Y’all ready to break some delicious rules today? That’s right, we’re about to turn your kitchen into a flavor paradise with the most EPIC Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Tenders you’ve ever tasted! This recipe is absolutely insane – and I’m not even sorry about it. Warning: This dish causes serious food jealousy, so get ready to be the star of your next party or game day gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Tenders
Brace yourself for a flavor explosion, my friends! These Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Tenders are the ultimate fusion of spicy, cheesy, and downright addictive. We’re taking your classic chicken tenders and transforming them into a culinary masterpiece that will have your taste buds doing the happy dance. Life gave us ingredients, and we’re about to make them LEGENDARY. Get ready for an unforgettable food adventure!
Ingredients
To create these mind-blowing Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Tenders, you’ll need a few simple ingredients: boneless, skinless chicken tenders, jalapeños, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, eggs, and a handful of spices to kick things up a notch. Trust me, the flavor combination is out of this world!
- 1 lb – Boneless, skinless chicken tenders
- 4-6 – Jalapeños, sliced into thin rounds
- 4 oz – Cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup – Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup – Seasoned breadcrumbs
- 2 – Eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp – Garlic powder
- 1 tsp – Paprika
- 1/2 tsp – Cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Substitutions
- Jalapeños: Serrano or habanero peppers (for extra spice)
- Cheddar cheese: Pepper jack or mozzarella (for a different flavor profile)
How to Make Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Tenders
Now, it’s time to assemble the tenders! Spread a layer of cream cheese on each chicken tender, then top with the jalapeño slices and shredded cheddar. Fold the chicken over to create a little popper pocket, then dip it in the egg mixture and coat it with the seasoned breadcrumbs.
Step 1: Prep Work
First, let’s get our ingredients ready to rock. Slice those jalapeños into thin rounds, shred the cheddar cheese, and get your breading station set up with breadcrumbs, beaten eggs, and a dash of your favorite spices.
Step 2: Main Cooking Process
Once your tenders are all prepped and breaded, it’s time to fry them up to crispy, golden-brown perfection. Carefully lower them into the hot oil and let them sizzle until they’re perfectly crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Step 3: Final Steps/Assembly
Drain the fried tenders on a paper towel-lined plate, and get ready to serve up the ultimate flavor explosion. These Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Tenders are the star of the show, so let’s not keep them waiting!
Recipe Variations & Tips
- Spice it up: Swap out the jalapeños for other spicy peppers, like serrano or habanero, to really turn up the heat.
- Cheese it up: Try using pepper jack or mozzarella cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Bake it up: Prefer a healthier option? Bake the tenders in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes instead of frying.
- Dip it up: Serve these tenders with a variety of dipping sauces, like ranch, honey mustard, or even a spicy sriracha mayo.
Serving & Storage
Serve with: Crispy fries, fresh salad, or homemade coleslaw.
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Reheat in the oven or air fryer to recapture that irresistible crispiness.
Make-Ahead: Prep the tenders in advance and fry them just before serving for a stress-free party.
Nutrition Information
Indulge in these Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Tenders guilt-free! Each serving is packed with protein from the chicken, plus a dose of healthy fats from the cheese and spicy kick from the jalapeños. Just remember to enjoy them in moderation, because these babies are seriously addictive.
- Serving Size: 3 tenders
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 28 g
- Carbs: 18 g
- Fat: 20 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I bake these tenders instead of frying them?
Absolutely! To bake the tenders, simply arrange them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden brown and cooked through.
How spicy are these tenders?
The level of spice will depend on the size and heat of the jalapeños you use. If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use fewer jalapeño slices or even substitute them with milder peppers, like banana peppers or Anaheim chiles.
Can I make these tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the tenders in advance and fry them just before serving. Simply assemble the tenders, coat them in the breadcrumb mixture, and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to fry. This is a great way to save time on game day or when hosting a party.
What should I serve with these tenders?
These Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Tenders are the star of the show, but they also pair amazingly well with a variety of side dishes. Try serving them with crispy fries, a fresh salad, or even some homemade coleslaw for a delicious and well-rounded meal.
Can I freeze these tenders?
Absolutely! Once the tenders are fried and cooled, you can place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to an airtight container or freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply bake them in the oven or air fryer until heated through and crispy.
Try These Next
- Crispy Cheddar Jalapeno Poppers With Fiery Dipping Sauce
- Smoked Maple Bourbon Glazed Chicken Wings With Crispy Skin
- Bacon Wrapped Jalapeno Poppers With Creamy Cheese Filling
Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Tenders
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Crispy Kingdom
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy Jalapeño Popper Chicken Tenders are a delicious fusion of tender chicken, spicy jalapeños, and creamy cheese, all coated in a crispy breading for a perfect appetizer or main dish.
Ingredients
– 1 lb chicken tenders
– 1 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup jalapeños, diced
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil for frying
Instructions
1. 1. In a bowl, mix the cream cheese, cheddar cheese, diced jalapeños, salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. 2. Take each chicken tender and stuff it with the cheese mixture, folding it over if necessary.
3. 3. Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs.
4. 4. Dredge each stuffed chicken tender in flour, then dip in eggs, and finally coat with breadcrumbs.
5. 5. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
6. 6. Fry the chicken tenders until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
7. 7. Drain on paper towels and serve hot.
Notes
– For extra heat, add more jalapeños or use spicy cheese.
– These can also be baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: chicken tenders, jalapeño poppers, crispy chicken