I recently tried this amazing recipe for Doritos chicken tenders and I just had to share it with you! Imagine crispy and flavorful chicken tenders coated in a crunchy Doritos chip crust. It’s a match made in snack heaven!

These tenders are super easy to make too. Just coat the chicken strips in a delicious mixture of crushed Doritos, flour, and spices, then bake them until they’re golden and crispy. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and prepare to be blown away by the combination of juicy chicken and cheesy, spicy Doritos flavor. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist devouring these Doritos chicken tenders in no time!

Ingredients Needed for This Recipe

1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders: Chicken tenders are the perfect size for this recipe, ensuring quick cooking and a tender bite.
2 cups Doritos chips, crushed: Choose your favorite flavor of Doritos to customize the taste. Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch are popular choices.
1 cup all-purpose flour: This will be used to help the egg wash adhere to the chicken.

2 large eggs: Eggs will act as the binding agent between the chicken and the Doritos crumbs.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle hint of garlic flavor to the breading.
1 teaspoon paprika: Paprika will give a nice color and a mild spicy flavor to the chicken tenders.

Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust these seasonings according to your preference.
Vegetable oil for frying: You can also use canola oil; this is for deep frying or pan-frying the chicken tenders.

For step-by-step instructions on making these Doritos Chicken Tenders please open the next page…

Instructions for Making Doritos Chicken Tenders

Prep the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. This helps the flour stick to the chicken.
Crush the Doritos: Place the Doritos chips in a zip-top bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin. You can also use a food processor for this step. Make sure the crumbs are small enough to coat the chicken evenly.
Set Up Dredging Station: Create a dredging station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix the all-purpose flour with garlic powder and paprika. In the second dish, beat the eggs. Place the crushed Doritos in the third dish.

Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then finally coat it well with the crushed Doritos. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated for the best flavor and crunch.
Fry the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the chicken tenders in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
Drain and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy ketchup.

Tips for Perfecting the Recipe

Choose the Right Doritos Flavor: The type of Doritos you choose can significantly impact the flavor of your chicken tenders. While Nacho Cheese and Cool Ranch are classics, don’t be afraid to experiment with other flavors available in your region to find your favorite.

Ensure Uniform Crumb Size: For even cooking and a uniform crust, make sure the Doritos are crushed to a consistent size. Too large pieces might not adhere well to the chicken, while very fine crumbs may not offer the desired crunch.

Don’t Skip the Seasoning: Although Doritos are flavorful, seasoning the chicken itself with salt and pepper ensures that the meat inside is tasty too. The added garlic powder and paprika in the flour mixture also contribute to a more complex flavor profile.

Use a Wire Rack for Baking: If you choose to bake these chicken tenders instead of frying, place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet. This setup allows air to circulate around the chicken, helping to crisp up the coating on all sides.

Let Them Rest: After frying or baking, let the chicken tenders rest for a few minutes on a wire rack. This step helps to preserve the crust’s crispiness by preventing it from becoming soggy on a plate lined with paper towels.

Serving Suggestions

Dipping Sauces: Expand beyond traditional ketchup and mayonnaise. Offer a variety of sauces such as spicy mayonnaise, garlic aioli, sweet chili sauce, or a homemade honey mustard for dipping. Each sauce can bring out a different facet of the Doritos Chicken Tenders’ flavor.

Side Dishes: Consider serving these tenders with a side of light and refreshing coleslaw, a tangy potato salad, or crispy sweet potato fries. For a healthier option, a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh garden salad complements the richness of the tenders.

Make it a Meal: Turn these tenders into a hearty meal by serving them in wraps or sandwiches. Add some lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce for a delicious and satisfying lunch or dinner option.

Kid-Friendly Serving: Kids will love these tenders just as they are, but you can make the meal even more fun by cutting the chicken into smaller bite-sized pieces before breading. Serve them with a side of fruit or vegetable sticks for a balanced meal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this recipe gluten-free? Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be gluten-free by using a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour for the dredging process. Also, ensure that the Doritos flavor you choose is gluten-free, as some flavors may contain gluten.

How do I store leftovers, and how long will they last? Store any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy again.

Can I bake these chicken tenders instead of frying? Absolutely! To bake, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Arrange the coated chicken tenders on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy. Baking is a healthier alternative to frying and still yields delicious results.

How can I make sure the chicken is cooked through without burning the coating? The key is to maintain the correct oil temperature if frying (around 350°F or 175°C) and not overcrowd the pan. When baking, ensure the oven is properly preheated and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness without overcooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Is there a way to make this recipe less messy? While breading can be inherently messy, using one hand for dry ingredients (flour and Doritos) and the other hand for wet ingredients (eggs) can help manage the mess. Also, setting up your breading station with proper spacing and having a “cleanup cloth” nearby can make the process smoother.

Doritos Chicken Tenders

No ratings yet

This scrumptious Doritos Chicken Tenders recipe elevates a traditional dish with a burst of flavor and an irresistible crunch, thanks to the use of crushed Doritos chips for the breading.

Ingredients

1 lb 450 g chicken tenders: Chicken tenders are the perfect size for this recipe, ensuring quick cooking and a tender bite.

2 cups Doritos chips crushed: Choose your favorite flavor of Doritos to customize the taste. Nacho Cheese or Cool Ranch are popular choices.
1 cup all-purpose flour: This will be used to help the egg wash adhere to the chicken.
2 large eggs: Eggs will act as the binding agent between the chicken and the Doritos crumbs.

1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle hint of garlic flavor to the breading.
1 teaspoon paprika: Paprika will give a nice color and a mild spicy flavor to the chicken tenders.
Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust these seasonings according to your preference.
Vegetable oil for frying: You can also use canola oil; this is for deep frying or pan-frying the chicken tenders.

Instructions

Prep the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken tenders dry with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper to taste. This helps the flour stick to the chicken.
Crush the Doritos: Place the Doritos chips in a zip-top bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin. You can also use a food processor for this step. Make sure the crumbs are small enough to coat the chicken evenly.
Set Up Dredging Station: Create a dredging station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, mix the all-purpose flour with garlic powder and paprika. In the second dish, beat the eggs. Place the crushed Doritos in the third dish.

Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken tender first in the flour mixture, shaking off the excess. Dip it into the beaten eggs, then finally coat it well with the crushed Doritos. Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated for the best flavor and crunch.
Fry the Chicken: Heat the oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, fry the chicken tenders in batches, careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) when tested with a meat thermometer.
Drain and Serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a spicy ketchup.