If you’re looking to bring excitement to your dinner table, these Doritos Chicken Tenders deliver a bold, flavorful crunch that’s impossible to resist. Coated in crushed Doritos chips instead of traditional breadcrumbs, these tenders are packed with a cheesy, zesty punch that kids and adults will love.
Perfect for game nights, parties, or a fun family dinner, this recipe transforms ordinary chicken strips into something extraordinary — crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor in every bite.
Ingredients
Serves 4–6
- 2 pounds (900g) chicken tenders or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips
- 2 cups crushed Doritos (Nacho Cheese or your preferred flavor)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil (for baking or frying)
Preparation Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 20 minutes
- Total time: 35 minutes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or heat oil in a frying pan if frying.
- Place Doritos in a resealable bag and crush them into fine crumbs using a rolling pin or food processor.
- Pour crushed Doritos into a shallow bowl.
Step 2: Set Up a Breading Station
- In one bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- In a second bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
- Keep the Doritos crumbs in the third bowl.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
- Dredge each chicken strip in flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg mixture, ensuring even coating.
- Roll in crushed Doritos, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the chicken.
Step 4: Bake or Fry
- To Bake: Arrange coated tenders on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray with cooking oil and bake for 18–20 minutes until golden and crispy.
- To Fry: Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry tenders for 3–4 minutes per side until crisp and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce — ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo work perfectly.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a side of fries or coleslaw for a complete meal.
- Slice and add to wraps or sandwiches for a fun lunch option.
- Serve as an appetizer with a trio of dips for parties.
- For a lighter version, try baking instead of frying.
Nutritional Highlights
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx. 3 tenders) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 25 grams |
| Total Fat | 14 grams |
| Saturated Fat | 3 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 24 grams |
| Sugars | 2 grams |
| Fiber | 1 gram |
| Sodium | 480 milligrams |
Nutritional Notes:
- High in protein from lean chicken breast.
- Doritos coating adds crunch and flavor but increases sodium and fat — ideal for an occasional indulgence.
- Baking instead of frying can reduce fat by up to 30%.
- Pair with a fresh salad to balance the meal.
Tips for Best Results
- Use different Doritos flavors like Cool Ranch, Spicy Nacho, or Sweet Chili for variety.
- Crush chips finely for a more even coating; leave some larger crumbs for extra crunch.
- Do not overcrowd the baking sheet — space ensures crispiness.
- For extra juiciness, marinate chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes before coating.
Variations to Try
- Spicy Kick: Mix crushed red pepper or cayenne into the Doritos crumbs.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Sprinkle shredded cheddar over tenders before baking.
- Healthy Twist: Use baked Doritos and air fry the tenders for a lighter version.
- Kids’ Favorite: Cut chicken into bite-sized nuggets before coating.
These Doritos Chicken Tenders are a fun, crunchy twist on the classic chicken strip — full of flavor, texture, and excitement. Whether baked or fried, they bring irresistible cheesy goodness and a satisfying crunch to your table.
Serve them hot with your favorite dipping sauce, and watch them disappear within minutes. It’s comfort food, reimagined with a bold, modern twist that everyone will love!