Wait. Stop. I know what you’re thinking. These look EXACTLY like KFC chicken tenders, now how did she do that?! I’m an accidental genius, that’s how (and a very humble one at that). Read on.
These crazy, amazing, oven-fried crispiest-ever chicken fingers where never supposed to happen. It was around the holidays, Succot to be exact, and I decided to go with a Mexican-themed menu. We’d already had so many meals and I needed a break from the traditional! I made blackened fish tacos, guacamole, taco salad, black bean & chorizo chocolate chili, cornbread, empanadas, and Mexican hot chocolate brownies. Now there was lots of meat going on, but not much in the form of chicken, so I wanted to make sure we had something kid-friendly that matched the Mexican theme. I looked through my pantry for something “corny” and found a half-eaten bag of BBQ tortilla chips – perfect! OK maybe BBQ tortilla chips are not authentically Mexican but I figured it could pass.
And pass it did. Those chicken fingers never even made it to the table. They got passed around and were gone in seconds. And the crazy part is – I made them the most untraditional way – by dipping the chicken in oil instead of egg.
My youngest is allergic, and I wanted to make sure there was something for him to enjoy, so I decided to forgo the egg-dipping and just go for some oil as a binder. True oil is not as sticky as egg, so the chips did not adhere as well – but they were super ultra crispy.
They were also super ultra tasty – because I used BBQ tortilla chips instead of the plain old boring ones. The BBQ seasoning gives the chips a nice color, so even though they’re baked, they look fried. Just like those crispy cornflake chicken tenders you drool over in every fast food commercial.
Speaking of commercials, I had wanted to get these up for Superbowl Sunday this week, but they just didn’t make it. Maybe that’s because I, nor anyone I know, is interested in the game. We’re more like social media geeks than sports fanatics so if you ask my husband and I who played, we have no idea. The only thing I know about Superbowl Sunday is that Katie Perry wore a yalmulkah dress! And I only know that ‘cuz it was all over my whatsapp!
Superbowl or not, these crispy oven-fried chicken tenders are the perfect appetizer for any party. They also make the best child-friendly dinner, with a mayo-salsa sauce for dipping. My picky-eaters loved them, and I’m sure yours will too!
Tortilla Crusted Chicken Fingers
1 lb. chicken breasts, cut into strips
2 eggs, lightly whisked
1 bag BBQ tortilla chips
cooking spray
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup salsa
Method:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Pour the tortilla chips into a ziploc bag and crush with your hands until completely broken apart into small bits. Set up a dredging station with the chicken strips, eggs and tortilla chips each in a separate dish. Dip the chicken into the egg and then into the tortilla chips, pressing down so the chips stick to the chicken. Place the crusted chicken strips on a well-greased baking sheet. Spray with cooking spray and bake for approximately 20 minutes, until chicken is crispy and cooked through. For best results, serve immediately or remove to a cooling rack so chicken remains crispy.
For the dipping sauce, combine the mayonnaise with the salsa and mix.
EGG-FREE VARIATION: Dip the chicken strips in oil instead of egg and proceed as above.
Related Recipes:
I love these pictures! So much moody light, especially in that middle. Not to mention, these look delicious!
Thanks Chaya! Congrats on your pic feature on huffposttaste!
Hey, I was at that Mexican sukkah meal and it was fabulous! including these tortilla chicken fingers although I think I got the last one :). Don’t get me started on those mexican brownies….
It was so great to have you!
DELISH!
just made it this week & my kids absolutely loved these!!!!!!
Yay, I’m so glad!
Myself and kids love these…. Made them in wraps… Sooo good!!!! Making it again tonight!!!!
I love the idea of putting them in wraps! So glad you enjoyed, thanks for posting!
Thank you Chani for sharing this recipe, my whole family loved it! They requested I make it again for Erev Shabbos!!
So glad to hear Dvorah!
what brand totrilla chips?
You can use whatever brand you like, but I definitely recommend BBQ flavor.
These definitely do look like KFC chicken tenders.. interesting idea to use tortilla chips as a coating too. Never tried that before!
Thanks Thalia, kids just love them!
Yum!! These look so delicious! I bet kids would love them, too.
Thanks Lauren!
Instead of baking , can i fry it?
I think frying would work, sure. I would suggested dipping in flour, then egg, and then the crushed tortilla chips.
I really love the tacos idea. Plus your salsa mayonnaise looks insane! :)
Thanks!
This was delicious! I substituted the bbq tortilla chips for plain taco shells.
Thanks Danielle!
Tried this yesterday and it was great. Having the brand name for the bbq chips would be helpful. I went to two stores and didnt find any bbq flavored ones so I had to settle for the regular ones.
What brand did you use? And what store did you get it from?
Thanks Brian, I’m not sure where you live but I use a kosher brand of BBQ tortilla chips made by Liebers. I buy it locally in Brooklyn.
I made these tonight and my kids loved them! Served them in wraps and they were a big hit. Thanks for the great recipe!!
I love the idea of serving them in wraps! So glad they enjoyed!
Can this be warmed up for Shabbos day, or does it get soggy?
I’ve never tried it, but I don’t think it would be too crispy.
Made these tonight and they were delicious! Can I freeze them coated and raw?
Thanks!
I’m probably responding too late (sorry!!), but I think they might get soggy that way.
Would this work with chicken bottoms too?
Sure! You may just have to bake for longer as bottoms require longer cooking times than tops.
Where do you find BBQ tortilla chips? Have you ever used regular BBQ potato chips or are they not crispy enough?
Thanks!
I get it in any kosher supermarket. Potato chips might work too but I think I’d prefer tortilla cheats (even plain ones).