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Gluten-Free Low Sugar Tropical Habanero Chicken Tenders Recipe
This is my iconic Tropical Habanero Chicken Tenders recipe, all plant-based and easy to make! This will make a great healthy and fun recipe for you to make for your family, for lunch, dinner, meal preps, and of course also peaky eater approved, this recipe has you covered.
Why You Should Make This Recipe?
Quick & Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe comes together quickly with minimal preparation.
Healthier Alternative: Air frying cuts down on excess oil and fat compared to traditional frying, making this a healthier choice without sacrificing flavor.
Flavorful Experience: The fusion of savory seasoning with the kick of tropical flavor ensures that every bite is packed with taste.
Versatile Meal: This recipe can be enjoyed as a main dish, appetizer, or even in lunchboxes, making it great for any occasion.
Impress Guests: The combination of air frying and a unique sauce is bound to impress friends and family at gatherings.
Your guests will remember your lunch or dinner as the best they've ever attended, making these croissants a must-have for any occasion!
Nutritional Benefits of Ingredients
Turkey or Chicken Tenders: A lean source of protein, turkey and chicken are low in fat but high in essential nutrients like B vitamins, iron, and zinc, which are crucial for energy metabolism and immune function.
Egg Whites: Packed with protein and low in calories and fat, egg whites are a great way to add bulk and nutrition to your meal without the added calories, helping in muscle repair and growth.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These light, crispy breadcrumbs are a good source of carbohydrates, providing the energy needed for daily activities. Whole grain versions also add fiber to your diet.
Tropical Habanero Sauce: Rich in antioxidants and vitamins, this sauce made from habanero peppers not only gives the tenders a delightful heat but also contains capsaicin, known for its metabolism-boosting properties.
Dried Chives and Red Pepper Flakes: Both add flavor with minimal calories. Chives provide vitamins A and K, and red pepper flakes can enhance digestion and boost metabolism due to their capsaicin content.
As a nutritionist I know that good eating should be sustainable and convenient without sacrificing any taste. You can also pair this with your favorite vegetables; steamed, roasted or fresh!
Pairing Suggestions
To make your Tropical Habanero Chicken Tenders even more enjoyable, consider pairing them with:
Fresh Salads: A light side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a citrus dressing balances the spicy tenders perfectly.
Dipping Sauces: Add some cooling ranch, creamy avocado sauce, or a tangy sweet chili to complement the heat.
Grains: Serve over a bed of rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. A cilantro lime rice complements the tropical flavors wonderfully.
Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized bell peppers and asparagus provide an earthy balance and added nutrients.
Tacos or Wraps: These tenders are fantastic in whole grain tortillas or wraps for a quick lunch.
More savory recipes you like this:
Overall, these are the ingredients needed for this Tropical Habanero Chicken Tenders:
Turkey or chicken tenders
Egg whites
Finely crushed panko
Sea salt
Black pepper
Pepper Exchange Tropical Habanero Sauce
Dried chives
Red pepper flakes
This was great as a dinner or lunch, this healthy recipe is a keeper so save for later! Remember to keep ingredients wholesome and pick wisely!
Shop the ingredients to my recipes in my Jupiter Shop!
Tips for Making the Best Chicken Tenders!
Quality Ingredients: Always choose fresh, quality meat and high-quality sauces to enhance the flavor and nutritional value.
Proper Coating: Make sure each tender is evenly coated in panko for a consistent crunch. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick well.
Don’t Overcrowd: Air fry in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding, ensuring each tender gets enough air circulation for even cooking.
Temperature Check: Ensure the air fryer reaches the correct temperature before adding the tenders, as this helps achieve a crispy texture.
Rest After Cooking: Allow the tenders to rest for a few minutes after frying before tossing them in the sauce. This can help keep them crisp.
The versatility of these Tropical Habanero Chicken Tenders allows you to craft a flavor that suits your taste perfectly!
Creative Variations.
Spicy BBQ Tenders: Swap the Tropical Habanero Sauce for your favorite BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Tenders: Use Buffalo sauce instead of the habanero sauce for a tangy, spicy alternative.
Herb-Infused Coating: Mix in dried herbs (like oregano or Italian seasoning) with the panko for an aromatic twist on the flavor profile.
Coconut Crust: Combine panko with shredded coconut for a tropical twist, enhancing both flavor and texture.
Sweet and Spicy: Mix honey or maple syrup into the habanero sauce for a sweet contrast to the heat.
The full instructions and ingredient list is listed below. This is just a super easy and flavorful recipe for you to enjoy and your body will love; source of fiber, nutrients and flavor!
Creative Variations.
Looking to switch things up? Here are some creative variations on the recipe:
Herbed Pretzel Coating: Mixed dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or rosemary into the crushed pretzels for an aromatic twist.
Spicy Mustard: Use a spicy mustard for an extra kick if you're a fan of heat.
Buffalo Style: Toss the cooked turkey tenders in buffalo sauce before serving for a zesty and fiery flavor.
Cheese-Filled Chicken Tenders: Add a small piece of cheddar inside the turkey tender before coating for a cheesy surprise.
Alternative Dips: Try a spicy ranch dip, tzatziki, or even a honey mustard dip for more flavor combinations.
Overall this recipe is:
Comforting
Vegetarian Recipe
Quick and Easy
Meal Prep Friendly
Delicious!
Conclusion.
These Air Fried Tropical Habanero Chicken Tenders are a delightful way to enjoy a flavorful meal that’s both crispy and healthier than traditional methods. The combination of savory seasoning and the spicy, fruity flavor from Pepper Exchange’s Tropical Habanero Sauce will keep you coming back for more. Serve them up for lunch, dinner, or as an appetizer at your next gathering, and watch as your guests savor every bite.
Share Your Experience!
We’d love to hear how your version of Tropical Habanero Chicken Tenders turns out! Cooking is all about experimentation, and each household adds its own unique twist to recipes. Share your thoughts, variations, or pictures of your dish in the comments below. Are you considering new serving ideas or flavor enhancements?
Don’t forget to share this recipe with friends and family who are looking for an impressive and tasty dish to serve!
Not boring or complicated! This are a great lunch for kids and grown ups. Pro tip: While the ham is cooking on the instant pot cook the potatoes or your sides! I did sliced potatoes on the air fryer and some steamed veggies to keep it super easy as a weekday dinner.
This is a great recipe that your family or friends will love! Easy to prepare and super fresh, great for lunch and even dinner. This recipe is made to enjoy in the most effortless and most delicious way ever, I mean... only simple ingredients!
Sharing is caring!
Remember that sharing is caring so please spread the love by saving, sharing or bookmarking this recipe for later to cook with your loved ones on one of your amazing dinner parties or friend gatherings!
With love,
María
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Tropical Habanero Chicken Tenders
By María Fernanda López
Serves 2
Ingredients
For the Tenders:
8 slices of turkey or chicken tenders
1/2 cup of egg whites
1/2 cup of finely crushed panko
1 tsp of sea salt
1/4 tsp of black pepper
Coating:
1/2 cup of Pepper Exchange Tropical Habanero Sauce
Serving:
Dried chives
Red pepper flakes
Instructions
Prepare the Tenders: Start by seasoning your turkey or chicken tenders with mustard, sea salt, and black pepper. This step infuses the proteins with flavors right from the beginning.
Egg Bath: Soak the seasoned tenders in egg whites to create a moist base that will help the panko adhere better.
Coat with Panko: Coat the chicken tenders thoroughly with finely crushed panko, ensuring an even distribution for a crispy texture.
Air Fry Time: Place the coated tenders in an air fryer and cook them at 365°F for 22 minutes. The air fryer will create a deliciously crispy exterior without the excess oil.
Sauce It Up: Once cooked, generously coat the tenders with Pepper Exchange Tropical Habanero Sauce, adding a delightful sweet and spicy flavor profile that's simply irresistible.
Garnish and Serve: To finish, sprinkle dried chives and red pepper flakes on your tenders for an extra pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your Tropical Habanero Chicken Tenders as a tasty snack or a delectable meal.
Shop the ingredients to my recipes in my Jupiter Shop!
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