If you’re looking for a fun and flavorful twist on classic chicken tenders, Doritos Chicken Tenders are the perfect solution. This recipe coats tender strips of chicken in crushed Doritos, creating a crispy, cheesy, and crunchy crust that’s irresistible. The blend of Doritos and tender, juicy chicken makes this dish a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s easy to prepare, making it a go-to for weeknight dinners or family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders
- 2 cups Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor), crushed
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: Start by placing the chicken tenders in a shallow dish. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, making sure it’s fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk ensures that it will be extra tender and juicy.
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Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix the crushed Doritos with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, beat the egg. In a third bowl, add the flour.
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Coat the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade. Dredge each chicken tender in the flour, followed by the egg, and then coat it thoroughly in the crushed Doritos mixture. Press down slightly to make sure the Doritos adhere well to the chicken.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to cover the bottom. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken tenders to the pan. Fry the tenders for about 4-5 minutes per side or until they are golden brown and cooked through. For a healthier alternative, you can bake them at 400°F (200°C) on a parchment-lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Serve: Once the chicken tenders are cooked, remove them from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or honey mustard.
Prep Time
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Marinate time: 1 hour to overnight
- Cook time: 10-15 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes to overnight
Why You’ll Love These Doritos Chicken Tenders
This Doritos Chicken Tenders recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves a crispy, crunchy coating on their chicken. The Dorito crust is packed with bold flavors like nacho cheese and tangy spices, creating a delicious contrast to the juicy chicken inside. This is a great recipe for a family meal or a snack that’s sure to be a hit. If you love crusted chicken tenders, this is one of the easiest and most flavorful chicken tender recipes out there.
Additionally, you can even make a slow cooker recipe version by placing the buttermilk-marinated chicken tenders in the slow cooker and topping them with crushed Doritos before cooking. The slow cooking method will make the chicken incredibly tender while still getting that crunchy, cheesy Dorito layer on top.
For those who enjoy a bold twist on classic chicken dishes, Doritos Chicken is a must-try. The nacho cheese flavor from the Doritos adds the perfect touch of zest to every bite, making this recipe a crowd favorite every time.
