Super-Delicious Crispy Potato Crusted Chicken Tenders
Looking to take your chicken game to a whole new level? Look no further than this mouthwatering recipe for Potato Chip Crusted Chicken. This delectable dish combines the irresistible crunch of potato chips with tender, juicy chicken, creating a flavor explosion that will leave your taste buds begging for more. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply looking to impress your family with a tantalizing weeknight meal, this recipe is guaranteed to be a hit.
Not only is this chicken recipe incredibly easy to make, but it also requires just a handful of simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. So, get ready to elevate your chicken game and prepare to be blown away by the deliciously crunchy goodness of Potato Chip Crusted Chicken.
Kid-friendly, crispy, crunchy, and delicious! These can be on the table in 30 minutes or less. We are using traditional chips in this version. Changing the flavor and serving several versions by using different flavored chip/herb combinations is so easy. If using BBQ, we recommend leaving out the dill and substituting dried parsley. These will disappear quickly, so make lots, and dinner is served! Enjoy!
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients Needed for Potato Chip Crusted Chicken:
- 1 lb. chicken breast tenders (or 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thirds, to form chicken tenders)
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 large egg
- 4 oz. ridged potato chips
- Cooking spray
- Salt and black pepper to taste
To serve: Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, etc. as desired.
How to Make Delicious Potato Chip Crusted Chicken
Get Your Chicken Prepared for this Recipe – Cut Your Chicken into Strips:
STEP 1. Preheat the oven to 400˚F. and line a rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.
STEP 2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill. Whisk to combine and season to taste with salt and pepper.
STEP 3. In a separate shallow dish, whisk the egg with salt and pepper, to taste.
STEP 4. Place the potato chips in a zippered bag and smash with a rolling pin or a wooden spoon until the chips are broken down into smaller pieces, roughly the size of panko breadcrumbs.
STEP 5. Transfer to chips to a third shallow bowl.
STEP 6. Bread the chicken by placing each tender in the flour first, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it with the crushed potato chips.
STEP 7. Place the breaded tender on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the same process with all the remaining chicken pieces.
STEP 8. Spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray and place in the oven to bake until golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through in the middle, 20-25 minutes.
STEP 9. Remove from the oven and serve alongside ranch or honey mustard dip.
Tips for Achieving the Perfect Crunch
To ensure your Potato Chip Crusted Chicken has the perfect crunch, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Choose the right potato chips: Opt for a brand and flavor of potato chips that you enjoy eating on their own. This will ensure that the flavor of the chips shines through in the final dish.
2. Crush the chips to the right texture: Aim for a coarse texture when crushing the potato chips. You want them to be small enough to stick to the chicken but not too fine. This will give your chicken a nice, crunchy coating.
3. Use the egg mixture as glue: The egg mixture acts as a binding agent, helping the crushed chips adhere to the chicken. Make sure to fully coat the chicken in the egg mixture before adding the chips.
4. Bake or fry at the right temperature: If baking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and the crust gets crispy. If frying, heat the oil to the proper temperature before adding the chicken.
Why Potato Chips Make a Great Crust for Chicken
Potato chips may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of chicken crust, but they actually make the perfect coating for this dish. The unique texture and flavor of potato chips add an incredible dimension to the chicken, creating a crunchy exterior that locks in all the juices and flavors. The saltiness of the chips also enhances the overall taste of the dish, providing a savory balance to the chicken’s natural flavors. Plus, using potato chips as a crust adds a playful twist to a classic chicken recipe, making it a fun and unexpected choice for any occasion.
Using potato chips as a crust is not only delicious but also practical. It eliminates the need for breadcrumbs or flour, making it a gluten-free option for those with dietary restrictions. The chips also contain natural oils that help create a golden, crispy crust when baked or fried. So, if you’re looking to add an extra layer of flavor and texture to your chicken, potato chips are the way to go.
Variations and Additional Flavorings for Potato Chip Crusted Chicken
While the classic Potato Chip Crusted Chicken recipe is delicious on its own, you can also experiment with different variations and additional flavorings to suit your taste preferences. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the egg mixture for some heat.
- Cheesy twist: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan or cheddar cheese onto the crushed potato chips before coating the chicken for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Herb-infused: Mix in some dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley into the crushed potato chips for a fragrant and flavorful crust.
- Sweet and savory: Drizzle some honey or maple syrup onto the chicken before adding the crushed potato chips for a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors.
- Feel free to get creative and experiment with different flavor combinations. The possibilities are endless!
Serving Suggestions and Sauces
Potato Chip Crusted Chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes and sauces. Here are a few serving suggestions to complete your meal:
- Creamy mashed potatoes: Serve the chicken alongside a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and satisfying meal. Read more on How to Make the Best Mashed Potatoes
- Baked Reskinned Potatoes – yummy Compliment to this chicken recipe. Oven Roasted RedSkin Potatoes with Herbs
- Crispy roasted vegetables: Roast a medley of your favorite vegetables, such as carrots, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, for a healthy and flavorful side.
- Tangy coleslaw: Prepare a tangy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a zesty dressing to add a refreshing element to your plate.
As for sauces, you can either serve the chicken as is, allowing the flavors of the crust to shine, or pair it with a dipping sauce of your choice. Some popular options include:
- Honey mustard: The tanginess of the mustard complements the crunchy chicken perfectly, while the sweetness of honey adds a touch of balance.
- Barbecue sauce: The smoky, tangy flavors of barbecue sauce add a delicious twist to the chicken, enhancing its overall taste.
- Ranch dressing: A classic choice, ranch dressing provides a cool and creamy dip that complements the crunchy chicken crust.
Your family is going to love this tasty chicken recipe made with crunchy potato chips
- 1 lb. chicken breast tenders or 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thirds, to form chicken tenders
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 large egg
- 4 oz. ridged potato chips
- Cooking spray
- Sea salt and black pepper to taste
-
Preheat the oven to 400˚F.
-
Line a rimmed baking sheet with a piece of parchment paper.
-
In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill. Whisk to combine and season to taste with salt and pepper.
-
In a separate shallow dish, whisk the egg with salt and pepper, to taste.
-
Place the potato chips in a zippered bag and smash with a rolling pin or a wooden spoon until the chips are broken down into smaller pieces, roughly the size of panko breadcrumbs.
-
Transfer to chips to a third shallow bowl.
-
Bread the chicken by placing each tender in the flour first, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it with the crushed potato chips.
-
Place the breaded tender on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the same process with all the remaining chicken pieces.
-
Spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray and place in the oven to bake until golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through in the middle, 20-25 minutes.
-
Remove from the oven and serve alongside ranch or honey mustard dip.
-
Enjoy!
To serve: Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, etc. as desired.
Frequently asked Questions about Potato Chip Crusted Chicken
1. Can I use other types of chips instead of potato chips?
While potato chips work best for this recipe due to their texture and flavor, you can experiment with other types of chips like tortilla chips or even veggie chips. Just keep in mind that the taste and texture may vary.
2. Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless?
Absolutely! You can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks instead of boneless chicken breasts. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While the Potato Chip Crusted Chicken is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven or skillet, you can prepare the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to cook. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain its crispness.
4. Can I freeze the potato chip crusted chicken?
It’s not recommended to freeze the cooked potato chip crusted chicken, as the texture may become soggy upon thawing. However, you can freeze the uncooked chicken breasts with the crushed potato chip coating. Just make sure to wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or place them in a freezer-safe bag before freezing.
You will Love Some of Our Other Family Favorite Recipes:
Ground Chicken Meatballs Recipe
Cast Iron Skillet Fried Chicken Thighs
The Best Skillet Egg Noodle Lasagna Recipe
Chicken Cordon Blue Pasta
