Doritos Chicken Tenders Recipe

Crunchy, bold, and bursting with flavor, Doritos Chicken Tenders are the ultimate way to transform ordinary chicken into a crowd-pleasing snack or dinner. Imagine juicy chicken strips enveloped in a crisp, cheesy, and slightly spicy coating that’s almost too irresistible to save for guests. This dish turns the classic kid-friendly chicken tender into a playful, fun favorite for all ages using a secret ingredient found in just about any snack aisle. Whether you’re prepping for a family movie night or looking for a new twist on finger food, Doritos Chicken Tenders are about to become your go-to comfort food.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You don’t need a mile-long shopping list to bring these Doritos Chicken Tenders to life. Each ingredient pulls its weight, from the juicy chicken base to the signature crunch and color of Doritos—it’s all about simple steps and maximum flavor payoff.

• Chicken Breasts or Chicken Tenders: Opt for boneless, skinless pieces; when cut into strips, they cook evenly and stay juicy.
• Doritos (1-235 g bag): The star of the show; blitzed into crumbs, they provide that vibrant, cheesy crunch and irresistible color.
• Egg: Acts as a glue for the coating, making sure every bit of Dorito crumb sticks to the chicken.
• Milk (1/4 cup): Whisked with the egg, it creates a gentle bath for dredging the chicken and helps achieve a golden, even crust.

How to Make Doritos Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Pan

Begin by preheating your oven to 400F. For perfectly crispy Doritos Chicken Tenders, line a baking sheet with foil and top it with an oven-safe rack. This setup allows hot air to circulate around each tender, ensuring they bake up crunchy on all sides without getting soggy.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dipping Stations

In a shallow dish, whisk the egg and milk together until smooth and well combined. This mixture acts as the binding layer that holds the spiced coating to the chicken. Nearby, empty your blitzed Doritos into another shallow dish—you’re about to create a mini assembly line!

Step 3: Crush the Doritos

Pour the Doritos into a food processor and pulse them until they resemble coarse, colorful breadcrumbs. You want a mix of fine bits and some larger chunks for extra crunch. The bold color signals the explosive taste waiting in every bite of these Doritos Chicken Tenders!

Step 4: Prep the Chicken

If you’re using whole chicken breasts, slice them into strips about 1 inch thick. Uniform size means everything bakes at the same rate, giving you tender, juicy chicken with a crisp, cheesy exterior.

Step 5: Dredge and Coat

Dip each chicken strip first into the egg-milk mixture, letting any excess drip off. Then, press the chicken into the Dorito crumbs, ensuring every nook and cranny is thickly coated. It’s the secret to getting the full Dorito experience in every bite.

Step 6: Arrange on the Rack

Lay the coated chicken pieces on your prepared rack. Spacing them apart ensures they bake up golden and crunchy, not steamed or soggy. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan—it’s worth working in batches if you need to!

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the tray into your oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. The Doritos Chicken Tenders are ready when a meat thermometer pops in at 165F, or when they look sizzling and golden. Let them rest for just a minute or two before serving—they’re even more fragrant than they look!

How to Serve Doritos Chicken Tenders

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh cilantro or green onions adds a pop of color and a fresh contrast to the cheesy, crunchy coating. For the ultimate presentation, lay the finished tenders on a platter and scatter some extra crushed Doritos and a quick dusting of paprika for visual drama.

Side Dishes

Doritos Chicken Tenders are playful and flavorful, so pair them with sides that can hold their own. Cool, creamy coleslaw or a zesty corn salad works wonders to balance the richness. Classic choices like fries, sweet potato wedges, or even baked beans make this a meal everyone will dive into.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Doritos Chicken Tenders into a fun party platter with ramekins of ranch, salsa, or creamy avocado dip. Layer them in taco shells for an unforgettable taco night, or serve them slider-style in mini buns. The possibilities are as endless as your imagination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Doritos Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To keep the coating crunchy, try to avoid stacking them, or place parchment between layers.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked Doritos Chicken Tenders for up to two months. Place cooled tenders on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. This extra step helps keep them separated and easy to grab as needed.

Reheating

For the best results, reheat Doritos Chicken Tenders in the oven or an air fryer at 375F until heated through and crisp, usually 10 to 12 minutes. Microwaving works in a pinch, but the coating will be soft rather than crunchy.

FAQs

Can I use other flavors of Doritos for this recipe?

Absolutely! Spicy Sweet Chili, Cool Ranch, or even Flaming Hot Doritos give these chicken tenders a whole new character. Pick your favorite flavor to match your mood or the rest of your menu.

Do I need to use a rack for baking?

While a rack gives the best all-around crunch, you can bake Doritos Chicken Tenders directly on a foil-lined sheet. Flip them halfway through cooking so both sides get crispy.

Can I make Doritos Chicken Tenders in an air fryer?

Definitely! Set your air fryer to 400F, arrange tenders in a single layer, and cook for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispiness. They’ll come out golden, with even less oil.

How can I make these tenders gluten-free?

Just check the label and choose a gluten-free variety of tortilla chips for the coating. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making this an easy recipe to adapt.

What dipping sauces work best?

Classic ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or even a creamy jalapeno dip are all awesome with Doritos Chicken Tenders. Don’t be afraid to try salsas or guacamole for something a little different!

Final Thoughts

Doritos Chicken Tenders have a way of turning any meal into a celebration, and once you taste that signature crunch, it’s hard to go back to plain old chicken. Whether you’re cooking for kids, grownups, or just yourself, this recipe is a guaranteed winner every single time. Give it a try and watch the smiles light up around your table!

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