Taco Chicken Tenders
Posted: 05/01/2013
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Taco chicken tenders are great for a party, but your kids will love them too! Super quick and easy to make.
I’m loving these taco chicken tenders that are perfect for Cinco de Mayo or for any day. You’ll only need five ingredients to whip up taco chicken tenders: flour, taco seasoning, eggs, and tortilla chips. And of course, chicken.
Kids love taco chicken tenders, too! Healthy, and fun to dip in salsa or better yet, homemade salsa verde. My daughter adores anything she can “dip dip dip.” And what kid doesn’t like food they can eat with their fingers?!
Taco chicken tenders come together quickly and are really flavorful, thanks to the homemade taco seasoning, which is mixed with the flour. Instead of the typical bread crumb coating, the chicken tenders are coated in crushed tortilla chips. The tortilla chip coating give the chicken tenders a great crunch and a southwestern flavor.
You don’t have to tell anyone that it’s a great way to use unwanted tortilla chips, all those bits and pieces at the bottom of the bag.
Make these just like any other chicken tender: Dip the chicken tenders in seasoned flour, then in beaten egg, and then the crushed tortilla chips.
And because these tenders are baked, not fried, you can feel good about serving these to your family. There are no added oils to up the calorie count. Way better than fast food chicken tenders!
Try these taco chicken tenders wrapped in a soft flour or corn tortilla, with your favorite toppings. I’m thinking shredded lettuce, tomato, and avocado would be good. And salsa, of course.
Chicken tenders are great on salads, too. Just slice them up and add them to your favorite salad.
PS: If you love chicken tenders, make sure to check out my pizza chicken tenders or chicken caesar chicken tenders. Loving your air fryer? Try crispy air fryer chicken tenders or air fryer chicken nuggets.
Note: Don’t have taco seasoning? That’s okay, any southwestern blend will be delicious. Plain chili powder is good, too. Or try making your own seasoning blend!
More chicken recipes
Boneless or bone-in, chicken that you can eat with your fingers is always a hit, especially with kids. Try:
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me @rachelcooksblog on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
servings
Taco chicken tenders are great for a party, but your kids will love them too! Super quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into equal sized strips
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon taco seasoning, divided
- 2 eggs, beaten
- 1 1/2 cups crushed tortilla chips
- salsa for dipping, optional
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Spray a large sheet pan with non-stick cooking spray, or line with parchment paper.
- Place flour and half of taco seasoning in a large shallow bowl. Place beaten eggs in another shallow bowl, and chips mixed with the rest of the taco seasoning in a third bowl.
- Coat each chicken strip in flour mixture, then dip in eggs (let excess drip off), and then finally in chip mixture. Place chicken strip on prepared tray and repeat until all chicken strips are coated.
- Bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through. Enjoy hot with salsa for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Serving: 1/4 lb., Calories: 477kcal, Carbohydrates: 39g, Protein: 30g, Fat: 22g, Saturated Fat: 4g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 15g, Cholesterol: 111mg, Sodium: 1065mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
Carla @ Carlas Confections says
Yes! I definitely want some of these!
Bree {Skinny Mommy} says
I love the tortilla crust on these! My boys would devour them :)
dixya@food, pleasure, and health says
this is just great – I love spicy chicken tenders with Mexican flavors
Gerry @ foodness gracious says
These for me would be good every month!
Meagan @ A Zesty Bite says
These will definitely have to be tried at home. Mexican food is my favorite and I enjoy trying out new things to keep the flavor profile.
Cassie | Bake Your Day says
So fun and unique. Great idea, Rach!
Kathryn says
Such a clever idea to use tacos for the crispy coating. Can’t wait to give this a try!
Christine (Cook the Story) says
What a flipping FANTASTIC idea! I’ve seen chicken breaded in potato chips before but this is way better. How fun to turn chicken tacos on their head like this. I know my family will love these. Thanks for such a great idea!
Erika -Southern Souffle says
Love this idea..
Windy P says
What a great idea! I think the kids would love these. :)
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
I enjoy using non-traditional breading for chicken. I’ve used tortilla chips before, but didn’t think to add taco seasoning. I like it!
Ali | Gimme Some Oven says
I also love anything I can dip-dip-dip. These sound perfect for Cinco De Mayo…or every other day!!! :)
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction says
Great idea to use tortilla chips as the coating! Perfect way to switch up normal chicken tenders!
Stephie @ Eat Your Heart Out says
Holy moly! Forget the kidlets, I could eat a whole ton of these suckers! Taco seasoning and tortilla chips? Genius chicken tender idea, Rachel!
Tasha @ ThatsSoYummy says
This is a great change up on chicken tenders :-)