Tortilla Encrusted Chicken Tenders
User Reviews
5
Tortilla Encrusted Chicken Tenders
Description
This recipe starts by seasoning chicken tenderloins with kosher salt and spraying them with olive oil. Some pieces may be air-fried initially for crispness. The tenders are lightly coated first in flour, then dipped in egg, and finally dredged in a mixture of crushed tortilla chips, garlic powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. The coated tenders are arranged on a lightly oiled baking sheet and sprayed again with olive oil to encourage browning before baking at 400°F for about 8 to 10 minutes on each side, until cooked through and crisp.
These chicken tenders combine the smoky flavor and crunch from the tortilla chip crust with aromatic spices. Fresh cilantro and lime wedges complement the dish, while salsa provides a tangy dipping sauce option. The method allows for a crispy texture without deep frying, leveraging the oven and optional air fryer.
The recipe notes that tortilla chips used can be gluten-free if needed. This recipe works well as a snack, appetizer, or main dish. Using mild seasonings lets you adjust to taste.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ pound chicken tenderloin
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour*)
- 1 egg lightly beaten, large
- 3 1/2 ounces tortilla chips crushed
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- olive oil spray form
- 1/2 lime (cut into 4 wedges)
- cilantro for garnish, chopped, fresh
- 1/2 cup salsa for dipping, jarred
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Spray the chicken on both sides with oil. Air fry in batches as needed in a single layer 5 to 6 minutes on each side.
- Season chicken tenders with 3/4 teaspoon salt. Place flour on a shallow plate and egg in a medium bowl. Place tortilla chips, remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt, garlic powder, cumin, and pepper on another shallow plate.
- Dredge each tender lightly in flour, then egg (shaking off excess), then chip mixture. Lightly spray sheet pan with olive oil, place tenders on pan and spray the top with olive oil. Bake about 8 to 10 minutes on each side or until cooked through.
- To serve: Place 2 tenders on each plate, garnish with cilantro. Serve with 1 lime wedge and salsa for dipping.
Notes
- Check labels to ensure ingredients, like tortilla chips and flour, are gluten-free if needed.
- Use fresh seasonings for best flavor in the coating mix.
- Baking instead of deep frying provides a lighter option while still keeping the coating crisp.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 331 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 2tenders, 2 tbsp salsa | |
| Calories | 331kcal | 17% |
| Carbohydrates | 22g | 7% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Cholesterol | 137mg | 46% |
| Sodium | 695mg | 29% |
| Fiber | 1.5g | 6% |
| Sugar | 2g | 4% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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