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Crispy Tortilla Chip Crusted Chicken Bites Recipe

Crispy Tortilla Chip Crusted Chicken Bites

Tender bite-size chicken pieces are coated in seasoned flour, egg, and coarse tortilla-chip crumbs, then baked until golden and crisp. Serve this crowd-pleasing appetizer with your favorite dipping sauces.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 1 1/2 pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders, cut into 1-inch pieces
Coating
  • 4 cups Tortilla chips, lightly crushed into coarse crumbs
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs Large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons Milk
Seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 teaspoon Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked or regular paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon Chili powder
For Baking
  • 1-2 tablespoons Cooking spray or neutral oil

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 425°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or place a lightly greased wire rack over the sheet.
  2. Crush the tortilla chips into coarse crumbs, avoiding a fine powder. Mix the crumbs with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, garlic powder, paprika, and chili powder.
  3. Prepare three shallow bowls: flour mixed with the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and black pepper; eggs whisked with milk; and the seasoned tortilla-chip crumbs.
  4. Pat the chicken dry, then coat each piece in flour, egg, and tortilla-chip crumbs. Press the crumbs firmly onto every side.
  5. Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer with space between the pieces. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with a small amount of neutral oil.
  6. Bake for 15–20 minutes, turning once halfway through. Continue baking until golden and the thickest piece reaches 165°F in the center.
  7. Rest the bites briefly, then serve immediately with salsa, ranch, sour cream, guacamole, queso, or lime-and-cilantro dipping sauce.

Notes

For better crust adhesion, let the coated chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before baking. An air fryer can cook the bites at 400°F for approximately 10–12 minutes, turning halfway through and working in batches.