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On the outside they’re super crunchy, but the inside stays juicy—these chicken strips with Doritos coating are a fun twist on just plain old homemade tenders. If you love things with some bite and crazy crunch, these are perfect for busy nights, or sharing at any hangout.
When I put these out at our last family night, they vanished in minutes. My kids now beg me to make them for movie marathons. One bite and you’ll get why everyone loves them so much.
Irresistible Ingredients
- Whole milk: keeps the tenders moist, helps the coating really stick best results come from full-fat milk
- Large eggs: makes everything stay put in the breading, using room-temp eggs gives the smoothest coverage
- All-purpose flour: sticks all the layers together, it’s best if your flour is fresh
- Cool Ranch Doritos: that classic punch of flavor and crunch, open a new bag for max freshness
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: pick quality chicken and trim off any extra bits for juiciest strips
Every part has a job—layering up the flavors and building that perfect crunchy shell you’re after.
Easy-to-Follow Steps
- Serve:
- Grab your favorite dips, maybe ranch or BBQ, and enjoy right away while hot. Sprinkle on some green onions for a little color.
- Bake:
- Pop your pans in the heated oven. Let them bake 15 to 20 minutes, flip all the pieces halfway through. Once the outside is golden and the middle hits 74°C, they're all set to eat.
- Coat the Chicken:
- One after another, dip the chicken strips through the milk, then flour, next the egg, and finish off in the Doritos crumbs. Coat all sides well. Space them apart on your trays for max crispiness.
- Arrange the Coating Station:
- Set up shallow bowls—first milk, then flour, next your beaten eggs, last the Doritos crumbs—ready for easy dipping so there’s less mess.
- Crush the Doritos:
- Without opening the bag, squash the Doritos with a rolling pin or your hands. You want small, crunchy bits (not dust). Freshly crushed is best.
- Cut the Chicken:
- Slice the chicken into strips around 8–10cm long, 5–7cm across. Try to keep them same-sized so they cook evenly. Put them in a bowl til you're ready.
- Prep the Oven and Trays:
- First, fire up your oven to 200°C. Get two trays ready with foil or brush with a bit of oil. Got a rack? Set it on top for even crispier tenders.
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Smashing up the Doritos with my kids is one of my favorite parts. It’s messy, it’s loud, and every bite gets coated super thick—everyone wins.
Storage Advice
Let the tenders cool all the way down so they stay crispy later. Pop them in a sealed container and stick in the fridge for up to four days. Freezing? Totally works, just keep for up to three months—great for having a snack ready to go. When warming them back up, use the oven or air fryer set to 175°C. Don’t use the microwave unless you want soggy chicken.
Swaps and Substitutes
Try any Doritos flavor you like if Cool Ranch isn’t your thing—Nacho Cheese is awesome too. To keep it gluten free, grab any gluten free flour you like. Going dairy free? Swap in plant-based milk and eggs. Use whatever you’ve got—it’s all pretty flexible.
Ways to Enjoy
Toss them in ranch, barbecue, or Buffalo sauce—they all work. Slice chicken onto a fresh salad for an extra-crunchy meal. Thread them onto skewers with veggies and give out a bunch of dips for parties. Or chop up leftovers and roll them into wraps for easy packed lunches.
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Fun Backstory
These Doritos-covered strips are a jazzy version of classic chicken fingers from the States. Using chips for the coating has taken off lately. It gets everyone joining in, and honestly, people can’t stop talking about them once they try. Always a hit at get-togethers.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I keep the chicken tenders extra crispy?
If you want extra crunch, lay those chicken strips on a wire rack set over a baking tray before baking. This way, hot air moves all around and stops any soggy spots.
- → Can I use other flavored chips for the crust?
Totally! Try out Nacho Cheese Doritos or other chips you like. Every chip brings its own flavor and crunch, so switch it up and see what you like best.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Let them cool, then stash leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge. They'll keep up to four days. Pop them in the oven or air fryer at 175°C until they're hot and crunchy again.
- → Are there dipping sauces that pair well?
You can't go wrong with ranch, barbecue, honey mustard, or even spicy mayo. Grab your favorites and dunk away!
- → Can I freeze these chicken tenders?
Yep! Cool them off after baking, then freeze in a sealed container. They'll keep about three months. Reheat straight from the freezer in the oven or air fryer till they're hot and crisp.