Doritos Chicken Tenders Recipe
Doritos Chicken Tenders are a fun twist on classic fried chicken. Coated in crushed Doritos, these tenders are crispy, flavorful, and perfect for game nights, parties, or family dinners. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, they’re a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Time Required
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders (or chicken breast strips)
- 2 cups Nacho Cheese Doritos (or flavor of choice), crushed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking oil (for frying or baking spray if baking)
Tools Needed
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Baking sheet / skillet | To cook chicken (oven or fry) |
| Food processor / bag | To crush Doritos |
| Mixing bowls | For flour, egg wash, and coating |
| Whisk | To beat eggs and milk |
| Tongs | For dipping and cooking chicken |
Instructions
- Prepare coating: Crush Doritos in a food processor or in a bag using a rolling pin until fine crumbs form.
- Set up dredging station: Place flour in one bowl, beaten eggs + milk in another, and crushed Doritos in a third.
- Season chicken: Sprinkle chicken tenders with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- Coat chicken: Dip chicken into flour, then egg wash, then roll in Doritos crumbs until fully coated.
- Cook:
- Frying method: Heat oil in skillet to 350°F (175°C). Fry tenders for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
- Baking method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place coated tenders on greased baking sheet and bake for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Serve: Pair with ranch, cheese sauce, or your favorite dip.
Nutrition Information (per serving, approx.)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 390 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Protein | 26 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
FAQs
Can I bake instead of frying?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 18–20 minutes for a lighter option.
What Doritos flavor works best?
Nacho Cheese is the most popular, but Cool Ranch or Spicy Nacho are delicious alternatives.
Can I make them ahead of time?
Yes, coat chicken in advance and refrigerate for up to 6 hours before cooking.
Can I use chicken thighs?
Absolutely! Just cut into strips and adjust cooking time slightly.
How do I make them extra crispy?
Double-dip the chicken: coat in egg wash and Doritos crumbs twice for an extra crunchy crust.
Final Thoughts
Doritos Chicken Tenders are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor — making them an easy recipe to upgrade your regular chicken tenders. Whether baked or fried, they’ll be the star of any meal.
