If you’re craving ultra-crispy chicken tenders with a fun twist, these sea salt cracker crusted chicken are made from tenders and you’re next favorite thing to make! Crushed sea salt crackers (I used Milton’s!) create the perfect salty, crunchy coating, while the sweet and spicy sauce takes them over the top.

The best part? You can make them in the air fryer, oven, or in a pan—so there’s an option for everyone. Whether you go for sweet Thai chili, hot honey with mayo and hot sauce, or a gochujang kick, this recipe is endlessly customizable.

Get ready for a restaurant-worthy meal at home that’s anything but boring.

⭐️ Why You’ll Love These Sea Salt Cracker Crusted Chicken Tenders

Super crispy thanks to cracker crumbs
Easy cooking options: air fryer, baked, or pan-fried
Sweet and spicy sauce choices for the perfect glaze
Family-friendly and meal prep-friendly

📝 Ingredients

For the Chicken Tenders

1.5 pounds chicken tenders (or sliced chicken breast)
1 cup greek yogurt
1/2 tsp salt
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1/2 tbsp paprika
1/4 cup milk
2 cups crushed sea salt crackers (Milton’s or similar)
Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking spray or oil (for air fryer/oven/pan)

For the Sweet and Spicy Sauce (Choose Your Favorite)

Option 1: Sweet Thai Chili

½ cup sweet Thai chili sauce
2 tbsp Mayo

Option 2: Hot Honey Mayo

¼ cup hot honey
2 tbsp mayo
1-2 tsp hot sauce (optional)

Option 3: Gochujang Honey

1 tbsp gochujang
2 tbsp honey
1 tbsp mayo
1 tsp rice vinegar or lime juice (optional)

Directions:

1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken

Combine the yogurt, seasonings and milk and marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes.

2️⃣ Crush the Crackers

Place sea salt crackers in a food processor or zip-top bag. Pulse or crush until fine crumbs form. Transfer to a shallow dish.

3️⃣ Bread the Chicken

Press chicken tenders in the crushed crackers, shaking off excess. Until fully coated.

4️⃣ Cook the Chicken

choose below-

👉 Air Fryer Method

Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Lightly spray basket with oil.
Place tenders in a single layer.
Spray tops lightly with oil.
Cook 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and 165°F inside.

👉 Oven-Baked Method

Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
Place tenders on parchment-lined baking sheet.
Lightly spray with oil.
Bake 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.

👉 Shallow Pan Fry Method

Heat ¼ inch oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Fry tenders 3–4 minutes per side until golden brown and 165°F internally.
Transfer to paper towels to drain.

5️⃣ Make the Sauce

Choose your sauce option.
Whisk ingredients together in a small bowl until smooth.

6️⃣ Finish and Serve

Brush cooked chicken tenders with your sauce of choice, or serve sauce on the side for dipping.
Garnish with sesame seeds, chopped herbs, or lime wedges if desired.

💡 Tips and Variations

Use gluten-free crackers for a GF version.
Add spices (paprika, cayenne) to the flour for extra heat.
Make extra sauce for dipping or drizzling over rice.

chicken tender dipping into orange sauce

Sea Salt Cracker Crusted Chicken with Sweet & Spicy Sauce

These sea salt cracker crusted chicken tenders are crispy, salty, and perfect for brushing with a bold sweet and spicy sauce. Air fryer, oven, or pan—make them your way!

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings 4

Ingredients

1.5 lb chicken tenders
1 cup greek yogurt
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
1/2 tbsp paprika
1/4 cup milk
1/2 tbsp salt
2 cups crushed sea salt crackers
½ cup flour
2 eggs
1 tbsp milk optional
Salt and pepper
Oil/cooking spray
Sauce Options:
Sweet Thai chili sauce + 2 tbsp mayo
¼ cup hot honey + 2 tbsp mayo + 1-2 tsp hot sauce or
1 tbsp gochujang + 2 tbsp honey + 1 tbsp mayo

Instructions

Marinate the chicken in the yogurt, milk and seasonings and set aside.
Crush crackers into fine crumbs.
Set up breading station with the cracker crumbs and dredge each piece until fully coated.
Cook using:
Air Fryer: 400°F, 8–10 min
Oven: 425°F, 15–20 min
Pan Fry: 3–4 min/side in oil
Mix sauce ingredients.
Brush cooked tenders with sauce or serve on the side.