Doritos Chicken Tenders

These Doritos Chicken Tenders are a fun and flavorful treat that your kids will love! Perfect for game day, family dinners, or a quick snack, this recipe is not only easy to make but also delivers a satisfying crunch with every bite. With just four simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of these tasty tenders that stand out for their unique flavor and crispy texture. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This Doritos Chicken Tenders recipe takes only 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
• Kid-Friendly: Kids adore the crunchy Doritos coating, ensuring they’ll be asking for seconds.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these tenders on their own or pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or honey mustard.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch ahead of time for lunches or snacks throughout the week.
• Minimal Ingredients: With just four ingredients, it’s easy to keep everything on hand for an impromptu meal.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare these Doritos Chicken Tenders, you’ll need a few essential tools that make the cooking process smooth and efficient.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Baking sheet
• Oven-safe rack
• Food processor
• Shallow dishes
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Baking sheet: Provides a stable surface to cook the chicken tenders evenly.
• Oven-safe rack: Allows air circulation around the tenders, ensuring they bake up crispy instead of soggy.
• Food processor: Quickly transforms Doritos into fine crumbs for easy coating.

Ingredients

These Doritos Chicken Tenders will earn you a gold star from your kids. This easy recipe only requires 4 ingredients total!

For the Chicken Tenders

• 1 Egg
• 1/4 cup Milk
• 1-235 g Bag Doritos
• 1 lb Chicken Breasts or Chicken Tenders

How to Make Doritos Chicken Tenders

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare it for baking the chicken tenders.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

• Line a baking sheet with tinfoil for easy cleanup.
• Place an oven-safe rack overtop of the lined baking sheet. Set aside.

Step 3: Mix Egg and Milk

In a shallow dish:
* Whisk together the egg and milk until well combined. Set aside.

Step 4: Crush the Doritos

In a food processor:
* Place the entire bag of Doritos.
* Blitz until chips resemble breadcrumbs.
* Empty the crushed Doritos into a second shallow dish.

Step 5: Cut the Chicken

Cut the chicken breasts into strips about 1 inch thick for even cooking.

Step 6: Coat the Chicken Tenders

Dredge each chicken strip:
1. First in the egg-milk mixture until fully coated.
2. Then coat completely in the crushed Dorito crumbs.

Step 7: Arrange on Baking Sheet

Place all coated chicken tenders onto the prepared cookie sheet in a single layer.

Step 8: Bake Until Golden Brown

Bake in your preheated oven for 18-20 minutes:
* Check that an inserted meat thermometer reads at least 165°F (75°C) before serving.

Enjoy your homemade Doritos Chicken Tenders with your favorite dipping sauce!

How to Serve Doritos Chicken Tenders

Serving Doritos Chicken Tenders is a fun and creative experience that your whole family will enjoy. These tenders can be paired with various dips or sides to enhance their flavor and presentation.

With Dipping Sauces

• Ranch Dressing – A classic choice that complements the crunchiness of the tenders.
• Honey Mustard – Offers a sweet and tangy flavor, perfect for dipping.
• Buffalo Sauce – Adds a spicy kick for those who love heat.

As Part of a Meal

• On a Salad – Slice the tenders and toss them on a bed of greens with your favorite dressing.
• In a Wrap – Roll up the tenders in a tortilla with lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado for a satisfying lunch.
• With Veggies – Serve alongside fresh vegetable sticks like carrots and celery for a colorful plate.

How to Perfect Doritos Chicken Tenders

To make your Doritos Chicken Tenders even better, consider these helpful tips.

• Use Fresh Ingredients – Always opt for fresh chicken breasts to ensure tenderness and flavor.
• Crush Doritos Thoroughly – Make sure the chips are finely crushed for an even coating that sticks well.
• Adjust Cooking Time – Keep an eye on the tenders during baking to prevent overcooking; they should be golden brown.
• Experiment with Flavors – Try different Dorito flavors like Spicy Nacho or Cool Ranch for unique taste profiles.

Best Side Dishes for Doritos Chicken Tenders

Pairing side dishes with your Doritos Chicken Tenders can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options to consider.

1. Sweet Potato Fries – Crispy and slightly sweet, these fries provide a nice contrast to the savory tenders.
2. Coleslaw – A crunchy, creamy side that adds freshness and balances the flavors of the chicken.
3. Corn on the Cob – Grilled or boiled, corn offers a juicy bite that complements the crispy texture of the tenders.
4. Macaroni and Cheese – Creamy mac and cheese pairs wonderfully for those looking for comfort food.
5. Steamed Broccoli – A healthy green option that brings color and nutrients to your plate.
6. Potato Wedges – Seasoned baked potato wedges complete the meal with their hearty goodness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Doritos Chicken Tenders can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the outcome.

• Using too much coating: Ensure you evenly coat the chicken. Too much coating can lead to sogginess.
• Not preheating the oven: Always preheat your oven to 400°F. This helps the tenders cook evenly and become crispy.
• Skipping the cooling rack: Placing chicken directly on a baking sheet can result in steam buildup. Use an oven-safe rack for better crispiness.
• Ignoring cooking time: Be mindful of the cooking time. Overcooking can dry out the chicken; use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
• Not letting it rest: Allowing the chicken tenders to rest for a few minutes after baking helps retain moisture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Doritos Chicken Tenders

• Place in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• They can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Doritos Chicken Tenders

• Oven: Preheat to 375°F and bake for about 10-12 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, but this may make them less crispy.
• Stovetop: Heat in a skillet over medium heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other flavors of Doritos?

Yes! Feel free to experiment with different Doritos flavors for added variety and taste.

How do I make Doritos Chicken Tenders spicier?

You can add spices like cayenne pepper or use spicy Doritos for an extra kick.

Can I make these chicken tenders gluten-free?

Yes! Use gluten-free breadcrumbs as a substitute for Doritos or check if you can find gluten-free chips.

How do I keep my Doritos Chicken Tenders crispy?

Using a cooling rack while baking allows air circulation, keeping them crispy on all sides.

What dipping sauces go well with Doritos Chicken Tenders?

They pair well with ranch dressing, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce for dipping!

Final Thoughts

These Doritos Chicken Tenders are not only easy to prepare but also fun and flavorful. The crunchy coating makes them a hit with kids and adults alike. You can customize this recipe by experimenting with different chip flavors or adding spices to suit your taste. Give it a try and enjoy this delicious twist on classic chicken tenders!