Chili-Lime Baked Chicken Tenders

This recipe is the grown-up version of chicken tenders that you will absolutely love! They’re super crispy, moist, and have a little zing from the chili-lime flavor combo. This is definitely a chicken tender that adults, kids, and everyone in between will love.

For more easy chicken tender recipes, try our Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tenders.

Why My Recipe

• Lime zest and juice are used in the coating, as well as ancho chili powder for great flavor from just a few ingredients.
• Panko bread crumbs make these chicken tenders extra crispy.
• A simple, tangy Greek yogurt dipping sauce goes perfectly with these crunchy tenders.

This recipe came to me as many recipes do….while strolling the isles at the grocery store. This one happened in Costco. I found myself with an enormous amount of chicken tenders in my shopping cart. It’s Costco, so you know it was enough to feed my little family chicken fingers for a week. Let me tell you, they wouldn’t complain about that. I did some experimenting with all sorts of different versions of chicken fingers that the grown ups in the house could enjoy just as much as the kids.

Ingredient Notes

• Chicken Tenders: The star of the dish. Remove the little tendon for more enjoyable eating.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: We prefer Panko because it gives the perfect crispiness that resists becoming soggy when reheating. If needed, you can always substitute with plain breadcrumbs.
• Melted Butter: Used to coat the chicken with the breadcrumbs.
• Ancho Chili Powder: Adds a mild smokiness without being overwhelmingly spicy. Regular chili powder can work, but ancho gives you a deeper flavor that’s sweeter.
• Greek Yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt for the dipping sauce. Sour cream can also be used as a substitute.
• Limes: Used for juice and zest in both the coating and sauce for the perfect citrus zing.

Chicken Options

If a recipe calls for chicken tenders but you only have boneless, skinless chicken breasts on hand, don’t worry! You can easily use chicken breasts as a substitute.

To use boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a recipe that calls for chicken tenders, simply slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Once you have sliced the chicken breasts into strips, you can cook them according to the recipe instructions. The cooking time may be slightly longer than the recipe calls for, as boneless, skinless chicken breasts are thicker than chicken tenders. Be sure to check the internal temperature of the chicken to make sure it is cooked through and safe to eat.

Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs are used in this recipe because they are larger and provide a crunchier texture. If you don’t have Panko breadcrumbs on hand, regular breadcrumbs will also work, but the texture of the coating will be slightly different and not as crunchy.

Make it a Meal

Potatoes: Pair these chicken tenders with some Air Fryer French Fries or keep it simple and make some Baked Potatoes. Just throw them in the oven or air fryer while the chicken bakes.

Protein Bowl: Serve on a bed of rice or quinoa, add beans and veggies, and you’ve got an easy and filling bowl. Drizzle it with the chili-lime dipping sauce or your favorite dressing.

Salad or Wrap: Repurpose those leftovers and simply slice your chicken and use in a salad or lettuce wrap.