for the best crunch.

Crispy Cowboy Butter Chicken Tenders

These cornflake-crusted chicken tenders are ultra crispy and tossed in a zesty cowboy butter sauce packed with garlic, herbs and lemon.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Sana

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American Southern

Yield: 12 Servings (12 chicken tenders)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken Coating

01 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
02 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 1 tablespoon Cajun or kick'n chicken seasoning
04 1 teaspoon salt
05 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
06 2 large eggs
07 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
08 3 cups corn flakes, crushed into coarse crumbs
09 Olive oil or avocado oil spray

→ Cowboy Butter Sauce

10 1 stick butter, partially melted
11 4 cloves garlic, minced
12 1/2 lemon, zested plus 1 tablespoon juice
13 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
14 1 teaspoon paprika
15 1/2 teaspoon cayenne or red pepper flakes
16 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
17 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
18 1 tablespoon fresh chives or green onions, sliced
19 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, minced
20 Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Place cornflakes in a gallon-sized ziplock bag, seal it, and crush them into coarse crumbs using a rolling pin or meat mallet.

Step 02

Arrange three shallow dishes (pie dishes work great). In the first, combine flour with seasonings. In the second, whisk eggs and milk until smooth. In the third, add the crushed cornflakes.

Step 03

Using one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet, coat each chicken tender in flour mixture, then egg wash, and finally press into the cornflake crumbs for complete coverage.

Step 04

Place a few chicken tenders in the air fryer basket, spray evenly with oil. Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook another 5 minutes until golden and cooked through.

Step 05

While the chicken cooks, combine all cowboy butter ingredients, mixing well. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Step 06

Transfer cooked tenders to a large bowl, pour over the cowboy butter sauce, and toss until well coated. Serve with ranch or blue cheese dipping sauce.

Notes

  1. To freeze: Place breaded tenders in a single layer and freeze for 2 hours, then transfer to a freezer bag. Keeps for up to two months.
  2. When melting butter, leave a few chunks unmelted to prevent the fat solids from separating.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer
  • 3 shallow dishes (pie dishes recommended)
  • Gallon-sized ziplock bag
  • Rolling pin or meat mallet
  • Large mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, milk)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains gluten (flour, cornflakes)