Name: Doritos Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1.5 pounds chicken tenders; 2 cups crushed Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs; 0.5 cup milk; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe

There’s just something magical about a plate of crunchy, golden chicken tenders that brings out the kid in all of us. And when those tenders are coated in everyone’s favorite snack chip—Nacho Cheese Doritos? Well, you can imagine the excitement in my kitchen! Doritos Chicken Tenders are insanely crispy, packed with flavor, and come together in under 30 minutes, making them the ultimate weeknight dinner or game-day treat. I first stumbled upon this idea while searching for fun ways to jazz up classic chicken recipes for my family, and it was an instant hit! This dish is special because it combines the zesty crunch of Doritos with juicy, tender chicken—and let’s face it, who doesn’t love a shortcut to maximum flavor? If you loved my Parmesan Crusted Chicken, trust me, this funky spin delivers even more crunch with a cheesy twist. Get ready to add this recipe to your favorites—it’s easy, totally drool-worthy, and guaranteed to disappear in minutes!

What is Doritos Chicken Tenders?

Doritos Chicken Tenders—now, doesn’t that name just grab your attention and make you grin? You might be wondering, did someone really crumble up a bag of chips over chicken? Absolutely! Sometimes the best recipes start as happy accidents or curious experiments, and this one proves that the way to a man (or anyone’s!) heart truly is through their stomach. Doritos add that finger-lickin’ good quality you didn’t even know you needed, turning everyday chicken tenders into a flavorful fiesta. Whether you’re a snack lover or simply looking to wow your dinner crew, these tenders are the answer to “What’s for dinner?”—so go ahead, give them a try and let your inner chef have some fun!

Why You’ll Love This

Crispy, cheesy, and bursting with bold flavor—Doritos Chicken Tenders are everything you want in a crave-worthy meal. The star of the show is unmistakably the crunchy Doritos coating, which packs every bite with irresistibly zesty cheese flavor. Making these at home means you can save money on takeout while customizing the dish just the way your family likes it. Plus, you get full control over freshness and quality! What sets these tenders apart is the playful twist on a classic staple—using nacho cheese chips as the “secret ingredient.” Compared to my Buffalo Chicken Bites, these tenders offer satisfaction without the heat, making them perfect for all ages. Ready for a dinner win? Try this recipe at home and turn a simple meal into a party on your plate!

How to Make

Quick Overview

What makes Doritos Chicken Tenders a winner is their simplicity and flavor punch. With just a handful of pantry staples and less than 30 minutes, you can whip up a dish that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. The key is crushing Doritos for that one-of-a-kind coating—no deep frying, just oven-baked perfection. The process is straightforward: dredge, dip, roll, and bake! Whether you’re cooking for kids, friends, or a casual get-together, this recipe is an easy crowd-pleaser you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds chicken tenders
2 cups crushed Doritos (Nacho Cheese flavor)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Place the crushed Doritos in a shallow dish and set aside.
In another shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the spices.
In a third shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until smooth.
Working one chicken tender at a time, dredge it in the seasoned flour, making sure to shake off any excess.
Dip the floured chicken tender into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
Press the chicken tender into the crushed Doritos, turning to coat all sides and pressing gently so the crumbs stick well.
Place the coated tenders onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through, until the chicken is cooked through and the outside is crispy and golden brown.
Remove from the oven and rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!

What to Serve With

Doritos Chicken Tenders are irresistible as they are, but they’re even better when paired with the right sides. Try serving them with crisp oven-baked fries or a colorful garden salad for a balanced plate. For a creamy touch, whip up some homemade ranch dressing or a zesty chipotle mayo as a dip. Corn on the cob, sweet potato wedges, or classic mac and cheese are also fabulous choices. For drinks, go with a citrusy lemonade or a cold glass of iced tea to balance the cheesy richness of the tenders. Don’t forget to add some crunchy pickle slices or a tangy coleslaw on the side!

Top Tips for Perfecting

To make the crunchiest, most flavorful Doritos Chicken Tenders, here are a few expert tips:

For an extra-thick coating, double dip your chicken: after the first round of egg and Doritos, dip back in the egg and coat again.
If you don’t have Nacho Cheese Doritos, try Cool Ranch for a different twist or substitute with any favorite snack chip.
Make sure your chicken tenders are patted dry before dredging to help the coatings stick better.
Don’t crowd your baking tray—space out the tenders so the air can circulate for even crispiness.
If you love a spicy kick, add a dash of cayenne to the flour mixture or use Spicy Nacho Doritos.

Avoid overbaking the chicken: check doneness at the 20-minute mark. For extra golden color, finish with a brief broil (1-2 minutes), but watch closely!

Storing and Reheating Tips

Store any leftover Doritos Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again. For best results, avoid microwaving, as it will soften the crumb coating. To freeze, arrange cooled tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag—these will keep for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in a hot oven until heated through for quick and tasty snacks anytime!

FAQs

Can I make these Doritos Chicken Tenders in the air fryer?
Yes! Air fry at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, turning halfway, for even crispiness.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?
Absolutely. Just cut the chicken breasts into strips of similar size for even cooking.

How do I crush the Doritos for the coating?
Place Doritos in a zip-top bag and crush gently with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor for a finer crumb.

Are these tenders spicy?
Using Nacho Cheese Doritos gives a mild kick, but you can amp up the heat by adding cayenne or choosing Spicy Doritos.

Can I prepare the chicken tenders ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble and refrigerate the coated tenders a few hours ahead, then bake when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Doritos Chicken Tenders are the ultimate dinner upgrade—simple, speedy, and packed with flavor. With their cheesy, crispy coating and juicy chicken inside, they’re sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding kids, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to a fun meal, this easy recipe delivers on all fronts. Give them a try the next time you’re craving comfort food with a twist—and don’t forget to check out my other crowd-pleasing chicken recipes for even more kitchen inspiration!