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.

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
- 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
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- 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.
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.
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.
25-Minute Tortilla Crusted Chicken
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.
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