Perfect for sharing or indulging solo, these tenders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. These Spicy Jalapeño & Pepperoncini Dust Chicken Strips are an explosion of flavors that combine the heat of peppers with the crunch of fried chicken. This recipe, with a marination time of 6-24 hours, promises a tantalizing experience for those who crave a bit of spice in their lives. Get ready for these chicken strips to take your taste buds on a journey from tender marinated goodness to a crispy, spicy finish. Get ready to savor the heat!

Level: Medium
Prep Time: 6-24 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Cook Methods: Oven & Deep Fryer
Doneness Temperature: 165°F (74°C)
Oven Temperature: 170°F (77°C)
Deep Fryer Temperature: 350°F (177°C)

Ingredients

• 4 chicken breasts (cut into strips)  
• 1 jar pickled jalapeño
• 1 jar hot pepperoncini peppers  
• 2 cups buttermilk 
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• Vegetable oil for frying
• Ranch for dipping

Instructions

1. Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into strips, resembling tenders. This step ensures that each piece is easy to eat – no piece will be too big for you to bite into!
2. Next, place the chicken strips into a mixing bowl and generously pour the jalapeño juice over them and cover completely. Transfer the bowl to the refrigerator and let the chicken marinate in the bold flavors of the jalapeño brine for 6-24 hours.
3.  Preheat the oven or dehydrator to 170°F (77°C) to get it ready for your culinary masterpiece. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
4. Spread the jalapeños and pepperoncini on the baking sheet and bake until they get crispy. Once cooled, transfer them into a spice grinder.
5. Once you have transferred the jalapeños and pepperoncini to the spice grinder, pulse them until they reach a fine, dust-like consistency, creating a unique and flavorful spice.  
6. Prepare the deep fryer by heating vegetable oil to 350°F (177°C). It’s almost time to achieve that perfect golden crispiness on your chicken!
7. Remove the marinated chicken from the jalapeño brine and begin the coating process. Dip each piece of chicken first into buttermilk, then coat thoroughly in all-purpose flour, ensuring an even coating.
8. Insert the MEATER Pro probe into one of the chicken tenders. This will guarantee a precise cook, allowing the chicken to reach the desired internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
9. Deep fry the coated chicken tenders until they reach 165°F (74°C). The MEATER App will notify you once your chicken is ready to be removed from the deep fryer! Remember to let your chicken rest a moment before your devour the crispy goodness — the MEATER App will also let you know when your chicken is done resting and is ready to join the party!
10. Once fried to perfection, sprinkle the chicken strips with the prepared jalapeño and pepperoncini dust. This will add an extra layer of spice and flavor, elevating the dish to new heights.
11. Don’t forget to pair your chicken strips with your favorite dipping sauce, like a classic ranch, for a delightful experience that brings together heat, crunch, and tenderness in every bite! Enjoy!