Tortilla Crunch Chicken Fingers Recipe

Introduction

Delve into the irresistible crunch and tender juiciness of these Tortilla Crunch Chicken Fingers, a beloved dish perfect for quick weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or kid-friendly snack time. This recipe, showcased on lovewithrecipes.com, combines the savory flavor of seasoned tortilla chips with the richness of a seasoned coating, creating a crispy exterior that encases juicy chicken breast strips. The process emphasizes ease and accessibility, making it suitable for cooks of all skill levels seeking a delicious, satisfying meal that balances crunch and tender meat. Whether served with a variety of dipping sauces or as part of a larger meal, these chicken fingers promise to delight your palate and become a staple in your culinary repertoire.

Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes

Needed Equipment

• Oven (capable of reaching 400°F / 200°C)
• Mixing bowls (medium and large)
• Resealable plastic bag (preferably heavy-duty)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Cooking spray (nonstick)
• Baking sheet (preferably rimmed)
• Pastry brush or spoon (for butter drizzle)
• Fork or whisk (for beating eggs)
• Food processor or plastic bag (for crushing tortilla chips)
• Kitchen tongs or spatula

Tags

Chicken, Poultry, Kid Friendly, Easy Dinner, Appetizer, Snack, Oven-Baked, Quick Recipe, Family Favorite, Crunchy Coating, Homemade

Serving Size

This recipe yields approximately 24 chicken fingers, making it ideal for serving 4-6 people as a main course or 8-12 as an appetizer or snack. Each serving can be adjusted based on the number of guests and their appetites.

Difficulty Level

Beginner to Intermediate. The steps are straightforward, involving basic techniques such as coating, shaking, and baking, making this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Allergen Information

• Contains wheat (tortilla chips, soup mix)
• Contains eggs (used in coating process)
• Potential cross-contact with soy or dairy depending on tortilla chips and soup mix brands

Dietary Preference

Not suitable for gluten-free or vegan diets without modifications. Can be adapted for low-carb diets using alternative coatings and egg substitutes.

Course

Main Course, Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine

American, Tex-Mex, Casual

Ingredients

Ingredient Table

Notes on Ingredients

The Lipton soup mix adds a savory, seasoned flavor that enhances the coating, while the crushed tortilla chips provide crunch and a hint of corn flavor. Using freshly crushed chips ensures a finer texture for better adherence. The chicken breast must be skinless and boneless for ease of handling and uniform cooking. Be sure to crush the tortilla chips into small, even pieces—using a food processor or placing them in a plastic bag and crushing with a rolling pin or heavy object.

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures the oven reaches the optimal temperature for baking the chicken fingers, allowing them to develop a crispy exterior while remaining juicy inside. Proper preheating is crucial for even cooking and achieving that desirable golden-brown crust.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the Lipton soup mix with the crushed tortilla chips. Mix thoroughly to ensure the seasoning from the soup mix is evenly distributed throughout the crispy tortilla chip crumbs. This combination forms the flavorful, crunchy coating that will envelop each piece of chicken, providing both texture and taste. For a finer coating, pulse the tortilla chips in a food processor until they resemble coarse sand, but avoid turning them into powder.

Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture for Coating

In a large bowl, crack the egg and add the water. Beat with a fork or whisk until fully blended. This mixture acts as a binder, helping the coating adhere to the chicken. The water dilutes the egg slightly, making it easier to coat the chicken evenly. For an extra layer of flavor, you can add a pinch of salt, pepper, or garlic powder to the egg mixture.

Step 4: Prepare the Chicken

Using a sharp knife and a clean cutting board, slice the chicken breast into strips approximately 1/2 inch wide and 3-4 inches long. Uniform size ensures even cooking and consistent texture across all pieces. If you prefer nuggets, cut the chicken into smaller, bite-sized chunks. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better.

Step 5: Coat the Chicken with Egg Mixture

Place the chicken strips into a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the beaten egg mixture over the chicken. Seal the bag tightly or cover the dish and shake gently to coat each piece thoroughly. Alternatively, you can use tongs to dip each piece individually into the egg mixture, ensuring an even coating. The egg mixture acts as an adhesive layer, ensuring the tortilla chip coating adheres securely.

Step 6: Apply the Crispy Coating

Remove the chicken pieces one at a time from the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off briefly. Gently press each piece into the tortilla chip and soup mix mixture, turning to coat all sides evenly. Press lightly to ensure the coating adheres firmly. For a thicker coating, you can repeat the process: dip coated chicken back into the egg mixture and re-coat with the tortilla chip mixture.

Step 7: Prepare Baking Sheet and Arrange Chicken

Lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated chicken strips on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1/2 inch of space between each piece for proper heat circulation. This spacing ensures uniform crispiness and prevents steaming, which could soften the coating.

Step 8: Drizzle with Melted Butter

Using a pastry brush or spoon, drizzle the melted butter evenly over the coated chicken fingers. The butter adds richness, promotes browning, and enhances crispiness during baking. For an extra flavor boost, you can sprinkle a little more seasoning or herbs over the buttered chicken before baking.

Step 9: Bake the Chicken Fingers

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for approximately 12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye during the last few minutes to prevent overbaking or burning. If you want an even crispier exterior, you can broil the chicken fingers for an additional 1-2 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning.

Step 10: Serve Hot and Enjoy

Once baked, remove the chicken fingers from the oven. Let them rest for a few minutes to allow the coating to set. Serve hot with a selection of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or spicy aioli. For a complete meal, pair with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy fries.

Preparation Tips

• Crushing Chips: For a finer, more uniform coating, pulse tortilla chips in a food processor until they resemble coarse sand. Avoid pulverizing into powder, as larger chunks help create a crispy texture.
• Chicken Uniformity: Cutting the chicken into even strips ensures consistent cooking times and uniform texture. Use a sharp knife for clean cuts.
• Coating Adhesion: Ensuring the chicken is dried before coating, and pressing the coating gently onto each piece, helps prevent the coating from falling off during baking.
• Oil and Butter Usage: While melting butter and drizzling over the chicken ensures crispiness, you can also brush lightly with olive oil for a healthier alternative.
• Cooking Time Adjustments: Thicker chicken strips may require additional baking time; use a meat thermometer to verify doneness.

Nutritional Information

Tips and Tricks

• For Extra Crispy Coating: After baking, broil the chicken fingers for 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
• Flavor Variations: Add spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper to the tortilla chip mixture for a flavor twist.
• Make Ahead: Coated chicken strips can be prepared a few hours in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator. Bake just before serving for best results.
• Healthy Alternatives: Use baked sweet potato chips or kale chips for different flavor profiles and nutritional benefits.

Add-ons

• Cheese sauces (nacho cheese, queso)
• Buffalo or spicy aioli dips
• Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for garnish
• Pickles or sliced vegetables as side accompaniments

Side Dishes

• Classic French fries or sweet potato fries
• Fresh garden salad with vinaigrette
• Coleslaw
• Steamed or roasted vegetables
• Mexican rice or seasoned quinoa

Improvements

• Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with crushed tortilla chips for an even crunch.
• Add grated cheese to the coating for cheesy flavor.
• Experiment with different flavored tortilla chips (spicy, lime, nacho) for varied tastes.
• Incorporate herbs like oregano or thyme into the coating for added aroma.

Save and Store

Leftover cooked chicken fingers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag and freeze for up to 1 month. Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until hot and crispy, or in an air fryer for best results.

FAQ

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, substitute the Lipton soup mix with a gluten-free seasoning blend and replace crushed tortilla chips with gluten-free corn chips or crushed rice crackers.

Can I bake these instead of using butter?

Absolutely. For a healthier version, skip the butter drizzle and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until crispy. You may lightly spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, but thighs may require a slightly longer baking time and may result in a juicier, more flavorful chicken finger.

What dipping sauces go best with these chicken fingers?

Ranch, barbecue, honey mustard, spicy aioli, or salsa are excellent choices. You can also serve with guacamole or sour cream for added variety.

Conclusion

This Tortilla Crunch Chicken Fingers recipe from lovewithrecipes.com exemplifies quick, flavorful, and crispy comfort food that the entire family can enjoy. Its straightforward steps, combined with the satisfying crunch of tortilla chips and seasoning, make it an ideal choice for busy weeknights, parties, or snack time. The versatility of the coating allows for customization with different spices and flavors, ensuring this dish can adapt to various tastes and dietary needs. With minimal prep and a short baking time, you can serve up a crowd-pleaser that hits all the right notes: crispy, tender, flavorful, and satisfying. Whether paired with classic dipping sauces or served alongside a fresh salad, these chicken fingers are guaranteed to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy cooking and sharing this delicious recipe from lovewithrecipes.com!

References

• https://lovewithrecipes.com/
• Homemade Chicken Fingers: The Food Charlatan, 2020