Jalapeño Lime Chicken

Whether you call them chicken tenders, chicken fingers or chicken nuggets theres one thing for sure.....everybody loves them! These Jalapeño Lime Chicken Tenders are sure to be a hit with the family. They are spicy and have a crunchy coating and the juiciest tender chicken inside. This recipe for Jalapeño Lime Chicken is ready in less than 30 minutes from start to table. So, it is definitely a winner winner chicken dinner! If you're a fan of this recipe I know you will love this one too!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

Having only 5 main ingredients plus some spices, these Jalapeño Lime Chicken Tenders come together quickly. They pack a nice punch of flavor! The mix of jalapeño and lime with chicken is irresistible, especially in this Jalapeño Lime Chicken recipe.

Ingredients You Will Need

Chicken Tenders: Chicken tenders are strips of white meat that come from under the breastbone on either side of the chicken.

Avocado Oil Mayonnaise: Avocado oil mayonnaise offers a unique creamy texture and a healthier fat profile.

Jalapeño pepper: Jalapeño peppers are a type of chili pepper. The are the most popular hot pepper in the United States and are a key ingredient in Mexican cooking. They can range from mild to very hot. I like them because you can control the level of heat to your desired taste but using less or more of them.

Lime: Limes are a small, green citrus fruit know for its sour taste and high vitamin C content.

Pork Panko: It is a popular choice as a breading substitute in Whole30 or paleo recipes due to its grain-free nature. It can also provide a crispy texture, mimicking traditional breadcrumbs without compromising dietary preferences. I often find myself reaching for Baconsheir brand.

Salt and Black Pepper: Salt enhances and balances flavors. Ground black pepper adds a gentle heat, improving the overall flavor of a dish.

Paprika: Unlike smoked paprika, it is a little sweeter.

Garlic Powder: It is best for when you want a milder flavor that will also coat meats easier for sautéing or quickly frying.

Onion Powder: Adds a sweet and savory flavor to certain dishes that you can’t get from fresh onions.

Avocado Oil Spray: It is very versatile and has a neutral flavor making it perfect for baking and high-heat cooking.

Instructions

Prepare the chicken: Pat chicken tenders dry with paper towel.

Combine the wet ingredients: In a medium sized bowl add the mayo, lime juice and jalapeño peppers and stir well.

Mix the dry ingredients: In another bowl add pork Panko and all of the spice and stir to combine.

Coat the chicken: Dip the chicken tenders in the mayo mixture and then into the crumb mixture coating well. Move to a plate.

Spray the air fryer: Spray the basket of your air fryer with the oil.

Cook the chicken: Place the tenders in the basket trying not to touch each other. Spray the tops of the tenders with the oil spray.

Turn on air fryer: Set air fryer to 365˚ and cook time to 15 minutes. Cook until internal temperature reaches 165˚.

Enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

My best tip: Double this recipe as there never seems to be enough!

Leftovers for lunch: You can use your leftovers sliced and eaten cold on top of a big salad!

Recipe Variation

Almond Flour: You can use almond flour in place of the pork Panko.

Chicken thighs: This recipe is also delicious using boneless thighs. Be sure to adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Storage Tips

You can store these Jalapeño Lime Chicken tenders in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an air tight glass container.

FAQs About Jalapeño Lime Chicken

Is there a difference between chicken strips and chicken tenders?

While often used interchangeably, chicken tenders come from the small tender muscle from under the chicken breast. Chicken strips can be made from various parts of the chicken including the breast.

Should you remove the tendon from the chicken tenders?

While it is edible, many people choose to remove it because it can be chewy after cooking.

Should you wash chicken tenderloins before cooking?

Washing or rinsing doesn't remove the risk of bacteria. In fact, it can worsen it by helping the bacteria spread.