Crispy Taco Chicken Bites
These Crispy Taco Chicken Bites are a delightful fusion of flavor and texture, perfect for a crowd-pleasing snack or main dish. Coated in a zesty combination of ranch dressing and crushed tortilla chips with a kick of taco seasoning, these nuggets are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Whether you’re preparing for a party, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a fun dinner idea, these versatile chicken bites are easily freezable and can be baked straight from the freezer. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces for an unforgettable treat!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 lbs (Cut into nugget-sized pieces.)
Ranch dressing
1 cup (Use as is.)
Milk
1/2 cup (Combine with ranch dressing.)
Tostitos tortilla chips
1 (13.5 ounce) bag (Crushed into fine crumbs.)
Taco seasoning mix
1 (1.25 ounce) envelope (Mix with crushed tortilla chips.)
Instructions
1
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the ranch dressing and milk until smooth.
3
Add the chicken breast pieces to the ranch mixture, ensuring they are all well-coated.
4
In a blender or food processor, crush the tortilla chips until they resemble fine crumbs, then transfer to a mixing bowl.
5
Stir the taco seasoning into the crushed tortilla chips, blending well.
6
If the chip mixture becomes too thick or sticky to adhere to the chicken, blend it again briefly for a finer consistency.
7
Using a slotted spoon, remove the chicken from the ranch mixture, allowing excess dressing to drip off, then roll each piece in the tortilla chip mixture until fully coated.
8
Once all the chicken bites are coated, you can choose to freeze them for future use. Arrange the nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours before transferring them to a zip-lock bag for storage.
9
To bake unfrozen nuggets, arrange them on a greased cookie sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy.
10
For frozen nuggets, increase the baking time to 25 minutes at the same temperature, checking for doneness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Taco Chicken Bites?
These are a fusion snack or main dish made of chicken coated in ranch dressing and taco-seasoned tortilla chips.
What type of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into nugget-sized pieces.
What is the liquid base for the coating?
The liquid base consists of 1 cup of ranch dressing mixed with 1/2 cup of milk.
What gives the chicken its crispy texture?
A 13.5 ounce bag of Tostitos tortilla chips, crushed into fine crumbs, provides the crispy exterior.
How is the taco flavor incorporated?
One 1.25 ounce envelope of taco seasoning mix is stirred into the crushed tortilla chips.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
The oven should be preheated to 425 degrees Fahrenheit or 220 degrees Celsius.
How long do fresh chicken bites need to bake?
Unfrozen nuggets should be baked for 15 to 20 minutes until cooked through.
Can I bake these chicken bites from frozen?
Yes, frozen nuggets can be baked at the same temperature for approximately 25 minutes.
How do I freeze the chicken bites for later use?
Arrange the coated nuggets in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours before moving them to a zip-lock bag.
Is a blender necessary for this recipe?
A blender or food processor is recommended to crush the tortilla chips into the fine crumbs needed for the coating.
What should I do if the chip mixture is too thick?
If the mixture is too thick to adhere properly, blend it again briefly to achieve a finer consistency.
How do I ensure the chicken is well-coated in the ranch?
Add the chicken pieces to the ranch and milk mixture in a large bowl and stir to ensure every piece is covered.
How do I remove the chicken from the liquid mixture?
Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the ranch mixture, allowing any excess dressing to drip off.
Should the baking sheet be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, the chicken bites should be arranged on a greased cookie sheet for the best results.
Are these chicken bites suitable for kids?
Yes, they are described as a kid-friendly recipe that is a hit with both children and adults.
What occasions are these best served for?
They are ideal for party food, meal prepping, snacks, or as a fun dinner idea.
How much ranch dressing is required?
The recipe requires 1 cup of ranch dressing.
How much milk is needed?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of milk to thin the ranch dressing.
What size of tortilla chip bag should I buy?
A standard 13.5 ounce bag of Tostitos tortilla chips is suggested.
Is the chicken cooked before coating?
No, the raw chicken pieces are coated and then either baked or frozen.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 5 main ingredients: chicken, ranch dressing, milk, tortilla chips, and taco seasoning.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I know the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when it is fully cooked through and the outer coating has become crispy.
Can I store these in a zip-lock bag?
Yes, once they have been flash-frozen on a baking sheet for 2 hours, they can be stored in a zip-lock bag.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include chicken, nuggets, taco, snack, appetizer, kid-friendly, and frozen meal prep.
Can I use different brands of chips?
While Tostitos are specified, any similar corn tortilla chip should work for the coating.
Are these bites spicy?
They have a zesty flavor from the taco seasoning, but are generally considered family-friendly rather than overly spicy.
How should I serve these?
They are best enjoyed with your favorite dipping sauces.
What is the texture of the finished dish?
The dish features a delightful fusion of tender chicken and a crispy, flavored exterior.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is specifically noted as being great for meal prepping because the bites are easily freezable.