Doritos Chicken Tenders are a delightful twist on a classic favorite, combining the crunch of everyone’s beloved snack with the juicy tenderness of chicken. This innovative recipe not only satisfies your cravings but also brings a fun and exciting element to your dinner table. Originating from the creative kitchens of home cooks looking to elevate their meals, Doritos Chicken Tenders have quickly become a popular choice for families and gatherings alike.

People love this dish for its irresistible flavor and satisfying texture. The crispy Doritos coating adds a unique crunch that perfectly complements the tender chicken inside, making each bite a delightful experience. Additionally, the convenience of this recipe allows for quick preparation, making it an ideal option for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Whether served as an appetizer or a main course, Doritos Chicken Tenders are sure to impress your guests and leave them asking for seconds!

Ingredients:

1 pound chicken tenders
2 cups Doritos (any flavor, crushed)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Cooking oil (for frying)

Preparing the Chicken Tenders

Start by rinsing the chicken tenders under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the coating adhere better.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined. This mixture will help the Doritos coating stick to the chicken.
In a third bowl, place the crushed Doritos. You can crush them by placing them in a zip-top bag and using a rolling pin or your hands to break them into small pieces. Aim for a breadcrumb-like consistency, but dont make them too fine.

Breading the Chicken Tenders

Take each chicken tender and first coat it in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour.
Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the egg and milk mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
Finally, roll the chicken tender in the crushed Doritos, pressing gently to ensure the chips adhere well. Place the coated chicken tenders on a plate or baking sheet. Repeat this process for all chicken tenders.

Cooking the Chicken Tenders

In a large skillet or frying pan, pour enough cooking oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/4 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of bread into it; if it sizzles and bubbles, the oil is ready.
Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your skillet.
Fry the chicken tenders for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C).
Once cooked, use tongs to remove the chicken tenders from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil.

Serving the Doritos Chicken Tenders

Once all the chicken tenders are cooked, arrange them on a serving platter. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for a pop of color.
Serve the Doritos chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces. Some popular options include ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
For a complete meal, consider serving the chicken tenders alongside a fresh salad, coleslaw, or sweet potato fries.

Tips for Perfect Doritos Chicken Tenders

For extra flavor, consider adding additional spices to the flour mixture, such as cayenne pepper for heat or Italian seasoning for a herby touch.
If you prefer baking over frying, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spray them lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
Experiment with different flavors of Doritos to create unique variations of this dish. Spicy Nacho, Cool Ranch, or even the classic Nacho Cheese can all provide different flavor profiles.
For a healthier option, you can use whole wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour and bake the tenders instead of frying them.

Conclusion:

In summary, these Doritos Chicken Tenders are a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their chicken dish with a fun and flavorful twist. The crunchy, cheesy coating not only adds an irresistible texture but also infuses each bite with the iconic taste of Doritos, making them a hit with both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re serving them as a quick weeknight dinner, a party appetizer, or a game day snack, these tenders are sure to impress. For serving suggestions, consider pairing your Doritos Chicken Tenders with a zesty dipping sauce like ranch or buffalo sauce to complement the flavors. You can also serve them alongside a fresh salad or some crispy fries for a complete meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, try experimenting with different flavors of Doritos, such as Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho, to create your own unique version of this recipe. We encourage you to give this recipe a try and share your experience with friends and family. Dont forget to snap a photo of your delicious Doritos Chicken Tenders and tag us on social media! Your feedback and creativity can inspire others to enjoy this delightful dish. So roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in a crunchy, cheesy chicken experience that you won’t soon forget!

Doritos Chicken Tenders: A Crunchy and Flavorful Recipe You Must Try!

Author: Maria
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

These Doritos Chicken Tenders are a crunchy and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. Coated in crushed Doritos and seasoned with savory spices, they make for a quick dinner or a fun party appetizer. Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for a delicious treat!

Instructions

Start by rinsing the chicken tenders under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined.
In a third bowl, place the crushed Doritos.
Coat each chicken tender in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off excess flour.
Dip the floured chicken tender into the egg and milk mixture, ensuring it is fully coated.
Roll the chicken tender in the crushed Doritos, pressing gently to adhere. Place on a plate or baking sheet.
In a large skillet, pour enough cooking oil to cover the bottom by about 1/4 inch. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Carefully place the breaded chicken tenders into the hot oil, cooking in batches if necessary.
Fry for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/75°C).
Remove the chicken tenders from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels.
Arrange the cooked chicken tenders on a serving platter and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Serve with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
For a complete meal, serve alongside a fresh salad, coleslaw, or sweet potato fries.

Notes

For extra flavor, add spices like cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning to the flour mixture.
To bake instead of fry, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the breaded tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Experiment with different Doritos flavors for unique variations.
For a healthier option, use whole wheat flour and bake the tenders.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes