Doritos Chicken tenders

When it comes to chicken, my kids love to have chicken fingers, nuggets, fried chicken, and even grilled chicken. Well, you get it! They will eat any meal as long as it is chicken, without a fight about what we’re eating. When I decided to try this best Doritos chicken tenders recipe, I knew it would be a winner at dinner time.

Tender juicy chicken breast coated in a coating made from Doritos makes the perfect dish. It’s like having a snack for dinner!

Best of all, these easy Doritos chicken tenders for beginners​​​​​​​ can be prepared and cooked by just about anyone! There is no need to be a professional home cook to make this delectable dish!

Meals like this make cooking dinner a joy! These are budget-friendly and really easy to make. These were a hit from the first time I made them. I have made them so often I should own stock in both chicken and Doritos!

These Doritos chicken tenders make a great appetizer or snack food when it comes to parties or game days for football in our house. When the kids have friends coming over, they are always requesting these, and so are their friends!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The flavor! These are super easy to make, taste wonderful, are addicting once you start eating them!
• This simple Doritos chicken tenders meal is also affordable and economical. Even if you’re on a budget, it’s possible to incorporate Doritos (or another similar nacho cheese chip) as the breading for this dish.
• You can save crushed Doritos in a Ziploc bag to make over and over again!
• These family friendly Doritos chicken tenders will have your kids (and maybe even your spouse), jumping for joy each time you make them!

Ingredients:

• Doritos
• Eggs
• Milk
• Chicken breasts

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Doritos: You can add a variety of Doritos-flavored chips to your meals, such as Cool Ranch Doritos instead of Nacho Cheese Doritos.

Chicken breasts: You can cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and turn them into nuggets. This makes this quick Doritos chicken tenders recipe even more kid-friendly. You can also use any cut of chicken you prefer, such as chicken thighs, for juicier results. If you have access to one, try using a rotisserie chicken!

Seasonings: You can add cayenne pepper or taco seasoning to the coating mix to give the chicken tenders a bit of heat.

Milk: If you’re staying away from dairy or if you have specific dietary restrictions when it comes to milk, you can swap traditional milk with almond milk. For a creamier version of this mixture, you can also use heavy whipping cream instead of milk. Keep in mind that heavy whipping cream is much higher in calories and fat than milk.

How to Make It

Step 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. While your oven is preheating, begin prepping the chicken with the Doritos.

Step 2. Place the amount of Doritos you plan to use in a small bowl. Crush the Doritos so they’re ready to be mixed and used as a coating for your chicken.

Step 3. Set the bowl to the side.

Step 4. In another small bowl, add the eggs & milk. Whisk to combine.

Step 5. Dip each chicken tender in the egg mixture and then into the crushed Doritos mixture.

Step 6. Ensure the whole strip is coated with each tenderloin you’re cooking.

Step 7. Place the tenders on a parchment-lined baking pan.

Step 8. Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray. Use a spray such as olive or avodaco oil if you’re searching for a healthy Doritos chicken tenders version.

Step 9. Bake for 17 minutes or until cooked through. Enjoy!

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Tips for Success

Crush the Doritos into tiny pieces in your bowl using a mortar and pestle, a spoon, or even your hands (after washing them, of course). Keep the Doritos mixture as dry as possible so you can successfully coat all the tenderloins (or nuggets) you plan to make.

Try different flavors of Doritos to suit your household’s tastes and preferences!

Storage & Reheating

If you have any remaining, they can be placed into an airtight container. You can store the chicken tenders in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Can I store these Doritos chicken tenders in the freezer?

These homemade Doritos chicken tenders can easily be stored in your freezer. Be sure they are completely cooled and place them into a freezer Ziploc bag or an airtight container. They can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

How would I reheat these Doritos chicken tenders?

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and place your Doritos chicken tenders on a baking tray. Place the tray in the oven for 10 minutes or until the Tenders are heated through. Allowing your chicken to warm to room temperature after thawing or removing them from your refrigerator is also recommended for faster heating.

Reheating in an air fryer for 5-8 minutes at 350 (or 400) degrees is another way to preserve their crispiness!

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to homemade Doritos chicken tenders ideas, there are a few serving suggestions to keep in mind. Try pairing these with your own homemade ranch dressing as a dipping sauce! You can also make cheesy dips, garlic butter, or use ketchup, which is completely kid-friendly. Pair these Doritos chicken tenders with a healthy green salad, baked potatoes on the grill, or even cheesy scalloped potatoes.

Notes

Warning! Once you try these insanely delicious Doritos chicken tenders, there’s no going back. I’m betting your entire family will beg for them repeatedly after you make them once! Enjoy!