Quick & Crunchy Doritos Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crafting the ultimate doritos chicken tenders can turn an ordinary meal into a crispy, flavor-packed adventure.

Crushed chips create an irresistible coating that adds serious crunch to tender chicken strips.

Nacho cheese intensity meets succulent meat in a combination that sparks joy for snack enthusiasts.

Home cooks discover a simple yet impressive technique to elevate weeknight dinners.

Seasoned professionals and kitchen novices alike can master this crowd-pleasing recipe with minimal effort.

Texture and taste merge in a delightful culinary experience that promises to impress even picky eaters.

You won’t believe how easy it is to transform basic ingredients into something extraordinary.

Ingredients for Doritos Chicken Tenders

• Chicken Breasts: Tender white meat that serves as the base for these crispy tenders.

• Doritos, Egg, Milk: Crushed chips provide a crunchy exterior while egg and milk help the coating stick to the chicken.

• Cooking Spray, Foil: Cooking spray helps create a crispy finish, and foil ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

• Ranch Dressing, Sour Cream: Classic dipping sauces that complement the zesty Doritos coating.

How to Make Doritos Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 400F (200C). Get ready for some serious flavor action.

Step 2: Slice The Chicken

Grab your chicken breasts and slice them into long, slender strips about 34-inch wide. Think of creating perfect dipping-friendly pieces.

Step 3: Crush Those Doritos

Toss your Doritos into a sturdy resealable bag. Channel your inner chef and crush those chips using a rolling pin or heavy glass bottom. You want a nice, rough texture that’ll stick beautifully to the chicken.

Step 4: Whip Up The Egg Mixture

In a wide, shallow bowl, whisk together egg and milk until they’re perfectly blended. This magical mixture will help your Doritos coating cling like a dream.

Step 5: Dunk And Coat The Chicken

• Chicken strips
• Egg mixture
• Crushed Doritos

Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash, making sure it’s completely covered. Then roll it in the crushed Doritos, pressing firmly so the chips create a crunchy armor around the meat.

Step 6: Prepare For Baking

Line a baking sheet with foil. Arrange your coated chicken strips with some breathing room between them. Give them a light spray of cooking spray to help them turn extra crispy.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven. Bake for 15-17 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the Doritos coating looks golden and irresistibly crunchy.

Step 8: Serve And Devour

Pull those sizzling tenders out of the oven. Grab your favorite dipping sauce – ranch, sour cream, or whatever makes your taste buds dance. Serve immediately and watch everyone dive in!

Pro Tips for Doritos Chicken Tenders

• Choose Doritos Flavor Wisely: Select a bold chip variety like nacho cheese or cool ranch to add extra punch and unique taste to your chicken tenders.
• Crush Chips Consistently: Aim for uniform, medium-sized crumbs to ensure even coating and maximum crispiness on each chicken strip.
• Prevent Soggy Bottoms: Use a wire rack on top of your baking sheet to allow air circulation, keeping the chicken crisp on all sides during baking.
• Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption without overcooking.
• Enhance Dipping Options: Experiment with homemade dips like spicy mayo, chipotle sauce, or tangy salsa to complement the Doritos' crunchy coating.

Variation Ideas for Doritos Chicken Tenders

• Nacho Cheese Chicken Crunch: Use Nacho Cheese Doritos instead of original flavor for an extra zesty coating that adds bold cheese flavor to your chicken tenders.
• Spicy Ranch Chicken Strips: Substitute Spicy Nacho Doritos and mix ranch seasoning into the egg wash for a kicked-up version with additional heat and tangy undertones.
• Gluten-Free Crunchy Option: Replace regular Doritos with gluten-free tortilla chips and use gluten-free flour for coating to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Protein Wrap: Skip the Doritos coating and wrap seasoned chicken tenders in lettuce leaves, serving with a side of low-carb dipping sauce for a lighter alternative.

Pairing Suggestions for Doritos Chicken Tenders

• Elevate Dipping Experience: Pair these zesty Doritos chicken tenders with cool ranch dressing for a tangy flavor explosion that complements the crunchy chip coating.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Crack open an ice-cold beer like a crisp lager or light pale ale to balance the spicy, cheesy notes of the Doritos and cut through the richness of the chicken.
• Sidekick Salad Suggestion: Toss together a light cucumber and tomato salad with a simple vinaigrette to provide a fresh, cool contrast to the bold and crunchy chicken tenders.
• Dipping Sauce Adventure: Experiment with spicy sriracha mayo or smoky chipotle sauce to add an extra layer of excitement and heat to these crowd-pleasing chicken strips.

Storage Tips for Doritos Chicken Tenders

• Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Place them in a single layer to maintain crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual tenders in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 375F. Spread tenders on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil to prevent burning. Bake for 10-12 minutes until heated through and crispy.
• Set air fryer to 375F. Place tenders in basket, cook for 3-4 minutes. Shake basket halfway through to ensure even heating and restore original crunchiness.

FAQs for Doritos Chicken Tenders

• Why use Doritos for coating chicken tenders?

Doritos provide a crunchy, flavorful alternative to traditional breadcrumbs, adding a zesty chip coating that gives extra texture and taste to the chicken.

• Can I use different flavors of Doritos?

Absolutely! Experiment with nacho cheese, cool ranch, or spicy flavors to create unique and exciting variations of these chicken tenders.

• How do I ensure the Doritos stick to the chicken?

Press the crushed Doritos firmly onto the egg-coated chicken strips, making sure each piece is completely and evenly covered for maximum crunch and flavor.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Kids love the fun, crunchy coating and the familiar Doritos flavor, making these chicken tenders a crowd-pleaser for both children and adults.

Why Doritos Chicken Tenders Are a Fun Twist

• Crunch Beyond Ordinary: Transform boring chicken into a flavor explosion with Doritos coating that delivers serious crunch and excitement.
• Snack-Style Meal Makeover: Reinvent classic chicken tenders by using crushed Doritos, turning a simple protein into a crowd-pleasing dish that appeals to kids and adults alike.
• Kid-Friendly Culinary Adventure: Engage young chefs in the kitchen by letting them help crush Doritos and coat chicken strips, making meal preparation a fun, interactive experience.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Create a delicious dinner solution that requires minimal prep time and uses readily available ingredients, perfect for busy households seeking tasty meal options.

Doritos Chicken Tenders Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25-27 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Crispy Doritos chicken tenders bring bold Mexican-inspired flavors to classic comfort food. Crushed chip coating delivers maximum crunch and zesty seasoning that elevates your dinner experience with irresistible texture and bold taste.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken:

• 2 chicken breasts

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 bag Doritos (any flavor, such as Nacho Cheese)
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) milk

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Instructions

1. Crank the oven to a scorching 400F (200C) to create the perfect crispy environment for these zesty chicken tenders.
2. Transform chicken breasts into slender strips, cutting them approximately 3/4-inch wide for optimal crunch and even cooking.
3. Pulverize Doritos in a sealed plastic bag using a rolling pin or heavy glass, creating a textured, flavorful coating that will give these tenders their signature crunch.
4. Whisk egg and milk together in a shallow bowl, creating a silky binding agent that will help the crunchy Doritos adhere perfectly to the chicken.
5. Submerge each chicken strip into the egg mixture, ensuring a complete and even coating that will act as glue for the Doritos crumbs.
6. Roll the egg-drenched chicken strips in the crushed Doritos, pressing firmly to guarantee maximum chip coverage and a crunchy exterior.
7. Arrange the coated strips on a foil-lined baking sheet, creating space between each tender to promote even browning.
8. Lightly mist the chicken strips with cooking spray to enhance their golden-brown potential and create an extra crispy finish.
9. Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 15-17 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature.
10. Remove the tenders from the oven and let them rest for a moment to seal in their juicy interior.
11. Serve immediately alongside ranch dressing or sour cream for dipping, transforming this dish into an irresistible crowd-pleaser.

Notes

• Choose low-sodium Doritos to reduce overall salt content and make the dish healthier.
• Experiment with different Doritos flavors like Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch for unique taste variations.
• Use gluten-free Doritos and cornstarch instead of flour for a celiac-friendly alternative.
• Pat chicken strips completely dry before coating to ensure maximum crispiness and better chip adherence.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-17 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg