These Apple Chip Chicken Tenders with Pumpkin Ketchup are an incredibly delicious and seasonal supper! Apple and potato chips offer crunch to baked chicken tenders, and pumpkin takes ketchup to the next level. A fun recipe for kids little and big!
Crispy Apple Chip Chicken Tenders!
Can we even, folks?! You read the title of this recipe right:
Apple Chip. Chicken Tenders. Pumpkin Ketchup.
Does if get more seasonally fun than this?! Methinks not.
This recipe was one that had been on my mind a lot until I actually tried it out. It all started with this Pumpkin Ketchup. And you know what? I’ll admit: it sounds a bit…much. But I promise this pumpkin ketchup is one you may return to again and again…
How To Make Pumpkin Ketchup
Homemade ketchup? Yes.
But make it pumpkin, you guys. Homemade ketchup is simply a handful of ingredients simmered together. It sounds simple….but that’s because it is! Here’s what you need to know to make your own ketchup:
- Apple cider vinegar, to give it tang
- Brown sugar, to lend sweetness
- Onion and garlic powder, smoked paprika, cinnamon and chili powder to offer spice
- And of course, PUMPKIN!
The end result? A spicy, sweet, seasonal sauce that’s delicious for whatever you’re dipping!
Apple Chip Chicken Tenders
When I set out to make this recipe, I had a strong feeling that I knew these would be delicious. Boy, was I wrong.
They surpassed any expectation I could have had! A salty indulgence, these chicken tenders are rolled in crushed apple chips and potato chips. Though they’re baked, both chips offer substantial crunch which is what you want in a Crispy Chicken Tender.
Crispy Apple Chip Chicken Tenders with Pumpkin Ketchup
Ingredients
- 1 1/4 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced in to strips
- 2 cups thin potato chips, crushed
- 2 cups apple chips, crushed
- 1 cup flour
- 2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 3/4 tsp salt, divided
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 2 eggs, lightly whisked
For the Pumpkin Ketchup:
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 1/2 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/3 cup water, more as needed to thin out
Instructions
For the Crispy Apple Chip Chicken Tenders:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Add potato chips and apple chips to a baking dish, crushing with your hands. Alternatively, you can add to a plastic bag and use a mallet to break them up.
- In a separate bowl, combine flour and spices, using just 1/2 teaspoon of the salt.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the two eggs together.
- Lightly season the chicken strips with the remaining 1/4 teaspoon of salt and pepper. Dredge chicken strips in the flour, then in the egg, and then thoroughly coat in the potato and apple chip mixture. Place on a baking sheet lined with a rack, or else line with parchment paper. Continue with each piece until all chicken strips are complete.
- Bake chicken for 10 minutes, rotate the baking sheet, and then continue to cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until chicken is 165 degrees. Keep a close eye, ensuring that the coating doesn't burn (everyone's ovens are different!). Serve warm with pumpkin ketchup!
For the Pumpkin Ketchup:
- In a medium saucepan set over medium heat, combine all ingredients except water. Mix to combine.
- Add 1/3 cup of water, mixing to combine. Allow to simmer, and assess consistency. Add more water as needed, but just 1 tablespoon at a time.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving with Crispy Apple Chip Chicken Tenders. Ketchup will keep in refrigerator for 1 week.