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Crispy Chipotle Lime Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crispy Chipotle Lime Crusted Chicken Tenders

Juicy buttermilk-marinated chicken tenders are coated in smoky, lime-seasoned panko and baked until crisp and golden. Serve with your favorite creamy dipping sauce and fresh lime wedges.
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Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 22 minutes
Total Time 47 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and Marinade
  • 1 1/2 pounds Chicken tenders, or boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into strips
  • 1 cup Buttermilk
  • 2 chiles Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon Adobo sauce
  • 1 lime Lime zest
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh lime juice
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
Crispy Coating
  • 1 cup All-purpose flour
  • 2 Large eggs
  • 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil, if using Cooking spray or olive oil

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Whisk buttermilk, chopped chipotle chiles, adobo sauce, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken and coat thoroughly, then cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes and up to 8 hours.
  2. Place flour in one shallow bowl. Beat the eggs in a second bowl, and combine panko, chili powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a third.
  3. Remove each tender from the marinade, letting excess drip away. Dredge in flour, dip into beaten egg, then press firmly into the seasoned panko.
  4. Arrange the breaded tenders on a wire rack set over a foil-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray the coating or drizzle it with olive oil.
  5. Bake at 425°F for 18–22 minutes, turning once, until deeply golden and the thickest pieces reach 165°F. Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra browning, watching carefully.
  6. Rest the chicken for 3–5 minutes before serving. Offer lime wedges, chipotle mayo, ranch dressing, or lime-yogurt dipping sauce.

Notes

For milder tenders, use 1 chipotle chile and 1 teaspoon adobo sauce. For more heat, add another chile or a pinch of cayenne. Keep the tenders on a wire rack while baking or reheating to protect the crisp coating.