Comfort meets crunch in the unexpectedly delightful combination of chicken tenders and a classic snack – Doritos. This dish is a playful twist on the traditional breadcrumb-coated chicken, and it brings a familiar zesty flavor from the pantry right to the dinner table. Why settle for the ordinary when you can elevate the humble chicken tender to a conversation-starter at your next gathering? Originating from the creative minds of home chefs looking for a way to marry comfort food with a touch of novelty, Baked Doritos Chicken Tenders will become a new favorite for both the young and the young at heart.
Baked Doritos Chicken Tenders can be paired with a myriad of sides to balance their bold flavor. Consider serving them with a crisp green salad laced with a zesty lime vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a heartier meal, offer them alongside roasted vegetables or a simple pasta tossed in olive oil and garlic. And for those who enjoy a classic combination, nothing beats the comfort of these tenders with a smooth and creamy homemade mashed potato.
Baked Doritos Chicken Tenders
Servings: 4
Ingredients
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into tenders
– 1 cup flour
– 2 large eggs
– 2 tablespoons milk
– 1 1/2 cups Doritos, finely crushed (choose your favorite flavor)
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking spray or olive oil
Directions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
2. Prepare three shallow bowls for the breading process. In the first bowl, place flour seasoned with salt and pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until well combined. In the third bowl, mix the finely crushed Doritos with garlic powder and smoked paprika.
3. Dredge each chicken tender first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess, then dip into the egg mixture, and finally coat well with the Doritos mixture. Ensure each tender is well covered with the chips for maximum flavor and crunch.
4. Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between them. Lightly spray the tenders with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil for a golden finish.
5. Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is crisp and golden. Remember to flip the tenders halfway through to ensure even cooking.
6. Once done, let the tenders rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet before serving. This helps maintain their crunchiness.
Variations & Tips
– For an extra kick, use the spicy variety of Doritos and add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the coating mix.
– If you want to go even lighter, you can air fry the chicken tenders at 380°F for about 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through.
– You can also experiment with different Doritos flavors to find the one that suits your palate the best.
– For a gluten-free version, swap out the flour for a gluten-free alternative, and ensure your Doritos are a gluten-free variety.
– Serve with a dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or a homemade avocado lime sauce to complement the Dorito flavor.
– If you’re short on time, buy pre-cut chicken tenders from your local butcher or grocery store. They’re convenient and perfectly portioned for this recipe.
