Welcome cook recipe. Looking for a bold and delicious twist on traditional chicken tenders? These Crispy Doritos Chicken Tenders deliver unbeatable crunch, rich flavor, and juicy tenderness in every bite. Whether you’re cooking for kids, preparing a quick family meal, or serving up game-day snacks, this recipe is sure to satisfy every craving.
By coating chicken strips in crushed Doritos chips, you unlock a flavor-packed crust that’s far more exciting than breadcrumbs. It’s simple to prepare, fun to eat, and easily customizable with your favorite Doritos flavors like Nacho Cheese, Cool Ranch, or Spicy Sweet Chili.
This recipe is a must-add to your rotation of easy chicken dinner ideas.
Why You’ll Love These Doritos Chicken Tenders
These oven-baked chicken tenders stand out for several reasons:
- Bold, zesty coating using your favorite flavored chips
- Kid-friendly and family-approved
- Quick weeknight recipe, ready in under 30 minutes
- Baked, not fried, for a lighter crunch
- Easy to adapt with different seasonings or dips
Ingredients
Below is a simple list of ingredients for this flavorful chicken tenders recipe.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Boneless chicken breasts | 2 medium | Skinless and cut into ¾-inch strips |
| Doritos chips | 1 bag (approx. 9.75 oz) | Use any flavor; Nacho Cheese is popular |
| Egg | 1 | For the egg wash |
| Milk | 2 tablespoons | Helps loosen the egg wash |
| Salt and pepper | To taste (optional) | For seasoning the chicken |
| Non-stick cooking spray | As needed | To help crisp up the coating |
Prep and Cooking Details
| Detail | Time |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 17 minutes |
| Total Time | 27 minutes |
| Servings | 3 to 4 people |
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper, then lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Cut and Prepare Chicken
Trim the chicken breasts and cut them into uniform strips about ¾-inch wide. Pat dry with a paper towel for better coating adherence.
3. Crush the Doritos
Place Doritos chips in a ziplock bag. Crush them with a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy glass until you achieve a fine, crumbly texture. You should have around 1½ cups of crushed chips.
4. Make the Egg Wash
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined.
5. Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash, ensuring full coverage. Then coat with the crushed Doritos, pressing down firmly so the chips stick to every surface.
6. Arrange on Baking Sheet
Place each coated chicken tender on your baking sheet. Make sure there is space between each piece to allow air circulation for a crispier result.
7. Bake to Perfection
Spray the tops of the tenders lightly with cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the coating is crisp and golden.
8. Serve Hot
Remove from the oven and let rest for 1 to 2 minutes. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces.
Flavor Variations
These Doritos tenders are incredibly versatile. You can switch things up by trying different chip flavors or adding spices to the egg wash.
- Cool Ranch Doritos: Add a tangy twist
- Flamin’ Hot Doritos: Turn up the heat
- Add Cayenne or Paprika: To boost spice in the egg wash
- Add Garlic Powder or Onion Powder: For more savory depth
Suggested Dipping Sauces
Pair your crispy chicken tenders with any of these delicious dips:
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy mayo
- Barbecue sauce
- Chipotle aioli
- Sour cream with chives
- Salsa or guacamole for a Tex-Mex twist
Tips for Best Results
- Use evenly cut chicken strips for consistent cooking
- Firmly press the Doritos onto the chicken so the coating adheres well
- Avoid overcrowding the baking sheet to maintain crunch
- If chips begin to brown too quickly, cover loosely with foil halfway through
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Use a toaster oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to maintain crispiness
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the chip coating may lose texture
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well. Just trim excess fat and adjust cooking time if needed.
Can I air fry these tenders?
Absolutely. Air fry at 375°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
Can I deep fry instead of baking?
Yes, you can shallow or deep fry in hot oil (350°F) until golden and cooked through. Drain on paper towels before serving.
Can I make this gluten-free?
While Doritos are made from corn, always check the package for gluten-containing ingredients or potential cross-contamination.
How do I make this dairy-free?
Skip the milk and use a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk in the egg wash.
Serving Suggestions
To complete the meal, serve these Doritos-crusted chicken tenders with:
- Fresh garden salad or coleslaw
- Loaded mashed potatoes
- Sweet potato fries or waffle fries
- Corn on the cob or roasted veggies
- Macaroni and cheese for a family-favorite dinner
Printable Recipe Card
Crispy Doritos Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 bag Doritos (any flavor)
1 egg
2 tbsp milk
Salt and pepper to taste
Non-stick cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut chicken into strips. Pat dry.
- Crush Doritos into fine crumbs.
- Whisk egg and milk in a shallow bowl.
- Dip chicken in egg wash, then coat with crushed Doritos.
- Place on the baking sheet and spray tops with cooking spray.
- Bake 15–17 minutes until golden and fully cooked.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Yields: 3–4 servings
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 17 min
Total Time: 27 min
Conclusion
Crispy Doritos Chicken Tenders are more than just a fun twist on a classic dish—they’re a flavor explosion that brings excitement to your dinner table. With their bold, crunchy coating and juicy interior, these tenders are perfect for casual meals, parties, or weeknight dinners.
Whether you go classic with Nacho Cheese or adventurous with Spicy Sweet Chili, you’ll enjoy a satisfying meal that’s quick to prepare and unforgettable in taste. Make them once, and they’ll become a regular favorite.
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