Doritos-Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
Introduction
Doritos Chicken Tenders are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Crispy on the outside with a cheesy Doritos coating, these tenders are perfect for a quick snack or a tasty meal.
Ingredients
- Chicken tenders – 1 pound
- Doritos chips – 2 cups, crushed
- Eggs – 2, beaten
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil in a frying pan for frying.
- Step 2: Crush the Doritos into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing with a rolling pin.
- Step 3: Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Step 4: Roll the egg-coated chicken tenders in the crushed Doritos, pressing gently to help the crumbs stick.
- Step 5: If baking, arrange the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and cooked through. If frying, cook in hot oil for 3-4 minutes on each side until crispy and cooked inside.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or smoked paprika to the Doritos crumbs before coating.
- Use flavored Doritos varieties like Cool Ranch for a unique twist.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, blue cheese, or spicy mayo.
Storage
Store leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes to retain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it may make the coating soggy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Yes, you can slice chicken breasts into strips and follow the same coating and cooking process.
Is it better to bake or fry these chicken tenders?
Baking is a healthier option and still produces a crispy coating, while frying gives an extra crunch and richer flavor. Both methods work well depending on your preference.
PrintDoritos-Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
Crispy and flavorful Doritos Chicken Tenders are an easy-to-make snack or meal that combines crunchy Doritos coating with tender chicken inside. Perfect for a quick dinner or game day treat, these chicken tenders can be baked or fried to your preference, delivering a cheesy, spicy crunch everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 lb chicken tenders
Coating
- 2 cups crushed Doritos (any flavor)
- 2 large eggs
Instructions
- Prepare Doritos crumbs: Place the Doritos in a sealed plastic bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or pulse briefly in a food processor. Set aside.
- Beat eggs: Crack the eggs into a shallow bowl and whisk thoroughly until smooth.
- Coat chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated. Then dredge the chicken in the crushed Doritos crumbs, pressing gently to adhere the coating evenly.
- Cooking options:
For baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place coated tenders on a greased or parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
For frying, heat oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry tenders in batches for 3-5 minutes per side until crispy and cooked through. Drain on paper towels. - Serve: Allow tenders to cool slightly before serving them with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- You can customize the Doritos flavor to spice up the tenders (Nacho Cheese, Cool Ranch, or Spicy Sweet Chili work well).
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
- For extra crispiness when baking, spray tenders lightly with cooking oil before baking.
- These tenders pair well with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or salsa.
Keywords: Doritos Chicken Tenders, crispy chicken tenders, Doritos coated chicken, easy dinner, game day recipe
