Crispy Parmesan Tortilla Chicken Breasts
Discover a delightfully crunchy twist on classic chicken with this Crispy Parmesan Tortilla Chicken Breasts recipe. Utilizing leftover corn tortilla chips, this dish transforms simple chicken breasts into a deliciously crispy meal that’s both satisfying and light. The natural moisture from fat-free Italian dressing serves as an ideal marinade, allowing the crushed tortilla chip mixture to adhere beautifully, ensuring juicy chicken on the inside while achieving a golden, crunchy exterior. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or a more relaxed weekend meal, you can customize the chip crust with your choice of flavors to suit your palate. Serve with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or creamy potato dishes for a well-rounded meal everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (Clean and trim excess fat as needed.)
Fat-free Italian salad dressing
2 tablespoons (For marinating the chicken.)
Garlic clove
1 (Minced.)
Crushed tortilla chips
1 cup (Use any style of tortilla chips, crushed.)
Fresh-grated parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon (For adding richness to the coating.)
Rosemary
1/2 teaspoon (Dried or fresh, finely chopped.)
Basil
1/2 teaspoon (Dried or fresh, finely chopped.)
Salt and pepper
To taste (Adjust according to preference.)
Nonstick cooking spray
As needed (For lining the baking sheet.)
Instructions
1
In a zip-top bag, combine 2 tablespoons of fat-free Italian salad dressing and 1 minced garlic clove with the chicken breasts to create a marinade.
2
Seal the bag and massage gently to coat the chicken evenly, then refrigerate for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld. For best results, marinate longer.
3
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a sheet pan by lining it with aluminum foil and spraying it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4
In a separate zip-top bag, mix together 1 cup of crushed tortilla chips, 1 tablespoon of fresh-grated parmesan cheese, ½ teaspoon of rosemary, ½ teaspoon of basil, and salt and pepper to taste. If your tortilla chips are salted, you may wish to omit additional salt.
5
Pour half of the tortilla chip mixture onto a paper plate for easy coating. Remove the first chicken breast from the marinade, allowing excess dressing to drip off, and coat both sides with the tortilla chip mixture, pressing firmly to adhere.
6
Place the coated chicken breast on the prepared sheet pan. Repeat the process with the second chicken breast.
7
After coating, cover the chicken loosely with plastic wrap or foil and let it rest in the refrigerator for about 5-10 minutes to help the crust set.
8
Bake for 30-45 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, ensuring the coating is golden brown and the juices run clear when pierced.
9
For serving, consider pairing the chicken with a refreshing salad, a hearty potato side dish, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Crispy Parmesan Tortilla Chicken Breasts?
It is a flavorful dish that uses crushed corn tortilla chips and parmesan cheese to create a crunchy crust on marinated chicken breasts.
What type of chicken should I use for this recipe?
This recipe calls for two boneless skinless chicken breasts, cleaned and trimmed of excess fat.
How long does the chicken need to marinate?
The chicken should marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, though marinating longer will result in better flavor.
What is used as the marinade for this chicken?
A combination of 2 tablespoons of fat-free Italian salad dressing and 1 minced garlic clove is used to marinate and moisten the chicken.
Can I use regular Italian dressing instead of fat-free?
Yes, regular Italian dressing will work as a substitute for the fat-free version if preferred.
What temperature should the oven be preheated to?
The oven should be preheated to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius).
How do I prepare the baking pan?
Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil and spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking.
What ingredients are in the tortilla chip coating?
The coating consists of crushed tortilla chips, fresh-grated parmesan cheese, rosemary, basil, salt, and pepper.
Should I add salt to the coating mixture?
If your tortilla chips are already salted, you may want to omit additional salt to avoid over-seasoning.
What is the best way to coat the chicken with the chips?
Remove the chicken from the marinade, let the excess drip off, and press both sides firmly into the tortilla chip mixture on a plate.
How much rosemary and basil is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of rosemary and 1/2 teaspoon of basil, either dried or finely chopped fresh.
Why should the chicken rest in the refrigerator after breading?
Resting the coated chicken for 5-10 minutes helps the tortilla chip crust set and adhere better during the baking process.
How long does the chicken take to bake?
The chicken typically takes between 30 and 45 minutes to cook through completely.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when the coating is golden brown and the juices run clear when the meat is pierced with a fork.
What kind of tortilla chips are best?
You can use any style of corn tortilla chips; it is a great way to use up leftover chips from the bottom of the bag.
Can I use chicken tenders instead of whole breasts?
Yes, you can use chicken tenders, but you will need to reduce the baking time significantly.
What sides pair well with this dish?
This chicken goes well with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, steamed vegetables, or creamy potato dishes.
Can I customize the flavor of the crust?
Yes, you can use flavored tortilla chips like lime or spicy varieties to change the flavor profile of the meal.
Is fresh parmesan better than canned parmesan for this?
The recipe recommends fresh-grated parmesan cheese for better richness and texture in the coating.
How do I crush the tortilla chips?
You can crush them by placing them in a zip-top bag and rolling over them with a rolling pin or squeezing them by hand.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it uses lean chicken breasts, fat-free dressing, and is baked rather than fried, making it a lighter alternative to traditional fried chicken.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, provided your tortilla chips and Italian dressing are certified gluten-free, this dish is naturally gluten-free.
Should the garlic be fresh or powdered?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 minced garlic clove for the best flavor in the marinade.
Can I prepare the breading in advance?
You can mix the dry ingredients for the coating in advance, but do not coat the chicken until you are ready to rest it and bake.
What texture does the tortilla chip crust have?
The crust is golden and very crunchy, providing a nice contrast to the juicy chicken inside.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe as written uses two chicken breasts, which typically serves two people.
Do I need to cover the chicken while it bakes?
No, the chicken should be baked uncovered to allow the tortilla chip coating to become crispy.
Can I use an air fryer for this recipe?
Yes, you can air fry the chicken at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
What should I do if the chicken is too thick?
If the chicken breasts are very thick, you can pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook more evenly.
Can I store and reheat leftovers?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. For best results, reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain the crunch.