Description
Crispy tortilla chip crusted chicken delivers a spicy Mexican-inspired crunch that elevates weeknight dinner from ordinary to extraordinary. Chipotle sauce adds bold, smoky heat, creating a perfect balance of texture and flavor you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup crushed tortilla chips
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
Coating and Seasoning:
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Cooking and Sauce Ingredients:
- Cooking spray or oil
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt)
- 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper, lightly greasing the surface. Set the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C), or preheat an air fryer to 375°F for alternative cooking.
- Create three separate preparation stations: one with seasoned flour mixture combining garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, salt, and pepper; another with whisked eggs and milk; the final station with finely crushed tortilla chips.
- Transform chicken pieces by first coating thoroughly in seasoned flour, ensuring complete coverage while shaking off any excess powder.
- Submerge the floured chicken into the egg mixture, guaranteeing an even, wet layer that will help the tortilla chip coating adhere effectively.
- Carefully press each egg-coated chicken piece into the crushed tortilla chips, rotating and pressing to create a uniform, crispy exterior that fully encases the meat.
- For oven preparation, arrange the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, positioning pieces to allow even heat circulation. Bake for 20-25 minutes, rotating midway to ensure consistent golden coloration and complete internal cooking.
- Alternative air fryer method involves placing chicken pieces in a single layer within the basket, cooking for 12-15 minutes and flipping once to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Simultaneously craft the chipotle sauce by whisking mayonnaise with finely chopped chipotle pepper, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, and smoked paprika, adjusting seasonings to personal preference.
- Once chicken achieves a perfect golden-brown crunch, plate immediately and accompany with the vibrant chipotle sauce, garnishing with fresh lime wedges and chopped cilantro for a burst of color and flavor.
Notes
- Customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of chipotle pepper, using milder peppers, or substituting with hot sauce for heat control.
- Create a gluten-free version by replacing wheat flour with almond or rice flour and using gluten-free tortilla chips.
- Boost nutrition by using whole wheat tortilla chips or adding ground flaxseed to the chip coating for extra fiber and omega-3s.
- Experiment with alternative dipping sauces like ranch, avocado cream, or Greek yogurt-based sauce to vary flavor profiles and cater to different taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 120mg