Chicken tenders take a Tex-Mex turn with these Tortilla Crusted Chicken Tenders with Southwestern Dipping Sauce.
Welcome to a culinary adventure where classic comfort meets vibrant Tex-Mex flavors! If you’re searching for an exciting twist on a beloved family meal, look no further than these incredible Tortilla Crusted Chicken Tenders with Southwestern Dipping Sauce. Perfectly crispy, bursting with savory spices, and paired with a zesty, creamy dip, this recipe is designed to become an instant hit at your dinner table. Forget your average chicken nuggets; these tenders are a game-changer, promising a flavorful experience that even the pickiest eaters will adore. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or preparing for a casual get-together, these chicken tenders offer a delicious and surprisingly simple solution that brings a taste of the Southwest right into your home kitchen.
And if you’re a fan of deliciously crispy chicken, you’ll also want to explore these Crispy Ranch Chicken Strips with Ranch BBQ Dipping Sauce for another family-friendly favorite.
Have you ever eagerly anticipated a cookbook’s release, just knowing deep down that it was destined to be a culinary masterpiece? That’s precisely how I felt about Lori Lange’s “The Recipe Girl Cookbook.” As a long-time reader of her immensely popular blog, RecipeGirl.com, I’ve always admired Lori’s ability to craft truly delicious, approachable, and consistently reliable recipes. Her culinary philosophy revolves around creating family-friendly dishes that often feature a delightful twist, elevating everyday meals into something special without requiring extensive effort or exotic ingredients. So, when she announced she was compiling her vast collection of recipes into a cookbook, my excitement reached peak levels.
Holding “The Recipe Girl Cookbook” in my hands for the first time was an absolute joy! It truly lives up to all expectations, reflecting the same passion for food and dedication to practical cooking that makes her blog such a success. Lori’s recipes are the kind that effortlessly fit into any household – they are designed to be loved by everyone, from toddlers to adults, making meal planning a breeze. The book beautifully captures her signature style: comforting classics infused with innovative flavors and clever techniques that make you feel like a gourmet chef, even on a busy Tuesday night. It’s more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it’s an invitation to explore new tastes and rediscover the joy of home cooking with confidence and creativity.
This cookbook is a treasure trove, genuinely offering something for every palate and occasion. Its diverse chapters span from invigorating breakfast ideas to satisfying lunches, hearty dinners, an enticing array of desserts, fresh and vibrant salads, and plenty of versatile side dishes that complement any main course. Lori has thoughtfully included clear icons alongside each recipe, making it incredibly easy to identify options suitable for specific dietary needs, such as gluten-free, dairy-free, or vegetarian diets. This thoughtful feature is a huge time-saver for anyone managing dietary restrictions or cooking for guests with varied preferences.
Beyond the recipes, “The Recipe Girl Cookbook” shines as a comprehensive guide for entertainers. It dedicates an entire chapter to menu ideas, along with invaluable tips and tricks for hosting gatherings, big or small. From planning your spread to presenting it beautifully, Lori shares her expertise to help you entertain with ease and flair. The book’s practical advice extends to everyday cooking challenges, offering solutions that streamline your time in the kitchen and maximize flavor. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a novice cook, you’ll find inspiration and guidance that empowers you to create memorable meals and effortlessly manage your culinary endeavors. It truly is a testament to Lori’s vision: making delicious food accessible and enjoyable for all.
Number of Photos: Many and Breathtaking
The visual appeal of the cookbook is undeniable. The pages are adorned with gorgeous, high-quality photographs, many of which were skillfully captured by Matt Armendariz, one of my absolute favorite food photographers. While not every single recipe has an accompanying photo, the ones included are truly stunning, showcasing the dishes in their best light and providing wonderful inspiration to get into the kitchen.
Difficulty Level of Recipes: Easy to Medium, Approachable for All
One of the standout features of “The Recipe Girl Cookbook” is its accessibility. The majority of the recipes are refreshingly straightforward, falling into the “easy” category, perfect for busy weeknights or for those new to cooking. However, Lori also sprinkles in a few recipes that require a little more advanced technique or a slightly longer preparation time, offering a delightful challenge for when you’re feeling more adventurous. This thoughtful balance ensures there’s always something to suit your skill level and available time, fostering growth in your cooking journey without ever feeling overwhelming. It’s this variety that makes the cookbook so incredibly versatile.
Availability of Ingredients: Effortlessly Accessible
You won’t find yourself hunting for obscure items at specialty stores with this cookbook. Lori has masterfully created recipes that rely predominantly on easily found ingredients from your local grocery store. In fact, many of the dishes can be whipped up entirely using common pantry staples, making it incredibly convenient for spontaneous cooking or when you’re trying to minimize trips to the market. This focus on accessibility underscores her commitment to making delicious, wholesome food achievable for everyone, regardless of their location or access to niche culinary shops.
Here’s what I made from the cookbook, and why it became an instant hit:
As a food blogger, it’s often hard to admit that even my own kids can be incredibly picky eaters. Dinnertime in our house has historically been a nightly struggle, a battle of wills to get them to eat anything beyond their usual rotation. Chicken, in particular, was a major challenge; unless it came in the form of restaurant-style chicken nuggets, it was usually met with resistance. So, when I first made these Tortilla Crusted Chicken Tenders from “The Recipe Girl Cookbook,” I braced myself for the usual lukewarm reception. To my absolute astonishment, what unfolded was nothing short of a culinary miracle! Both of my children not only ate them but devoured every last tender, leaving behind perfectly clean plates. This, my friends, is not just a recipe; it’s a revelation, a bonafide miracle food that has transformed our dinner dynamics!
The secret lies in the incredible texture and flavor. The tortilla crust provides an unparalleled crispiness that’s far more exciting than traditional breading, while the Tex-Mex seasoning adds a depth of flavor that’s both familiar and exciting. Paired with the creamy, tangy Southwestern Dipping Sauce, these tenders hit all the right notes – savory, slightly spicy, and utterly satisfying. This recipe has quickly earned a permanent spot in our meal rotation, proving that with a little creativity, even the most challenging ingredients can be made irresistible for the whole family. It’s a testament to how simple tweaks can make a monumental difference in mealtime enjoyment.
More Family Friendly Chicken Recipes to Delight Your Table
If your family loves chicken as much as mine does (especially when it’s made this delicious!), you’ll definitely want to explore these other fantastic, kid-approved chicken recipes:
- Sticky Sweet Orange Chicken: A homemade version of the takeout classic, bursting with citrusy flavor.
- Irresistible Chicken Bacon Ranch Pizza: All your favorite flavors on a crispy crust – perfect for pizza night!
- Comforting Poppy Seed Chicken Bake: A creamy, comforting casserole that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
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Tortilla Crusted Chicken Tenders with Southwestern Dipping Sauce
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Ingredients
For the Zesty Southwestern Dipping Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup buttermilk
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 teaspoons red taco sauce
- 1 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/8 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/8 teaspoon cumin powder
For the Crispy Chicken Tenders
- 4 taco-size corn tortillas
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large egg whites lightly beaten
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
- 1/4 cup vegetable or canola oil (for frying)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Southwestern Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, buttermilk, chopped fresh cilantro, red taco sauce, freshly squeezed lime juice, garlic powder, kosher salt, dried oregano, and cumin powder. Whisk until all ingredients are well combined and smooth. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the sauce for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, or until ready to serve. This chilling time is essential for the flavors to fully develop.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken Tenders for Crusting
- Begin by tearing the taco-size corn tortillas into smaller strips. Place these strips into a food processor and pulse until they form fine, uniform crumbs. Alternatively, you can place them in a resealable plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin. Transfer the tortilla crumbs to a shallow bowl. Add the all-purpose flour, ground cumin, and salt to the tortilla crumbs, mixing them thoroughly to ensure the spices are evenly distributed. In a separate shallow bowl, whisk together the large egg whites and milk until lightly beaten. These two bowls will be your dredging stations.
- Heat the vegetable or canola oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll want enough oil to cover about half the thickness of your chicken tenders, ensuring they get beautifully golden and crispy. While the oil heats, dip each chicken tender first into the egg white and milk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then, transfer the tender to the tortilla crumb mixture, pressing firmly to ensure it is completely and evenly coated on all sides. Repeat this process for all chicken tenders, setting them aside on a plate as you go.
Step 3: Cook and Serve the Chicken Tenders
- Once the oil is hot (you can test it by flicking a small crumb into the oil – it should sizzle immediately), carefully add the coated chicken tenders to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, or until they are beautifully golden brown, crispy, and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You may need to cook them in batches to ensure even browning. Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the crispy Tortilla Crusted Chicken Tenders immediately with the chilled Southwestern Dipping Sauce on the side. Enjoy this flavorful and family-approved meal!