Introduction
Crunchy, cheesy, and oven-baked to golden perfection—these Doritos Chicken Tenders are a fun twist on classic tenders. Coated in crushed Doritos chips, they deliver bold flavor and an irresistible crunch without deep frying. Great for game night, dinner, or a kid-approved snack!
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
- 500g (about 1 lb) chicken tenders or chicken breast strips
- 2 cups Doritos (Nacho Cheese or your preferred flavor)
- ½ cup flour
- 2 eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Non-stick cooking spray or a little oil
Instructions
1. Prep the Chicken:
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
- Season lightly with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Crush the Doritos:
- Place Doritos in a food processor or ziplock bag and crush until they resemble coarse crumbs. Pour into a shallow bowl.
3. Set Up Breading Station:
- Bowl 1: Flour
- Bowl 2: Beaten eggs + milk
- Bowl 3: Crushed Doritos
4. Bread the Chicken:
- Dredge each chicken piece in flour (shake off excess).
- Dip in egg mixture.
- Press firmly into Doritos crumbs to coat all sides.
5. Bake:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place tenders on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Spray lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Bake for 18–22 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and coating is golden and crunchy.
Description
These baked chicken tenders have a bold Doritos crust that locks in moisture and delivers crunch in every bite. They’re cheesy, savory, and perfect for dipping in ranch, ketchup, or hot sauce. And since they’re baked, they’re lighter than traditional fried tenders.
Tips
- Use a wire rack: For extra crispiness, bake tenders on a wire rack placed over the baking sheet.
- Double crush: Crush Doritos finely for better sticking and texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Give each piece room to crisp up evenly.
Variations
- Spicy: Use Spicy Sweet Chili or Flamin’ Hot Doritos for heat.
- Cheesy blast: Add a little grated cheddar in the egg mix for richer flavor.
- Air fryer: Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway.
Common Mistakes & Corrections
- Doritos not sticking? Make sure to press them on well after the egg dip.
- Coating burns? Cover loosely with foil halfway through if your oven runs hot.
- Chicken dry? Don’t overbake—check internal temp hits 165°F (74°C) and no more.
Enjoy!
Serve hot with your favorite dips—ranch, buffalo sauce, or spicy mayo. These Doritos Chicken Tenders are fun, flavorful, and sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!