• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Wendy Polisi
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Healthy Living
    • Essential Oils
  • Lifestyle
  • About
    • Affiliate Disclosure
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookies Policy
    • Terms of Service and Conditions
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Lifestyle
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Main Dish Recipes

    Tortilla Crusted Chicken - Baked or Air Fried

    5 from 13 votes
    Posted November 14, 2022 by Wendy Polisi

    • Share
    • Tweet
    • Yummly

    This post may contain affiliate links. All opinions are my own.

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    For an easy and delicious chicken dish, look no further than Tortilla Crusted Chicken.  This easy recipe requires a handful of simple ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your pantry.  It is the perfect way to change up your weeknight dinner routine.

    Overhead photo of a rustic plate with tortilla crusted chicken garnished with jalapeno, chopped cilantro, and lime.

    This tortilla crusted chicken recipe is easy, delicious, and perfect for a weeknight meal. 

    All you need is a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes, and you will have dinner on the table. 

    Let's get cooking!

    Ingredients 

    Crushed tortilla chips, flour, salt, taco seasoning, eggs, and chicken in prep containers.
    • Flour:  I used all-purpose flour, but you could use gluten-free flour.
    • Taco Seasoning:  Make your taco seasoning or buy it pre-packaged. You could also use a blend of chili powder, onion powder, paprika, and cumin.
    • Salt:  I used sea salt, but you can use whatever salt you like.
    • Eggs:  You will want to use medium or large eggs.
    • Chips:  Plain tortilla chips are what I used, but feel free to get creative and use your favorite kind of chips.
    • Chicken:  White or dark meat works; just make sure it is boneless and skinless. If you want to use chicken tenders, adjust the cooking time so that the meat isn’t overdone.

    Tips & Tricks

    • Feel free to play with the chips you use!  I used regular tortilla chips, but blue corn would work as well.  You could use flavored tortilla chips (Like lime) or potato chips.
    • If you want to make this dish ahead of time, simply prepare the recipe through coating the chicken. Then, cover and refrigerate until you are ready to cook. 

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve tortilla-crusted chicken breasts with salsa, jalapeno, cilantro, sour cream, and guacamole.  Great side-dish suggestions include:

    • Baked Parmesan Asparagus
    • Blue Cheese Coleslaw
    • Broiled Tomatoes with Parmesan
    • Garlic Mashed Red Potatoes
    • Cheesy Corn Casserole
    • Crockpot Mac and Cheese

    Leftovers are great on a salad or in a bowl.

    Frequently Asked Questions 

    How do you toss chicken with flour?

    To coat the chicken in flour, simply place the flour in a shallow dish. Then, add the chicken.  

    Use tongs to turn the chicken until it is coated.  Then, remove the chicken from the dish and give it a gentle shake to wipe off excess.

    Can you use tortilla chips instead of breadcrumbs to bread chicken?

    Yes!  In fact, that is what this recipe calls for.  Tortilla chips add great flavor and texture to the dish.

    Why do you dip chicken in flour before the egg?

    Dipping the chicken in flour before the egg helps the egg to stick better.  This creates a coating so that the egg can adhere to the chicken.

    Tools Needed 

    As an amazon associate, I earn from qualifying sales.

    • Air fryer or baking sheet
    • Shallow dishes for coating
    • Instant read thermometer

    Storage

    Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

    Reheating

    Chicken is best reheated in a 350-degree oven until warmed through.  You can also reheat it in the microwave, but it won't be as crispy.

    Freezing

    You can freeze this chicken, but it won't be as crispy when reheated.  

    I recommend freezing in a single layer on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.  

    Once frozen, you can transfer it to a freezer bag.  Freeze for up to three months.

    How to Make Tortilla Breaded Chicken

    First, start by combining the flour, taco seasoning, and salt in a shallow dish.

    Next, beat the eggs in another shallow dish.

    Chicken being dredged in a bowl of flour and seasonings.
    Chicken breast that has been dredged in flour.

    Then, place the tortilla chips in a third dish.

    Now it's time to coat the chicken.  

    Begin by beating the chicken to an even thickness.  Then dip the chicken in the flour mixture and then the eggs. 

    Finally, coat the chicken in the tortilla chips, using your hands to gently press the chips into the chicken.

    Now you are ready to cook!  You can either bake or air fry this tortilla crusted chicken recipe.

    A plate of flour-dredged chicken breast sitting next to a bowl of beaten eggs and crushed tortilla chips.
    Chicken breast being dredged in a bowl of crushed tortilla chips.
    Tortilla crusted chicken in an air fryer.

    Air Fryer Tortilla Crusted Chicken

    To make tortilla crusted chicken in the air fryer, start by preheating your air fryer to 400 degrees.  Then, spray the chicken with oil.  Cook in a single layer for 6 minutes. 

    Flip and cook another 5-8 minutes until the center registers 160 degrees and the outside is golden brown. 

    Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

    Oven Baked Tortilla Chip Crusted Chicken

    To make tortilla crusted chicken in the oven, start by preheating your oven to 425 degrees.  Place a wire rack on a baking sheet and spray with oil.

    Bake the chicken in a single layer for 10 minutes.  

    Flip and cook another 10 minutes until the center registers 160 degrees and the outside is golden brown.  

    Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

    Rustic plate with a piece of tortilla crusted chicken breast surrounded by onion, cherry tomato, and lemond.
    If you like this recipe don't forget to leave a 5 star rating and let me know how it went in the below comments, I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, Instagram, and PINTEREST to see all my delicious recipes.
    Overhead close up photo of tortilla crusted chicken.
    Print Recipe
    5 from 13 votes

    Tortilla Crusted Chicken

    Have you ever had tortilla crusted chicken? It is a great way to spice up your chicken dinners. It is simple and easy to make and is perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
    Prep Time15 mins
    Cook Time11 mins
    Total Time26 mins
    Course: Main
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Air Fryer
    Servings: 12
    Calories: 215kcal
    Author: Wendy Polisi

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup flour
    • 1 tablespoon taco seasoning
    • ½ teaspoon sea salt
    • 2 eggs beaten
    • 2 cups crushed tortilla chips
    • 32 ounces boneless skinless chicken breast or thighs
    • For serving: salsa jalapeño, cilantro, sour cream, guacamole

    Instructions

    • In a shallow dish, combine the flour, taco seasoning and salt.
    • Beat the eggs in another shallow dish.
    • Place the tortilla chips in a third dish.
    • Beat the chicken to an even thickness.
    • Dip the chicken in the flour and then the eggs.
    • Finally, coat the chicken in the tortilla chips, using your hands to gently press the chips into the chicken.

    Air Fryer

    • Preheat the air fryer to 400° F.
    • Spray the chicken with oil.
    • Cook the chicken in a single layer for 6 minutes.
    • Flip, and cook another 5 to 8 minutes, until the center registers 160° F and the outside is golden brown.
    • Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

    Baked

    • Preheat the oven to 425° F.
    • Place a wire rack on a baking sheet.
    • Spray the chicken with oil.
    • Cook the chicken in a single layer for 10 minutes.
    • Flip and cook for another 10 minutes until the center registers 160° F, and the outside is golden brown.
    • Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 215kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Protein: 20g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 76mg | Sodium: 292mg | Potassium: 353mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 102IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 40mg | Iron: 1mg

    Filed Under:

    Chicken RecipesMain Dish Recipes

    More Main Dish Recipes

    • Square close up photo of a halved slow cooker french dip with a small dish of jus next to it.
      Slow Cooker French Dip
    • Overhead photo of a white bowl with crockpot broccoli chees soup sitting on a white plate that is resting on a blue napkin.
      Easy Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup
    • Gluten Free Chicken Stroganoff
    • Overhead photo of an air fryer tuna steak topped with a sweet heat sauce and garnished with sesame seeds and green onions.
      Air Fryer Tuna Steaks (Fast & Easy!)

    About Wendy Polisi

    Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, 5 time cookbook author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 16 & 17 and my late life princess is 9.

    Reader Interactions

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Favorites

    • Close up photo of a spoonful of Spanish Cauliflower Rice resting in a bowl of keto rice.
      25-Minute Spanish Cauliflower Rice
    • Close up photo of a bread machine dinner roll on a cooling rack with other rolls behind it.
      Bread Machine Dinner Rolls
    • Square side photo of gluten free vegetarian lasagna.
      Gluten Free Vegetarian Lasagna
    • Square overhead photo of an aqua bowl with tahini pastas garnished with scallions and sesame seeds.
      Tahini Pasta
    • Square close up photo of a crispy quinoa salad with pomegranate and sweet potato.
      Crispy Quinoa Salad with Pomegranate and Sweet Potato
    • Square close up photo of a thai chicken salad on a white plate.
      Thai Chicken Salad Recipe

    Family, Food and Fun!

    Hi, I’m Wendy! I’m a cook, 5 time cookbook author, blogger, natural health enthusiast…and most importantly a mom. My boys are 16 & 17 and my late life princess is 9.

    More about me →

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Affiliate Disclosure
    • Terms of Service
    • About
    • Web Stories

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.