Ultimate Stuffing Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe for Best Crunch

The irresistible crunch of stuffing-crusted chicken tenders takes me back to holiday dinners where stuffing was the star of the table. But why limit that savory goodness to one meal a year? This recipe combines the comforting flavors of classic stuffing with tender, juicy chicken to create the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, game-day snacks, or just because you’re craving something special, these chicken tenders deliver bold flavor and an unbeatable crunch every single time.

I stumbled upon this idea during a post-Thanksgiving fridge raid, staring at leftover stuffing and wondering how to jazz it up. A quick experiment turned into a masterpiece, and now it’s one of my favorite ways to enjoy chicken tenders. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be hooked on the golden crust that tastes like the holidays, but works for any day of the year.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Perfect Crunch: The stuffing crust creates a golden, crispy exterior that’s hard to resist.
• Easy to Make: This recipe is straightforward and doesn’t require fancy techniques or tools.
• Family Approved: Kids and adults alike rave about these chicken tenders every time I serve them.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual family meal or a party snack, these work beautifully.
• Comfort Food with a Twist: The stuffing crust brings nostalgic holiday flavors into an everyday dish.
• Customizable: You can tweak the stuffing seasoning and add your own flair for extra flavor.

What sets this recipe apart is the creative use of stuffing mix to coat the chicken. It’s not just about crunch—it’s about packing every bite with the herby, savory goodness you love about stuffing. Plus, you can make these tenders in the oven or air fryer, so they’re versatile and fuss-free. Honestly, this is comfort food at its finest, and the kind of dish that makes you smile after each bite.

What Ingredients You Will Need

This recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create a magical combination of crunch and flavor.

• Boneless chicken tenders: About 1 pound, trimmed and ready to coat.
• Stuffing mix: Your favorite boxed stuffing mix (I love using herb-seasoned varieties).
• Eggs: 2 large eggs, beaten (helps the stuffing stick).
• All-purpose flour: 1/3 cup (for the first coating layer).
• Salt and pepper: To season the chicken before coating.
• Olive oil spray: For baking or air frying (optional but recommended for extra crispiness).

If you want to switch things up, you can use gluten-free stuffing mix for a gluten-free version or add a pinch of paprika for a smoky kick. This recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to play with the seasoning.

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet: If you’re baking these tenders in the oven.
• Wire rack: Helps the chicken cook evenly and stay crispy.
• Air fryer: Optional, but great for achieving extra crunch.
• Shallow bowls: For the flour, eggs, and stuffing mix during coating.
• Kitchen tongs: Makes handling the tenders easier and less messy.

Don’t have an air fryer? No problem! The oven method works just as well. And if you’re using a baking sheet, line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

Preparation Method

1. Preheat your oven or air fryer: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the chicken: Pat dry the chicken tenders and season them lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Set up the coating station: In separate shallow bowls, place the flour, beaten eggs, and stuffing mix. Crush the stuffing mix slightly with your hands or a rolling pin for finer crumbs.
4. Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, then dip into the eggs, and finally press into the stuffing mix, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
5. Arrange on a wire rack: Place the tenders on a wire rack over a baking sheet or directly in your air fryer basket. Spray lightly with olive oil.
6. Bake or air fry: Bake for 18-20 minutes in the oven or air fry for 12-14 minutes, flipping halfway through. The tenders should be golden brown and cooked through (165°F/74°C internal temperature).
7. Serve hot: Let the tenders cool for a minute before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce.

The stuffing crust should be beautifully crisp, and the chicken inside should be tender and juicy. If your coating seems to fall off during cooking, try pressing it more firmly into the chicken before baking next time.

Cooking Tips & Techniques

• Crush the stuffing mix: Crushing the stuffing slightly ensures better coating and prevents large chunks from falling off.
• Don’t skip the flour: Flour helps the egg stick to the chicken, which is key for the stuffing to adhere properly.
• Use oil spray: A light coating of olive oil spray helps achieve that golden, crispy finish.
• Flip halfway: If baking or air frying, flipping the tenders ensures even cooking and crunch on both sides.
• Monitor cooking time: Overcooking can dry out the chicken, so check for doneness at the lower end of the cooking range.

Trust me, once you master these tips, stuffing-crusted chicken tenders will become a staple in your kitchen.

Variations & Adaptations

Here are some fun ways to customize this recipe:

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free stuffing mix and flour for a celiac-friendly dish.
• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the stuffing mix for heat lovers.
• Cheesy Twist: Mix grated Parmesan into the stuffing mix for extra flavor.
• Seasonal Herbs: Incorporate fresh thyme or rosemary for a holiday-inspired flavor.
• Different Proteins: Try this recipe with turkey strips or pork tenderloin for a fun twist.

One variation I love is mixing a little garlic powder and smoked paprika into the stuffing mix—flavor explosion!

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve these stuffing-crusted chicken tenders hot with dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce. They pair wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 375°F (190°C) or the air fryer for 5-7 minutes to restore their crunch.

Freezing is also an option! Freeze cooked tenders on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen to keep them crispy.

Nutritional Information & Benefits

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 26g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fat: 11g

The stuffing crust adds a flavorful punch without excessive calories. Chicken tenders are a great source of lean protein, making this recipe perfect for satisfying hunger while keeping your nutrition goals in check. If you opt for whole-grain stuffing mix, you’ll get a little extra fiber, too.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a recipe that combines comfort and crunch, these ultimate stuffing-crusted chicken tenders are the answer. They’re easy, customizable, and perfect for any occasion. Personally, I love how they bring the flavors of my favorite holiday dish to life year-round.

Give this recipe a try and make it your own! Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below. Share with friends who love creative twists on comfort food, and don’t forget to pin this recipe for later. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Can I use leftover stuffing instead of boxed mix?

Absolutely! Just crumble it finely and spread it out to dry before using it as a coating.

What dipping sauces pair best with this recipe?

Honey mustard, ranch, and barbecue sauce are classic options. Garlic aioli is also delicious!

Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare and freeze them before cooking, then bake or air fry directly from frozen when ready to serve.

How do I ensure the stuffing sticks to the chicken?

Press the stuffing mix firmly onto the chicken after coating in flour and egg. Spraying with olive oil also helps.

Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?

Definitely! Bake the tenders on a wire rack at 400°F (200°C) for 18-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

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