Nacho-Crusted Chicken Tenders

Name: Nacho-Crusted Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound chicken tenders; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup crushed tortilla chips; 1 teaspoon chili powder; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Comfort Food

I absolutely love making Nacho-Crusted Chicken Tenders for a quick and satisfying meal. The bold flavors of nacho seasoning and crunch of tortilla chips create an irresistible coating for tender chicken. It's one of those recipes that impresses both adults and kids alike, making it a favorite in our household. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover tortilla chips! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s perfect for any weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-22T11:21:28.605Z

When I first experimented with the idea of nacho-crusted chicken, I was amazed at how well the flavors combined. The crispy coating created from crushed tortilla chips is not only delicious but also adds an unexpected twist to traditional chicken tenders. The secret lies in baking them instead of frying, which keeps things light while still satisfying that crunch we all love.

One tip I learned is to let the chicken marinate briefly in buttermilk; this not only helps it stay juicy but also allows the seasoning to penetrate beautifully. Pair these tenders with your favorite dipping sauce for a fantastic meal!

        Why You'll Love This Recipe
        Crispy coating that packs a flavorful punch
Perfectly tender chicken bites that everyone can enjoy
Quick preparation makes it ideal for busy weeknights

      

Mastering the Marination

Marinating the chicken tenders in buttermilk is a critical step that elevates the entire dish. The acidity in buttermilk tenderizes the meat, ensuring a juicy bite that contrasts with the crispy, nacho-coated exterior. For optimal results, aim for at least 15 minutes of marination, but if you have more time, letting them sit for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator will intensify the flavors. Just be sure to cover the bowl to prevent contamination.

If you're short on buttermilk, a quick substitute can be made using regular milk and vinegar. For each cup of buttermilk, mix one cup of milk with one tablespoon of white vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5 minutes until it thickens slightly. This will mimic the acidity needed for marinating and help retain moisture while cooking.

Perfecting the Crunch

The combination of crushed tortilla chips and seasonings creates a delightful crunch that is central to the appeal of these chicken tenders. To enhance the texture, opt for thicker chips as they provide more heft when crushed, resulting in a more substantial coating. Make sure to crush them into small bits but not to powder; you want varied sizes for a beautiful, uneven coating that fries up nicely.

For a flavor boost, you can experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or even a dash of cayenne for heat. Mixing in some grated cheese with the chip mixture can add richness and a golden color once baked. Just remember that the coating should be generous enough to provide that signature crispy texture without overwhelming the tender chicken.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

Once baked, these nacho-crusted chicken tenders are best served hot. For a fun twist, consider serving them alongside homemade guacamole or a zesty salsa to complement the nacho flavors. Pairing with dipping sauces like ranch or chipotle mayo can elevate the experience, especially for gatherings or game day. The options are endless, and adding an assortment of dips can cater to various taste preferences.

These chicken tenders can also be easily customized based on dietary needs. For a gluten-free version, use corn tortilla chips and ensure your seasonings are gluten-free. If you want to incorporate veggies, consider adding finely chopped jalapeños or bell peppers to the coating mixture for an extra kick. Whatever variation you choose, embracing creativity will make this recipe your own.

Ingredients

To make these delicious nacho-crusted chicken tenders, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chicken Tenders

1 pound chicken tenders
1 cup buttermilk
1 cup crushed tortilla chips
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Here's how to prepare these nacho-crusted chicken tenders:

Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine the chicken tenders and buttermilk. Let them marinate for at least 15 minutes to ensure they’re juicy and flavorful.

Prepare the Coating

In another bowl, mix together the crushed tortilla chips, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Coat the Chicken

Take each marinated chicken tender and coat it well in the chip mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Bake the Chicken

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the coated chicken tenders on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.

Serve

Let the chicken tenders cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding a bit of lime zest to the tortilla chip coating or serve with a zesty dipping sauce like ranch or guacamole.

Storage Tips

If you have leftover nacho-crusted chicken tenders, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, placing them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes will help restore their crispiness without making them soggy. Avoid microwaving, as it may result in rubbery chicken. If you wish to freeze them, wrap each tender individually and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.

When reheating from frozen, it's best to let them thaw overnight in the refrigerator first. This will ensure they reheat evenly. Alternatively, you can bake them from frozen at the same temperature mentioned before but extend the baking time by an additional 5 to 10 minutes. Just make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your chicken tenders are not crispy enough after baking, it may be due to overcrowding on the baking sheet. Ensure there is enough space between each tender so that hot air can circulate freely, providing an even bake. If necessary, use two baking sheets to maintain adequate spacing and achieve that perfect crunch.

Another common issue is the coating falling off during baking. To prevent this, make sure each chicken piece is well-coated in buttermilk before applying the tortilla chip mixture. Press down gently on the coating to help it adhere. If you notice that some areas are bare, feel free to dip them again in buttermilk then back into the crumbs before baking.

Scaling the Recipe

Scaling this recipe up or down is straightforward, thanks to its simple ratios. If you need more servings, simply multiply the ingredient amounts accordingly. For instance, doubling the recipe would require 2 pounds of chicken tenders and 2 cups each of buttermilk and crushed tortilla chips. Just remember to adjust the baking time depending on the thickness of the chicken you use and ensure even spacing on the baking sheet.

If you are making a smaller batch, you can easily halve the ingredients. Alternatively, if you end up with extra coating mixture, consider using it to coat other proteins like fish fillets or tofu for a new twist on the recipe. This versatility makes the nacho-crusted approach applicable in numerous dishes, providing you with ample opportunities to enjoy its bold flavors.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use regular chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just cut the chicken breasts into strips to replicate the tenders.

→ What can I serve with nacho-crusted chicken tenders?

These tenders pair well with fresh salads, dips like guacamole, or even inside a taco for a fun twist.

→ Can I make these tenders ahead of time?

Yes, you can prep and coat the chicken tenders ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

→ Are leftover tenders reheatable?

Yes, store them in an airtight container, and you can reheat them in the oven to restore their crunch.