Description
Crispy Doritos-Crusted Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
1 lb (450 g) chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
2 cups (200 g) Doritos (any flavor you prefer), finely crushed
1 cup (120 g) all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/4 cup (60 ml) milk
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Non-stick cooking spray or vegetable oil (for baking)
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack.
Prepare the Breading Station:
In a shallow bowl, place the flour and season with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
In a third bowl, place the crushed Doritos.
Coat the Chicken:
Dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
Press the chicken into the crushed Doritos, covering it evenly on all sides.
Bake or Fry:
For Baking: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray or drizzle with a bit of oil for extra crispiness. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through.
For Frying: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Fry the tenders in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until crispy and fully cooked. Drain on paper towels.
Serve: Serve the crispy Doritos-crusted chicken tenders with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4
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Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect results. First, ensure your chicken strips are uniform in size for even cooking. Crush the Doritos in a sealed bag using a rolling pin until they resemble coarse sand; some small chunks are okay for texture. Set up your breading station in order: flour, egg wash, then Doritos. When coating, use one hand for dry ingredients and the other for wet to avoid clumpy fingers. For baking, using a wire rack on the baking sheet is highly recommended, as it allows hot air to circulate for maximum crispiness on all sides.
Serving Suggestions
These tenders are incredibly versatile. Serve them as the main event with classic sides like crispy french fries, coleslaw, or a fresh garden salad. For a fun appetizer or game-day snack, arrange them on a platter with an assortment of dipping sauces—ranch, honey mustard, blue cheese, and sriracha mayo are all excellent choices. You can also chop them up and add them to a wrap or taco, or slice them over a bed of greens for a hearty salad.
How-to Summary
To make Doritos-crusted chicken tenders: Crush 2 cups of Doritos. Dredge 1 lb of chicken strips in seasoned flour, dip in an egg-milk wash, then press into the crumbs. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes on a wire rack, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through. Serve with dipping sauces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use an air fryer? Yes. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway. Spray lightly with oil for best crispiness.
Can I make these ahead of time? You can bread the tenders and refrigerate them on a parchment-lined tray for up to 4 hours before cooking. For best texture, cook just before serving.
What’s the best way to crush the Doritos? Place them in a sturdy, sealed plastic bag and use a rolling pin. A food processor works but can create dust; pulse briefly.
Can I use gluten-free flour? Absolutely. A 1:1 gluten-free all-purpose flour blend works perfectly in the initial dredging step.
How do I store and reheat leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not crushing the Doritos finely enough: Large pieces won’t adhere well and can burn.
- Skipping the wire rack when baking: This leads to a soggy bottom. Elevation is key for crispiness.
- Overcrowding the pan: Whether baking or frying, give the tenders space so they cook evenly and get crispy.
- Forgetting to season the flour: This is your first layer of flavor. Don’t rely on the Doritos seasoning alone.
Conclusion
These Doritos-crusted chicken tenders are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, transforming a simple ingredient into a fun, flavorful, and crunchy meal. The process is straightforward, and the result is far more exciting than standard breaded chicken. By following the step-by-step guide and avoiding common pitfalls, you’ll achieve perfectly crispy, flavorful tenders every time. Experiment with different Doritos flavors to create new taste sensations, and enjoy this delicious twist on a classic favorite.