Delightful Doritos Chicken Tenders: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic Dish
Get ready to elevate your chicken tender game with our irresistible Doritos Chicken Tenders recipe. Combining the crunchy goodness of Doritos chips with tender, juicy chicken, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone craving for more. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or simply looking to add some excitement to your dinner table, these Doritos Chicken Tenders are sure to steal the show. Join us as we dive into the delicious details of this mouthwatering recipe and discover how to bring bold flavor to your next meal.
Ingredients
Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with the following ingredients:
- 1 Bag of Doritos, any flavor (I used Nacho Cheese)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 chicken breasts
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own batch of Doritos Chicken Tenders:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Crush the Doritos: Place the Doritos chips in a large zip-top bag and seal it tightly. Use a rolling pin or the flat side of a meat mallet to crush the Doritos into fine crumbs. Alternatively, you can pulse the Doritos in a food processor until they reach a breadcrumb-like consistency.
- Prepare the Dredging Station: In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash. Pour the crushed Doritos into another shallow dish, forming a coating station.
- Slice the Chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into evenly sized strips or tenders, about 1 inch wide.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated. Then, dredge the chicken in the crushed Doritos, pressing gently to adhere the crumbs to the chicken.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Bake: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the Doritos coating is golden and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove the Doritos Chicken Tenders from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the deliciously crunchy goodness!
Cook Notes and Variations
Here are some tips and variations to customize your Doritos Chicken Tenders:
- Mix and Match Flavors: Experiment with different flavors of Doritos to create unique and flavorful chicken tenders. Whether you prefer Cool Ranch, Spicy Nacho, or Fiery Habanero, there’s a Doritos flavor to suit every taste preference.
- Add Extra Seasonings: Enhance the flavor of the Doritos coating by adding additional seasonings to the crushed chips. Try mixing in some garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or chili powder for an extra kick of flavor.
- Double Coating: For an extra crispy coating, dip the chicken tenders in the egg wash and Doritos crumbs twice, ensuring a thick and crunchy crust.
- Air Fryer Option: If you prefer a healthier cooking method, you can also prepare these Doritos Chicken Tenders in an air fryer. Simply follow the same steps for coating the chicken and then cook them in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Keto and Low-Carb Versions
For those following a keto or low-carb lifestyle, here’s how to adapt the Doritos Chicken Tenders recipe to fit your dietary preferences:
- Use Pork Rinds: Replace the Doritos chips with crushed pork rinds to create a low-carb and keto-friendly coating for the chicken tenders. Pork rinds provide a similar crunchy texture without the added carbs.
- Almond Flour Coating: Another low-carb alternative is to use almond flour mixed with your favorite seasonings as a coating for the chicken tenders. This provides a crispy crust while keeping the carb count low.
- Egg Wash Substitute: Instead of using milk in the egg wash, you can use heavy cream or beaten eggs to coat the chicken tenders. This adds richness and flavor without adding extra carbs.
- Bake or Air Fry: Follow the same baking or air frying instructions as the original recipe, using low-carb ingredients for the coating and dipping sauce.
In conclusion, Doritos Chicken Tenders are a fun and flavorful twist on a classic favorite. With their crunchy Doritos coating and juicy chicken interior, these tenders are sure to become a new family favorite. Whether you’re serving them as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a satisfying main dish, Doritos Chicken Tenders are guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for bold flavor and crunchy goodness. So grab a bag of Doritos, fire up the oven, and get ready to enjoy a deliciously crispy culinary adventure. Your taste buds will thank you!
