Doritos Chicken Tenders

4 servings
35 min

5 from 28 votes
Prep: 15 minutesCook: 20 minutesTotal: 35 minutes

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These Doritos Chicken Tenders are perfect for dinner or as an appetizer for a party or football game. They are a true crowd pleaser and they are so easy.

doritos chicken strips and fries in a basket next to dipping sauce.

Kids love these Doritos chicken tenders. Be warned if you make them, your kids will be begging for them all the time. They are so full of flavor and they are so much fun to eat. Plus it takes only a few ingredients and a few minutes to make.

If you love chicken recipes that your kids will devour, then check out these family favorites.


Chicken Fajita Cups | Air Fryer Chicken Bites | BBQ Chicken Sliders


What We Love About This Baked Chicken Tender Recipe


What is a Dorito? The brand has been around since the 1960’s and is very different from the chip that we have today. Find out the history of the Dorito from Huffington Post.


  • 30 Minute Meal: This baked crispy chicken tender recipe is so easy.
  • Easy Ingredients: Only 4 simple ingredients? Truly you can make them any time.
  • Family Friendly: Kids will love this crunchy chicken tender.
  • Adaptable: Can make it in the oven, in the skillet, or in an air fryer.
ingredients needed to make the baked chicken tenders recipe.
Ingredient Notes


  • Chicken: One pound of chicken breasts or chicken tenders
  • Egg: One large egg
  • Milk: You can use low fat or fat free milk, if you prefer
  • Doritos: Use the original Doritos or find a fun flavor to use
doritos chicken fingers and fries in a basket next to dipping sauce.
Equipment Needed


  • Baking Sheet
  • Shallow Dish
  • Whisk
  • Food processor
  • Chef’s Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Meat Thermometer
  • Wire Rack


How to Make Dorito Chicken Fingers


These are the basic steps for making baked chicken tenders with Doritos. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions and nutrition information.


STEP 1: PREP


First, preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and put a wire rack on top. (You want the air to travel around all sides of the chicken for optimum crispness)

a collage of 4 images showing how to make the coating for doritos chicken.

STEP 2: MAKE COATING


Next, in a food processor pulse the Dorito chips until they are a fine crumb. Empty crumbs onto a shallow dish. Then in another shallow dish, whisk together the egg and milk until fully combined. If using chicken breasts, cut whole chicken breast into 1 inch strips.

a collage of 4 images showing how to coat the doritos chicken strips.

STEP 3: BREAD THE CHICKEN


Next, dunk the chicken strips into the milk and egg wash, then into the Dorito crumbs. Once you have coated the chicken strips in the crushed Doritos, place on top of the wire rack on the baking sheet. Spritz with a little bit of nonstick cooking spray.

a collage of 3 images showing how to bake and serve dorito chicken fingers.

STEP 4: BAKE


Finally, bake your Doritos chicken tenders in the oven for 18-20 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken is at least 165 degrees F. Serve with dipping sauce.


Prep and Storage Tips


HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME


There are several ways you can save time. First, you can crush your Doritios and keep them in a storage container. Also, you can bread your chicken and keep in an airtight container for a day or two before baking. Finally, you can bake your chicken tenders and store in an airtight container for up to five days.


HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE


Store in the refrigerator for up to five days in an airtight container.


HOW TO FREEZE THIS RECIPE


Freeze the chicken tenders in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to six months.


HOW TO REHEAT THIS RECIPE


Reheat the Doritos Chicken Tenders in the oven, or in an air fryer until warmed through.


Frequently Asked Questions


HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE SUPER CRISPY?

Double dip, the more coating the better. Therefore, dip in twice in the milk mixture and the chips.

CAN I SUBSTITUTE SOMETHING FOR THE MILK?

If you have a milk allergy, then you can use your favorite milk substitute such as almond milk or soy milk.

CAN THIS RECIPE BE DOUBLED OR HALVED?

Of course, this is great for parties or large gatherings, simply bake in batches and keep the tenders warm until ready to serve.

CAN I USE BONELESS CHICKEN THIGHS FOR THIS RECIPE?

Yes, you can use them for this recipe, simply make sure that the temperature reaches the 165 degrees when cooking.

doritos chicken strips and fries in a basket next to dipping sauce.
Expert Tips for Making This Recipe


  • Add Different Flavors: Nacho Cheese, Spicy, Flamin Hot, Sweet Chile, etc.
  • No Food Processor: Try using a rolling pin and a zip top bag to crush your Doritos.
  • Air Fryer: You can also make these in an air fryer. Cook at 400 degrees F for about 15-18 minutes, checking to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
  • Alternate ingredient: Try adding more of you favorite spices or spice blends to up the flavor of your chicken, or just use additional salt and black pepper.


What to Serve with Doritos Chicken Tenders



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Recipe details
  • 4  servings
  • Prep time: 15 minutes Minutes Cook time: 20 minutes Minutes Total time: 35 min
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Ingredients

  • â–¢ 1 Egg
  • â–¢ 1/4 cup Milk
  • â–¢ 9.25 ounces Doritos, 1 bag
  • â–¢ 1 Pound Chicken Breasts , Tenders can also be used
Instructions

Preheat oven to 400F.
Line a baking sheet with tinfoil and place an oven-safe rack overtop. Set aside.
In a shallow dish, whisk together the egg and milk. Set aside.
Place the Doritos in a food processor and blitz until chips resemble breadcrumbs. Empty into a second shallow dish.
Cut the chicken breasts into strips about 1″ thick.
Dredge the chicken tenders in the egg-milk mixture, and then coat completely in the Dorito crumbs.
Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared cookie sheet.
Bake for 18-20 minutes until an inserted meat thermometer reads 165F.
Tips
  • Add Different Flavors: Nacho Cheese, Spicy, Flamin Hot, Sweet Chile, etc.
  • No Food Processor: Try using a rolling pin and a zip top bag to crush your Doritos.
  • Air Fryer: You can also make these in an air fryer. Cook at 400 degrees F for about 15-18 minutes, checking to make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees.
  • Alternate ingredient: Try adding more of you favorite spices or spice blends to up the flavor of your chicken, or just use additional salt and black pepper.
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