Barbecue Chip Chicken Tenders

Barbecue Chip Chicken Tenders are a crispy, flavorful twist on classic baked chicken that’s as fun to eat as it is easy to make. Coated in a tangy BBQ sauce and rolled in crushed barbecue-flavored potato chips, these tenders come out golden, crunchy, and packed with bold, smoky flavor. Perfect for dipping and kid-friendly, they’re a fantastic weeknight dinner, game day snack, or party appetizer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These chicken tenders are the ultimate fusion of snack food and comfort food. The BBQ potato chips create a crunchy crust that’s packed with flavor—no breadcrumbs needed. The sauce adds tang and moisture to keep the chicken juicy inside. They’re oven-baked (not fried!), making them easy and less messy while still giving you that crave-worthy crispiness.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 (13-ounce) bag barbecue potato chips (such as Lays)

• 2 pounds chicken tenders

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

• 3 tablespoons BBQ sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

2. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and BBQ sauce until well combined.

3. Place the chicken tenders in a large bowl and pour the sauce mixture over them. Toss until each piece is fully coated.

4. Place the barbecue chips in a large zip-top bag. Crush them using a rolling pin or a heavy glass until fine crumbs form.

5. Transfer the crushed chips to a shallow bowl, drizzle with melted butter, and mix well to coat the crumbs evenly.

6. One at a time, press each sauced chicken tender into the chip mixture, coating all sides firmly.

7. Place the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.

8. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F) and the coating is golden and crispy.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 6 servings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Twist: Use spicy BBQ chips or add a few dashes of hot sauce to the mayo mixture for extra heat.

• Air Fryer Option: Cook at 375°F in an air fryer for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through.

• Different Chips: Try other chip flavors like sour cream & onion, ranch, or jalapeño for new takes.

• Mini Bites: Cut tenders into nugget-sized pieces for fun, bite-sized appetizers.

• Cheesy Crust: Add a few tablespoons of grated Parmesan to the chip crumbs for an extra layer of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F for 8–10 minutes or in an air fryer to bring back the crisp.
Freezing: Freeze uncooked, coated tenders on a tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Yes, just slice them into strips to mimic tender size for even cooking.

Can I make these ahead of time?

You can prep the coated tenders and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before baking.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

Press the chicken firmly into the chip crumbs and let them rest on the baking sheet for a few minutes before baking.

Can I use low-fat mayonnaise?

Yes, it will work, though full-fat mayo helps with moisture and flavor.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

Ranch, honey mustard, more BBQ sauce, or a spicy aioli are all great choices.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure the BBQ chips and other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

What can I serve with these?

Serve with fries, coleslaw, corn on the cob, or a simple green salad.

Are these kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Kids love the crunchy texture and smoky BBQ flavor.

Can I use flavored chips other than BBQ?

Yes! Try cheddar, jalapeño, or even sour cream and onion for fun variations.

What’s the best way to crush the chips?

Use a rolling pin or the bottom of a glass over a sealed zip-top bag for quick and mess-free crushing.

Conclusion

Barbecue Chip Chicken Tenders are a quick, flavorful, and irresistibly crunchy way to elevate a simple chicken dinner. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, they’re sure to become a family favorite—perfect for dipping, snacking, or turning into a memorable main dish. Bake up a batch tonight and enjoy the crispy, saucy goodness that only BBQ chips can bring.

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