Baked Doritos Chicken Tenders Recipe

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

1 pound chicken tenders (about 10-12 tenders)
2 cups Doritos chips, any flavor
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
Cooking spray

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and set it aside.
Crush the Doritos: Place the Doritos chips in a food processor and pulse until finely crushed, or alternatively, place them in a sealed plastic bag and crush them with a rolling pin until the chips are finely ground.
Set up the breading station: Arrange three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the flour. In the second dish, beat the eggs. In the third dish, add the crushed Doritos chips.
Coat the chicken tenders:
- Dip each chicken tender into the flour, making sure it’s evenly coated.
- Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Finally, roll the chicken in the crushed Doritos chips, pressing lightly to adhere the chips to the chicken.
Arrange on the baking sheet: Place the breaded chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray to help them crisp up while baking.
Bake: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until they’re golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (75°C).
Serve: Serve with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch, blue cheese, or even salsa for a fun twist!

Optional Add-Ins or Tips:

Spicy Twist: Add some chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the egg wash for a spicy kick.
Cheese Boost: Sprinkle grated cheese (like cheddar) over the tenders during the last few minutes of baking for an extra cheesy layer.
Sauce Suggestions: These tenders pair perfectly with creamy ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a zesty BBQ sauce.

Q&A

Q: Can I use a different type of chip instead of Doritos?
A: Yes! While Doritos are the star ingredient, you can use any flavored chip you like, such as tortilla chips, BBQ chips, or sour cream and onion chips for a different flavor profile.

Q: Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can prepare the chicken tenders and coat them in the Doritos crumbs up to a day in advance. Just cover them and store them in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

Q: Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
A: Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked breaded chicken tenders on a baking sheet for about 1 hour until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When ready to cook, bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Q: Do I need to fry the chicken tenders?
A: No! These chicken tenders are baked, not fried, making them a healthier alternative while still being crispy and delicious.

Q: What should I serve these with?
A: These chicken tenders are great with classic sides like French fries, a simple salad, or some coleslaw. You can also serve them with some veggies or dip them in your favorite sauce.