Potato Chip Chicken is a crispy, flavorful twist on classic breaded chicken. Instead of breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips create a crunchy, salty crust that locks in juicy, tender meat. Whether baked or air-fried, this easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a fun family meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra Crispy Coating – Potato chips add an irresistible crunch.
- Easy to Make – Just a few ingredients and minimal prep time.
- Versatile – Works with different types of chips for unique flavors.
- Baked or Air-Fried – A healthier alternative to deep frying.
- Kid-Friendly – A fun and delicious way to serve chicken.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Chicken breasts or chicken tenders
- Potato chips (plain or flavored)
- Eggs
- All-purpose flour
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Salt (optional, depending on chip saltiness)
- Cooking spray or oil (for baking or air frying)
Directions
- Preheat the Oven or Air Fryer – Set oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Crush the Potato Chips – Place chips in a resealable bag and crush them into coarse crumbs. Transfer to a shallow dish.
- Set Up a Breading Station – In three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs.
- Bowl 3: Crushed potato chips.
- Coat the Chicken – Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip in egg, then coat with potato chips, pressing gently to adhere.
- Bake or Air Fry:
- Baking: Place on a greased baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Frying: Place in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping once.
- Serve – Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with dipping sauces!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Potato Chip Chicken – Use spicy chips or add cayenne to the flour.
- Cheesy Coating – Mix crushed cheese-flavored chips into the coating.
- BBQ-Flavored – Use BBQ chips for a smoky twist.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use cornstarch instead of flour.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes or in an air fryer for 3-5 minutes to keep it crispy.
FAQs
Can I use different flavors of potato chips?
Yes! BBQ, sour cream & onion, or cheddar chips add great flavor.
Why isn’t my coating sticking?
Make sure to press the chips firmly onto the chicken and coat it evenly in flour and egg first.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well but may need a few extra minutes to cook.
What’s the best way to crush the chips?
Use a rolling pin or food processor, but leave some texture for crunch.
Can I make this without eggs?
Yes, substitute with buttermilk or a mixture of milk and a little mustard.
What dipping sauces go well with this?
Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or spicy mayo pair well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can bread the chicken and refrigerate it for up to an hour before baking.
Can I use flavored chips for extra taste?
Absolutely! Try Doritos, kettle chips, or jalapeño chips for unique flavors.
How do I keep the chicken crispy?
Serve immediately and avoid covering with foil, which traps moisture.
Is this recipe good for kids?
Yes! Kids love the crunchy texture and fun flavors.
Conclusion
Potato Chip Chicken is an easy, crispy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a quick dinner or fun family meal. With the crunch of potato chips and endless flavor possibilities, it’s a delicious twist on traditional breaded chicken. Serve it with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!
Print
Potato Chip Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This potato chip-crusted chicken is crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside. Using crushed potato chips instead of breadcrumbs adds an irresistible salty, crispy coating. Perfect for a quick dinner or kid-friendly meal!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
- 2 cups crushed potato chips (use your favorite flavor)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Cooking spray or melted butter (for extra crispiness)
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for extra crispiness.
- Prepare coating: Crush potato chips in a bag or food processor. In one bowl, mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, and paprika. In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken piece in flour, dip into the egg mixture, then press into the crushed chips, coating well.
- Bake: Place coated chicken on the baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with melted butter. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/75°C).
- Serve hot: Enjoy with dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce!
Notes
- Use flavored chips (like sour cream & onion or BBQ) for extra taste!
- Works great with chicken tenders for a fun, kid-friendly meal.
- For an air-fryer version, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway.