Tortilla Chips and Pecans-Crusted Chicken Nuggets
Recipe GLPR4330712d0b43a1
Crispy, golden chicken nuggets coated in a flavorful blend of crushed tortilla chips, toasted pecans, chili powder, and oregano. Baked to tender perfection with a satisfying crunch, these homemade nuggets make a delicious and quick weeknight dinner or lunch. The pecan-tortilla crust adds rich, nutty notes alongside warm spices for a truly craveable bite.
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Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves (about 1½ pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes
salt, to taste
fresh ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups crushed tortilla chips
½ teaspoon chili powder
½ tablespoon dried oregano
½ cup halved pecans
¼ cup milk
cooking spray
Directions
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray. Season the chicken cubes generously with salt and fresh ground pepper on all sides, and set aside.
Place the crushed tortilla chips, chili powder, and dried oregano into a food processor or blender. Process until the mixture becomes finely ground and resembles breadcrumbs.
Add the halved pecans to the food processor and pulse several times until the pecans are finely ground and well combined with the chip mixture. Do not over-process; the texture should remain slightly coarse for optimal crunchiness.
Pour the pecan-tortilla mixture onto a shallow plate.
Pour the milk into a shallow bowl. Working in batches, dip each seasoned chicken cube into the milk to coat lightly, then roll it in the pecan-tortilla mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres evenly.
Arrange the coated chicken nuggets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, spacing them about ½ inch apart.
Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring the nuggets halfway through cooking, until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
Remove the baking sheet from the oven and allow the nuggets to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
Serve the nuggets warm with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside your preferred side dishes.
