Plantain Chip Crusted Chicken Tenders

Have you seen plantain chips at the grocery store?! They are a newer chip alternative made by slicing and baking plantains into yummy, crispy rounds. I used a bag to coat some chicken tenders along with a little panko and cornstarch, and it was such a fun take on traditional chicken tenders. Feel free to buy a bag of plantain chips and make these ORRRRR make your own plantain chips at home! Either way, the chips are salty and delicious, and the perfect coating for chicken tenders 

INGREDIENTS

• 1 (5oz) bag of plantain chips or homemade, crushed into fine pieces
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup cornstarch
• 2 large eggs
• 2 lbs chicken tenderloins
• cooking spray
• healthy pinch of salt and pepper

For honey mustard sauce:

• 2 tbsps dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, mayo
• 2 tbsps honey
• pinch of salt

How to make Plantain Chip Crusted Chicken Tenders

Step 1:

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil, then place a wire cooling rack inside.

Step 2:

Mix together crushed plantain chips, panko, and cornstarch in one low bowl until well combined. Whisk eggs together in another low bowl until smooth.

Step 3:

Take one chicken tenderloin at a time, coat it in the egg mixture, then dredge it through the plantain mixture until well coated on both sides. Place on the prepared baking sheet/wire rack. Continue with the remaining chicken and ingredients.

Step 4:

Spray all the coated chicken tenders with cooking spray, then sprinkle a healthy pinch of salt and pepper over the top. Bake in the oven until golden and crispy (and reaches an internal temp of 165F), about 25-30 minutes.

Step 5:

Meanwhile, whisk together all the honey mustard sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 6:

Serve crispy plantain-crusted chicken tenders with honey mustard sauce and enjoy!

KITCHEN EQUIPMENT NEEDED

• Oven
• Rimmed baking sheet
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Wire cooling rack
• 2 shallow bowls
• Whisk or fork
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon
• Small bowl (for the sauce)
• Tongs or clean hands for dipping chicken
• Cooking spray

WHAT TO EAT WITH THIS PLANTAIN CHIP CRUSTED CHICKEN TENDERS

The first time I made Plantain Chip Crusted Chicken Tenders, I was just trying to use up a bag of plantain chips hiding in the pantry. I didn’t expect them to become my kids’ favorite chicken ever.

Moist inside, crispy outside, and a hit even with my husband, who “doesn’t like crunchy things.” That night turned into an impromptu theme dinner, our kind of flavor-packed fiesta!

I paired the tenders with One Pan Mexican Chicken Skillet for my husband, who always wants seconds of that one, and Halloumi & Roasted Veg Tacos that we all built together like a taco bar.

To round things out, I served Broccoli Slaw Mango Salad, Coconut Rice with Lime, and for dessert, Mini Mango Frozen Yogurt Cups. No leftovers. Just happy plates and full bellies.

FAQ

What are plantain chip crusted chicken tenders made of?

This recipe uses chicken tenderloins that are coated with crushed plantain chips, breadcrumbs, cornstarch, and eggs before baking.

What does the taste look like?

They taste crispy on the outside with a slight sweet and salty crunch from the plantains.

Are plantain chips sweet or salty?

Most store-bought plantain chips are salty, but they also have a mild natural sweetness.

Can I use bananas instead of plantain chips?

No, bananas are too soft and sweet.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not at all.

Can I air fry these instead of baking?

Yes! Cook at 400°F in the air fryer for about 15 minutes.

Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, just slice them into strips.

Can I skip the cornstarch?

You could try using flour if you don’t have any.

What can I use instead of eggs?

Try using buttermilk or a dairy-free milk.

How long does it stay crispy?

They’re crispiest right after baking, but you can store leftovers in the fridge.