1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Crispy Chicken Butter

Crispy Chicken Butter

Featured in Meals That Make the Table Happy.

These crispy chicken strips are coated in crushed cornflakes for a golden crunch and tossed in a dreamy, buttery garlic sauce. The zesty mix of herbs, lemon, and warming cayenne makes it hard to resist. Quick to prep and perfect for any occasion, this dish is done in 30 minutes. Great for a cozy dinner or laid-back snacking!
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Updated on Thu, 27 Mar 2025 22:27:25 GMT
A plate of crunchy tenders paired with dipping sauce and a lemon slice. Pin it
A plate of crunchy tenders paired with dipping sauce and a lemon slice. | mecooking.com

Juicy, crunchy chicken pieces soaked in a tasty, tangy butter mix make a mouthwatering combo that turns basic chicken strips into an amazing dinner. This Cowboy Butter Chicken brings together the perfect snap of cornflake breading with a fancy butter sauce packed with fresh herbs, garlic, and a little kick.

I made these tenders for my family get-together last week and they were gone in seconds. The cornflake coating stayed super crunchy even with the butter sauce poured on top, showing why this mix works so well together.

Key Ingredients

  • Chicken tenderloins: Give you the best texture and cook up fast
  • Cornflakes: Make an ultra-crunchy coating that doesn't get soggy
  • All-purpose flour: Makes sure the coating sticks properly
  • Cajun seasoning: Brings richness and layers to the taste
  • Eggs: Make everything stick together nicely
  • Whole milk: Makes the egg mixture richer
  • Butter: Creates the foundation for our amazing sauce
  • Lemons: Add brightness and zing
  • Garlic cloves: Bring that must-have savory taste
  • Dijon mustard: Adds a bit of zip and extra flavor
  • Parsley: Gives color and fresh taste
  • Green onions: Add a light oniony flavor
  • Hungarian paprika: Gives beautiful color and taste
  • Thyme: Works great with the butter
  • Cayenne pepper: Adds just the right amount of heat

Making Your Dish

Setting Up:
Get three flat dishes ready for coating. Mix the flour with Cajun seasoning in the first one to make a tasty base.
Mixing Egg Wash:
Beat eggs and milk together until they're fully mixed to help everything stick well.
Prepping Cornflakes:
Smash cornflakes into medium-sized bits that'll make the perfect crunchy outside.
First Step Coating:
Cover each tender fully in the spiced flour, making sure it's completely coated before moving on.
Adding Last Layer:
Push tenders firmly into the cornflake mix, getting an even coat all around.
Air Fryer Method:
Put tenders in one layer, leaving space between them so air can flow for maximum crunch.
Making The Sauce:
Melt butter gently and stir in freshly chopped herbs and spices until they're all mixed in.
Putting It Together:
Lightly toss the crunchy tenders in warm butter sauce right before you serve them for best flavor.
A plate of fried chicken with a lemon wedge and a bowl of dipping sauce. Pin it
A plate of fried chicken with a lemon wedge and a bowl of dipping sauce. | mecooking.com

My grandma always used Hungarian paprika in her chicken dishes, and now I totally get why. It has this deep, rich flavor that regular paprika just can't match.

Tasty Side Options

Make your meal complete by adding creamy mashed potatoes, fresh garden salad, or homemade slaw. If you want something lighter, try them on top of mixed greens with some ranch dressing.

Mix It Up

Try using gluten-free cornflakes and flour if you've got dietary needs. Play around with Italian herbs or Mexican spices for different tastes. Add more cayenne or red pepper flakes if you love things spicy.

Stays Good

Keep any leftover tenders in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. Heat them back up in the air fryer for 3 minutes at 350°F to get them crunchy again. Store extra butter sauce on its own and warm it up before you use it.

A plate of fried chicken with a bowl of dipping sauce on the side. Pin it
A plate of fried chicken with a bowl of dipping sauce on the side. | mecooking.com

I've tried tons of chicken recipes over the years, but this Cowboy Butter version always gets the biggest wow from friends and family. The mix of the crunchy coating with that rich, flavorful butter sauce makes an unforgettable meal that'll become a regular request at your dinner table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I cook these if I don’t own an air fryer?
Absolutely! Bake them in a preheated oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking.
→ How should I keep leftover chicken strips fresh?
Pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Ensure their crunch by reheating with an air fryer or oven.
→ What sides taste good paired with these chicken tenders?
They go amazing with fries, creamy coleslaw, cheesy mac, or a fresh salad. Dips like ranch or blue cheese are perfect too.
→ Is it possible to prepare the butter sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Whip it up two days in advance, keep it cold in the fridge, and warm it gently before using.
→ How can I crush my cornflakes the easiest way?
Seal them in a ziplock bag, then roll over with a pin to get a crunchy texture. Don’t make the crumbs too fine.

Crispy Chicken Butter

Crisp chicken strips with a cornflake coating, covered in a tangy, buttery garlic sauce spiced just right with herbs and lemon.

Prep Time
20 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Mariana

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Southern US

Yield: 12 Servings (12 chicken pieces)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken Crust

01 About 2 pounds of chicken tenders
02 1/2 cup plain flour
03 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning or spicy chicken blend
04 1 teaspoon table salt
05 1/2 teaspoon coarse black pepper
06 2 eggs, large-sized
07 1/4 cup regular milk or buttermilk
08 3 cups crushed cornflakes (keep them chunky)
09 Spray oil (olive or avocado works)

→ Garlic Butter Sauce

10 One stick partially softened butter
11 4 chopped garlic cloves
12 1/2 lemon—use the zest too, plus 1 tablespoon juice
13 1 tablespoon spicy Dijon mustard
14 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
15 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes
16 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
17 1 teaspoon chili flakes
18 1 tablespoon freshly sliced chives or scallions
19 2 tablespoons minced parsley
20 Salt and pepper—adjust to taste

Instructions

Step 01

Throw cornflakes into a sealable bag, close it, and crush the flakes with a rolling pin or a meat mallet until you get crumbly bits.

Step 02

Set out three shallow dishes (try pie plates). In the first, mix flour with seasonings. In the second, whisk eggs with milk until smooth. Put the cornflake crumbs in the third.

Step 03

Using one hand for wet and one for dry, dip each tender in the flour mix, then the egg mixture, and finally press them into the crushed cornflakes till fully coated.

Step 04

Layer the tenders in your air fryer basket. Give them a light spray of oil. Fry at 400°F for 5 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook another 5 minutes till golden brown and cooked through.

Step 05

As your chicken cooks, stir all the butter sauce ingredients together. Taste test and tweak the flavors as you like.

Step 06

Once your chicken's cooked, toss it into a big bowl, pour the warm butter sauce over it, and toss until evenly coated. Pair it with ranch or blue cheese dip for extra flavor.

Notes

  1. Freezing tip: Lay breaded tenders on a baking sheet and freeze for a couple of hours. Then pop them in a freezer bag to store for up to 2 months.
  2. For butter: Melt most of it, but leave a few solid chunks to avoid separating the fat.

Tools You'll Need

  • An air fryer
  • Three shallow plates (pie dishes are handy)
  • A ziplock bag, gallon-sized
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin
  • A large mixing bowl

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Includes dairy (milk, butter)
  • Contains eggs
  • Gluten included (flour, cornflakes)