Introduction:
Are you tired of the same old chicken tenders? Looking to add a burst of flavor and crunch to your favorite finger food? Look no further than Doritos Chicken Tenders – a mouthwatering twist on a classic favorite. In this article, we’ll explore how to transform ordinary chicken tenders into crispy, crunchy delights coated in everyone’s favorite cheesy snack. Get ready to elevate your chicken game with this irresistible recipe that’s sure to become a new family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 bag of Doritos (any flavor, such as Nacho Cheese)
- 1 egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 chicken breasts
Instructions:
Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken breasts into strips, approximately ¾-inch wide.
Crush the Doritos:
- Place the Doritos in a resealable plastic bag and crush them until you have 1 ½ cups of crushed Doritos. You can use a rolling pin or the bottom of a heavy glass to crush them.
Prepare the Egg Mixture:
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the egg and milk to create an egg wash.
Coat the Chicken:
- Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Next, coat each chicken strip with the crushed Doritos, pressing the chips onto the chicken to ensure they adhere and the strip is evenly coated.
Bake:
- Place the coated chicken strips on a foil-lined baking sheet.
- Lightly spray the tops of the chicken strips with cooking spray to help them crisp up in the oven.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-17 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the Doritos coating is crispy and golden.
Serve:
- Once cooked, remove the chicken tenders from the oven.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch dressing or sour cream.
- Enjoy these delicious Doritos chicken tenders as a flavorful snack or meal!
Serving Tips:
- Pair with Dipping Sauces: Serve Doritos Chicken Tenders with an array of dipping sauces to enhance their flavor and provide variety. Classic choices like ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo are perfect for dipping. Arrange the sauces in small bowls or ramekins alongside the chicken tenders for easy access.
- Garnish for Visual Appeal: Before serving, garnish the Doritos Chicken Tenders with chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for a pop of color and added freshness. Sprinkle a pinch of paprika or chili powder over the tenders for a hint of extra spice and visual appeal.
- Serve with Side Dishes: Accompany Doritos Chicken Tenders with complementary side dishes to create a complete meal. Classic options include crispy french fries, sweet potato fries, coleslaw, or a garden salad. These sides add texture and balance to the meal, making it more satisfying.
- Serve Hot and Fresh: Doritos Chicken Tenders are best served hot and fresh from the oven or fryer to preserve their crispy texture and maximize their flavor. Arrange them on a platter or serving tray just before serving to ensure they’re at their peak deliciousness.
Storage Tips:
- Refrigeration: If you have leftover Doritos Chicken Tenders, store them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in aluminum foil in the refrigerator. Properly stored, they can last for 2-3 days. When reheating, place the tenders on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven until heated through and crispy.
- Freezing: While Doritos Chicken Tenders can be frozen, keep in mind that their crispy coating may become slightly soggy upon thawing. If freezing, arrange the cooked tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer the frozen tenders to a freezer-safe bag or container, and store them for up to 1-2 months. To reheat, bake the frozen tenders in a preheated oven until heated through and crispy.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated or frozen Doritos Chicken Tenders, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat them in an air fryer for a few minutes until crispy. Avoid microwaving, as it may result in a soggy texture.