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Nacho Chicken Strips

5 from 2 votes
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posted: 12/05/20

This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy
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This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy

These Nacho Chicken Tenders are the perfect fun dinner recipe. Your family will love this twist on classic baked chicken strips.

overhead view of a basket of chicken tenders made with crushed chips

Sponsored by TOSTITOS®.  All opinions are my own.

I’m pretty much always trying to create new dinner recipes that I think my kiddos will like. Score one for me with these awesome Nacho Chicken Tenders. They are a spin on traditional chicken strips that I think your kids will also love.

The flavor for this awesome kid approved recipe comes from TOSTITOS® Salsa Verde Chips. Our family loves TOSTITOS® They are our go to chip, and we always have a bag on hand for taco night. Well, we now have a new favorite. You can bet these will be part of our movie nights going forward.

I cannot stress enough how amazing these chips are. I truly want them every time I have chips now from here until eternity. Tostitos has outdone themselves with this amazing chip. They are amazing for a fun snack, and super fun in this chicken tender recipe.

a bag of salsa verde Tostitos next to a tray fo baked chicken tenders

How to Make Chicken Tenders

Chicken Tenders at home are so simple to make. And even more fun when you can make a great spin on the breading.

  1. Crush a few cups of TOSTITOS® Salsa Verde chips in a food processor or in a bag with a rolling pin.
  2. Then working in batches dip the chicken tenders in flour, then an egg bath, and finally the crushed chips.
  3. Bake the chicken tenders on a wire rack lined baking sheet.
  4. Enjoy with TOSTITOS® Salsa Con Queso.

Baked Chicken Tenders

In our house we always bake our chicken strips. It is a very simple method of cooking, and we can the avoid smell of deep frying. Adding just a little bit of vegetable oil to the chips allows them to crisp up in the oven.

chicken strip being dipped into nacho cheese sauce

Air Fryer Chicken Tenders

You could definitely make these in an air fryer. You will need to cook them in batches, but they will crips up nicely.

Cook for 8 to 10 minutes at 360 degrees in an air fryer, making sure that you check the temperature of the chicken with an instant read thermometer when they come out. The chicken should register 165 degrees.

Topping Nacho Chicken Strips

I’m telling you that you need to dip these chicken tenders in TOSTITOS® Salsa Con Queso. The flavor combination is absolutely perfect. Here are a few other great topping ideas:

  • sour cream
  • jalapeños
  • olives
  • diced tomatoes
  • cilantro
  • shredded lettuce
overhead view of a plate of chicken tenders topped with taco toppings like jalapeños, tomatoes, olives, and cilantro

Other Great Kid Friendly Dinners

If you need more great dinner inspiration for little fingers, check out some of these kid friendly recipes:

  • As mentioned, we use TOSTITOS® for taco night all time. It is a regular occasion with this great Chicken Taco recipe my kids adore.
  • Another great meal for chips that my kids love is this Chicken Taco Soup. The best part is that it takes 5 minutes to prepare!
  • Finally, these Baked Chicken Fajitas are a 30 minute fan favorite around here!
overhead view of a basket of chicken tenders made with crushed chips
5 from 2 votes

Nacho Chicken Tenders

Serves: 4 people
(tap # to scale)
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
These Nacho Chicken Tenders are the perfect fun dinner recipe. Your family will love this twist on classic baked chicken strips.

Ingredients

For Chicken Tenders

  • 2 pounds chicken tenderloins
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 tablespoon milk
  • 2 cups crushed Salsa Verde TOSTITOS®
  • 1/4 cup vegetable oil

For Dipping

  • 8 ounces TOSTITOS® Salsa Con Queso

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and set aside.
  • Add the flour to a large plate, whisk in the salt and pepper.
  • Whisk the eggs with the milk in a medium sized bowl and put it next to the flour.
  • Finally, pour the crushed chips into a large bowl, mix in the vegetable oil. Add to a large plate next to the eggs.
  • Working in batches dip the chicken in the flour, then the eggs, then the TOSTITOS® mixture and place them on the baking dish. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until chicken registers 165 degrees with an instant read thermometer.
  • Serve with TOSTITOS® Salsa Con Queso and your favorite taco toppings like tomatoes, jalapeños, olives, and sour cream.
Author: Lisa Longley
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
overhead view of a basket of chicken tenders made with crushed chips

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Nacho Chicken Tenders

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Hi! I'm Lisa Longley, and I am committed to giving you simple dinner ideas and recipes that are easy to make; recipes that will fill your home with joy. I am the owner and author of SimpleJoy.com and I'm so glad that you are here.

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  1. Vicki Rivrud says

    5 stars
    We loved this recipe – fast and easy to prep – yummy chip coating paired with the queso made for a very easy meal for 2 senior citizens!!
    Leftovers warmed up crisp in the airfryer.

    I love all your recipes-keep up the great work- even after all my years of cooking and burnout, I learn something new from your site.
    Cheers,
    Vicki Palm Harbor FL

    • Lisa Longley says

      I’m so happy to hear this, Vicki. Seriously, this comment made my day. Thank you for taking the time to leave it.

  2. Joel says

    Outstanding! Paired it with chips and taco dip combined great. Everyone loves it.

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