Doritos Chicken Tenders bring a fun twist to a classic dish! Made with crispy Doritos, these chicken tenders are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a party appetizer. Their crunchy texture and cheesy flavor make them a hit with kids and adults alike. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious recipe!
Table of Contents
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is a great choice for many reasons. First, it combines the beloved flavor of Doritos with tender chicken, making it irresistibly tasty. Second, it’s easy to prepare, requiring minimal ingredients and steps. Lastly, it’s a fun recipe to involve kids in the kitchen since they can help with the coating process. Whether you’re looking for a comforting meal or a crowd-pleaser, Doritos Chicken Tenders are sure to impress!
How to Make Doritos Chicken Tenders
Making Doritos Chicken Tenders is simple! Just follow the easy steps outlined below, and you’ll have crispy, flavorful tenders ready in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
- 2 cups crushed Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Place the crushed Doritos in a shallow dish and set aside.
- In another shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- In a third shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
- Working one chicken tender at a time, dredge it in the seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Press the chicken tender into the crushed Doritos, turning to coat all sides and pressing gently so the crumbs stick well.
- Place the coated tenders onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the outside is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!
How to Serve Doritos Chicken Tenders
Serve Doritos Chicken Tenders hot out of the oven for the best crunch! Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, or honey mustard. They make a fantastic meal on their own or can be served alongside a fresh salad, fries, or a veggie platter.
How to Store Doritos Chicken Tenders
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the tenders in the oven to restore their crispy texture.
Tips to Make Doritos Chicken Tenders
- Make sure to crush the Doritos into small pieces so they adhere well to the chicken.
- Let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes after baking to ensure they stay juicy.
- Experiment with different flavors of Doritos for a unique twist!
Variation
For a spicier version, try using Spicy Nacho Doritos instead of the classic Nacho Cheese flavor. You can also add cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for an extra kick!
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of chip instead of Doritos?
Yes! You can use other flavored chips like tortilla chips or tortilla crisps, but keep in mind the flavor will change.
2. Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked, coated chicken tenders. Just place them in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
3. Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of frying?
Yes, this recipe is designed for baking! Baking gives them a crispy texture without the need for frying, making it a healthier option.
Doritos Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds chicken tenders
- 2 cups crushed Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor) Make sure to crush the Doritos into small pieces.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 0.5 cup milk
Spices
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Place the crushed Doritos in a shallow dish and set aside.
- In another shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
- In a third shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
Coating
- Working one chicken tender at a time, dredge it in the seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any excess.
- Dip the floured chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Press the chicken tender into the crushed Doritos, turning to coat all sides and pressing gently so the crumbs stick well.
- Place the coated tenders onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Cooking
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the outside is crispy and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and rest for a few minutes before serving.
