These Doritos chicken tenders are a heavenly combination of crunchy, savory, and utterly delicious. The recipe is quite simple, requiring just a few ingredients and minimal prep time. First, cut up your chicken into tender-sized pieces. Then, dip each piece into a mixture of beaten eggs and spices.
The juicy chicken is then coated in crushed Doritos, creating a crispy and flavorful outer layer. Finally, bake them in the oven until they are golden brown and perfectly cooked through. These Dorito chicken tenders are guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering or as a fun twist on a classic weeknight dinner. Trust me, you won’t be able to resist these crunchy bites of chicken perfection!
Ingredients Needed for This Recipe
- 1 Bag of Doritos (any flavor, Nacho Cheese recommended)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 chicken breasts
Instructions for Making Doritos Chicken Tenders
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken into strips, about ¾ inch thick.
- Crush Doritos: Crush the Doritos until you have 1 ½ cups of crushed Doritos.
- Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Coating: Dip each chicken strip in the egg mixture and then into the crushed Doritos. Make sure to press the chips into the chicken so the whole strip is coated.
- Baking Preparation: Place the coated chicken strips on a foil-lined pan. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray.
- Bake: Bake the chicken strips for 15-17 minutes or until they are cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the chicken strips with ranch or sour cream.
Tips for Perfecting the Recipe
Choice of Doritos: While Nacho Cheese Doritos are recommended, feel free to experiment with different flavors to find your favorite. Each flavor can add a unique twist to the recipe.
Crushing Doritos: Ensure the Doritos are crushed to the right consistency. They should be small enough to stick to the chicken easily but not so fine that they turn into powder. You want to maintain some texture for a better crunch.
Even Coating: When dipping the chicken in the Doritos, press the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure an even and thorough coating. This helps achieve a consistent crispy texture all around.
Avoid Soggy Coating: If preparing a large batch, work in smaller batches with the Doritos. Adding all the crushed Doritos at once can cause them to become soggy from the egg wash, making them less effective at sticking to the chicken.
Chicken Preparation: Slice the chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking. If the pieces are uneven, thinner parts may overcook while thicker parts remain undercooked.
Baking Sheet Preparation: Use a foil-lined baking sheet for easy cleanup. Additionally, placing a wire rack on the baking sheet and putting the chicken on the rack can help circulate air around the chicken, leading to an even crispier coating.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on the chicken while it’s in the oven to prevent overcooking. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serving Suggestions: While ranch or sour cream are classic dips, don’t hesitate to try other sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a spicy mayo for variety.
Resting Time: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the chicken is moist and tender.
Experiment with Sizes: Besides strips, you can also cut the chicken into nuggets or use whole chicken breasts for a different presentation and serving size.
Serving Suggestions
Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces to complement the chicken strips. Classic choices include ranch dressing, blue cheese, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or a spicy aioli. You can also try something unique like a mango salsa or a creamy avocado dip for a refreshing twist.
Side Salads: Serve with a fresh side salad to add a healthy and light component to your meal. A simple green salad, a Caesar salad, or a colorful Greek salad can balance the richness of the chicken strips.
Vegetable Sides: Pair with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, carrots, green beans, or a mix of seasonal veggies. This not only adds nutrition but also color and texture to your plate.
Potato Dishes: Potatoes in any form – mashed, roasted, or baked – make a great side for chicken strips. Sweet potato fries or wedges can also be a delicious and slightly healthier alternative.
Coleslaw: A tangy and crunchy coleslaw can be a perfect accompaniment, adding a refreshing contrast to the crispy chicken.
Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob, especially when seasoned with butter, herbs, or spices, can be a delightful side that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve with a side of rice or quinoa for a more filling meal. You can flavor the rice with herbs or spices to complement the Doritos crust.
Wraps or Tacos: Use the chicken strips as a filling for wraps or tacos. Add lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, and your favorite sauce for a fun and easy meal.
Pasta: Serve alongside a light pasta dish, like a simple aglio e olio (garlic and oil) or a fresh tomato basil pasta, to round out the meal.
Beverage Pairings: For drinks, consider lemonade, iced tea, or a light beer for adults. These beverages can help balance the flavors and refresh the palate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of chip for the coating?
Yes, you can experiment with different types of chips for the coating. While Doritos are recommended for their unique flavor, feel free to try other flavored tortilla chips, potato chips, or even pretzels for a different twist.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, ensure that the chips you use are certified gluten-free. Also, be cautious about cross-contamination if you’re preparing this dish for someone with celiac disease or severe gluten intolerance.
Can I bake these chicken strips instead of frying?
Yes, the recipe is actually designed for baking, which makes it a healthier option compared to frying. Baking at 400°F ensures the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crispy.
How do I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or toaster oven at 350°F until heated through. This helps maintain the crispiness better than reheating in the microwave.
Can I prepare these chicken strips in advance?
You can prepare and coat the chicken strips in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before baking. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to coat and bake them close to serving time.
What’s the best way to crush the Doritos?
The easiest way to crush Doritos is to put them in a ziplock bag and roll over them with a rolling pin. This method gives you control over the consistency of the crumbs.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts. Just be aware that cooking times may vary slightly due to the different fat content and thickness of thighs.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). It’s a good idea to use a meat thermometer to check for doneness.
Can I freeze the coated but uncooked chicken strips?
Yes, you can freeze the coated chicken strips on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Are there any variations to the egg wash?
If you’re allergic to eggs or prefer not to use them, you can substitute with buttermilk or a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Doritos Chicken Tenders
INGREDIENTS
- 1 Bag of Doritos any flavor, Nacho Cheese recommended
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 chicken breasts
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Prepare Chicken: Cut the chicken into strips, about ¾ inch thick.
- Crush Doritos: Crush the Doritos until you have 1 ½ cups of crushed Doritos.
- Egg Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg and milk.
- Coating: Dip each chicken strip in the egg mixture and then into the crushed Doritos. Make sure to press the chips into the chicken so the whole strip is coated.
- Baking Preparation: Place the coated chicken strips on a foil-lined pan. Lightly spray the tops of the chicken with cooking spray.
- Bake: Bake the chicken strips for 15-17 minutes or until they are cooked through.
- Serve: Serve the chicken strips with ranch or sour cream.
