This recipe is the grown-up model of rooster tenders that you’ll completely love! They’re tremendous crispy, moist, and have a bit zing from the chili-lime taste combo. That is positively a rooster tender that adults, youngsters, and everybody in between will love.
For less difficult rooster tender recipes, strive our Crispy Air Fryer Rooster Tenders.
Why My Recipe
- Lime zest and juice are used within the coating, in addition to ancho chili powder for excellent taste from only a few components.
- Panko bread crumbs make these rooster tenders further crispy.
- A easy, tangy Greek yogurt dipping sauce goes completely with these crunchy tenders.

This recipe got here to me as many recipes do….whereas strolling the isles on the grocery retailer. This one occurred in Costco. I discovered myself with an unlimited quantity of rooster tenders in my buying cart. It’s Costco, so you already know it was sufficient to feed my little household rooster fingers for every week. Let me inform you, they wouldn’t complain about that. I did some experimenting with all types of various variations of rooster fingers that the grown ups in the home might take pleasure in simply as a lot as the youngsters.
Ingredient Notes

- Rooster Tenders: The star of the dish. Take away the little tendon for extra pleasant consuming.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: We desire Panko as a result of it offers the proper crispiness that resists changing into soggy when reheating. If wanted, you may at all times substitute with plain breadcrumbs.
- Melted Butter: Used to coat the rooster with the breadcrumbs.
- Ancho Chili Powder: Provides a gentle smokiness with out being overwhelmingly spicy. Common chili powder can work, however ancho offers you a deeper taste that’s sweeter.
- Greek Yogurt: Use plain Greek yogurt for the dipping sauce. Bitter cream can be used instead.
- Limes: Used for juice and zest in each the coating and sauce for the proper citrus zing.
Rooster Choices
If a recipe requires rooster tenders however you solely have boneless, skinless rooster breasts readily available, don’t fear! You possibly can simply use rooster breasts instead.
To make use of boneless, skinless rooster breasts in a recipe that requires rooster tenders, merely slice the rooster breasts into skinny strips. Upon getting sliced the rooster breasts into strips, you may cook dinner them in keeping with the recipe directions. The cooking time could also be barely longer than the recipe requires, as boneless, skinless rooster breasts are thicker than rooster tenders. You should definitely test the interior temperature of the rooster to verify it’s cooked by way of and fit for human consumption.
Breadcrumbs
Panko breadcrumbs are used on this recipe as a result of they’re bigger and supply a crunchier texture. For those who don’t have Panko breadcrumbs readily available, common breadcrumbs may also work, however the texture of the coating might be barely totally different and never as crunchy.

Make it a Meal
Potatoes: Pair these rooster tenders with some Air Fryer French Fries or preserve it easy and make some Baked Potatoes. Simply throw them within the oven or air fryer whereas the rooster bakes.
Protein Bowl: Serve on a mattress of rice or quinoa, add beans and veggies, and also you’ve bought a straightforward and filling bowl. Drizzle it with the chili-lime dipping sauce or your favourite dressing.
Salad or Wrap: Repurpose these leftovers and easily slice your rooster and use in a salad or lettuce wrap.
Storage & reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an hermetic container for as much as 3 days.
Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet, then switch to a freezer-safe bag for as much as 3 months.
Microwave on excessive in 30-second increments, till warmed by way of.
Reheat within the air fryer at 350°F. Place the rooster within the basket and warmth for 3-5 minutes, or till heat.