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Crispy Southwest Chicken Tenders! Made with corn chips, spices & buttermilk, these air fryer tenders are perfect with your fave dips! 😋🌽🍗
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Pin ItSouthwest Chicken Recipe
If you are looking for a crispy and flavorful southwest chicken recipe, these southwest chicken tenders are the perfect choice. With a crunchy corn chip coating and a touch of spice, this southwest chicken is quick to prepare and a family favorite.
Whether you call them southwest chicken strips or southwest-style chicken, this recipe brings bold flavor to the table with minimal effort.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy outside, juicy inside – the best way to enjoy southwest chicken strips.
- Easy air fryer or oven method makes this southwest chicken recipe weeknight-friendly.
- Southwest style chicken pairs perfectly with all your favorite dipping sauces.
- Made with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
🛒 Ingredients & Substitutions
- chicken breast tenderloins – substitute with chicken breast cut into strips
- taco seasoning – substitute with ancho chili powder or chili powder blend
- corn chips, crushed – substitute with tortilla chips or panko breadcrumbs
- all-purpose flour – substitute with whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour
- buttermilk – substitute with milk mixed with 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar
✨ Variations
- Use crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch in your southwest chicken strips.
- Add cayenne pepper to the flour mix for spicier southwest chicken.
- Make southwest style chicken sliders by serving tenders on mini buns.
- Try baking instead of air frying for a classic oven-baked southwest chicken recipe.
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🔥 Tips
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to keep the southwest chicken crispy.
- Press the chip mixture onto the tenders so the coating sticks well.
- Always check that the southwest chicken reaches 165°F internally for food safety.
- Serve with fresh lime wedges to brighten the flavor of southwest style chicken.
❓ FAQs
Yes, cut chicken breasts into strips for easy southwest chicken strips.
Yes, bread the chicken and freeze it before cooking for a quick southwest chicken meal later.
Salsa, ranch, guacamole, or spicy ranch all pair well with southwest style chicken.
Yes, add cayenne pepper or extra chili powder to the flour mix for spicier southwest chicken strips.
No, the buttermilk coating helps keep this recipe tender and juicy without marinating.
Serve your chicken strips with fries, corn salad, Spanish rice, or a fresh green salad.
Yes, but cook in batches so the chicken tenders stay crispy.
🍽️ Other Recipes You May Enjoy
Southwest Chicken Tenders
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Equipment
- 3 shallow dishes
- large plate
- nonstick cooking spray or foil-lined baking sheet (for oven method)
- meat thermometer
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breast tenderloins
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 3 cups corn chips, crushed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
- 1 cup buttermilk
- dipping sauces and limes, (optional), for serving
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, mix the crushed corn chips with 1 tablespoon of taco seasoning. In another shallow dish, mix the flour with the remaining 1 teaspoon of taco seasoning. Place the buttermilk in a third shallow dish.
- Working one tenderloin at a time, dredge in the flour and shake off excess. Dip into the buttermilk, then press into the corn chip mixture until coated. Transfer to a plate and repeat with all tenderloins.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Spray the basket with nonstick spray and arrange chicken tenders in a single layer without touching. Cook for 14 minutes, flipping halfway through. Chicken is done when crispy and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Serve immediately with dipping sauces and lime wedges.
Notes
🥡 STORAGE
- Store leftovers in an airtight container or zip-top bag in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
♨️ REHEATING
- Air fryer: Reheat at 350°F for 3-5 minutes until hot.
- Oven: Bake at 375°F for 8-10 minutes.
- Microwave: Use short intervals, but note tenders will not stay crispy.
- Skillet: Warm in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat.
❄️ FREEZING
- Freeze uncooked breaded tenders on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
- Bake or air fry directly from frozen, adding extra cook time as needed.
💡 TIPS FOR BEST RESULTS
- Crush corn chips finely so they stick well.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.
- Always check for a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
🍳 ALTERNATE COOKING METHODS
- Oven: Bake at 425°F for 15-20 minutes.
- Stovetop: Shallow fry in a skillet with a thin layer of oil until golden and cooked through.
- Grill: Cook over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side.
♻️ LEFTOVERS
- Slice into wraps, tacos, or salads.
- Use in sandwiches or sliders.
- Chop and add to pasta or rice bowls.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
