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Craving something crispy, spicy, and utterly delicious? Dorito Chicken Tenders are the answer! This fun twist on the classic chicken tenders recipe will leave you and your guests wanting more. Perfect for lunch ideas, finger food, or even a quick dinner, these Dorito Crusted Chicken tenders can be air fried or oven-baked to perfection.

With the added punch from Chilli Heatwave Doritos, these tenders pack a flavor punch that’s hard to resist. Let’s embark on this flavor-packed journey and discover how you can make these irresistible Dorito Chicken Tenders at home using simple ingredients like Chicken Tenders, Smoked Paprika, and Garlic Powder.

Crushing Doritos for Chicken

The secret to that perfect Dorito Crusted Chicken lies in how you crush your Doritos. You can use a zip-lock bag and a rolling pin, or a food processor to achieve the desired texture. The aim is to crush them until they resemble large Panko breadcrumbs. This texture ensures that the Doritos stick well to the chicken and provide that classic crunch in every bite.

Chicken Tenders vs Chicken Strips

Did you know there's a difference between chicken tenders and chicken strips? Chicken tenders are a specific cut of meat found under the breast, known for their tenderness. On the other hand, chicken strips can be made by slicing up chicken breasts. Both work perfectly for this recipe, ensuring juicy and tender results every time.

Dorito Chicken Seasoning

The seasoning mix is vital to bring out the flavors in your Dorito Chicken Tenders. By combining Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, and a pinch of Salt and Black Pepper, you’ll enhance the taste of the Chilli Heatwave Doritos. This seasoning blend complements the spiciness of the Doritos and adds depth to the overall flavor.

Ingredients

To create these delicious Dorito Chicken Tenders, you will need the following ingredients:

• 600g / 1.3lb Chicken Tenders or Chicken Breast (sliced into strips)
• 200g / 7oz Chilli Heatwave Doritos
• 1 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Cayenne Pepper
• 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
• 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 50g / 1/3 cup Plain Flour
• 2 Eggs (beaten)
• Oil Spray

Instructions

Follow these steps to make your Dorito Chicken Tenders:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200C/400F if you are baking.

Step 2: Place the Doritos in a large zip-lock bag and crush them with a rolling pin until they resemble large Panko breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Season the chicken with 1/4 tsp salt.

Step 4: Line up three shallow dishes: one with the flour and seasoning mix, one with the beaten eggs, and the last with the crushed Doritos.

Step 5: Coat each chicken tender first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the crushed Doritos. Ensure each tender is thoroughly coated.

Step 6: Place the coated tenders on a wire rack above a tray (if baking) or directly in the air fryer.

Step 7: If using an air fryer, space out the tenders, spray them with oil, and cook for 10-12 minutes at 200C/400F. Flip and spray them halfway through.

Step 8: If baking, spray the tenders with oil and bake for 15-18 minutes.

The tenders should be golden and crispy on the outside and cooked through on the inside. Serve them hot and enjoy with your favorite Ranch Dip or alongside Wedges and Fries.

Serving Suggestions

These Dorito Chicken Tenders are perfect as a finger food or part of a larger meal. Pair them with a fresh salad, Wedges and Fries, or a creamy Ranch Dip for a complete meal. They’re also great for lunch ideas, making them a versatile addition to your recipe repertoire.

Notes

Feel free to experiment with different Dorito flavors to customize the taste. You can also adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences, adding more Cayenne Pepper for extra heat or more Garlic Powder for a deeper flavor. The key is to enjoy the process and the delicious results!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Can I use different flavors of Doritos for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Chilli Heatwave Doritos add a spicy kick, you can experiment with other flavors to suit your taste.

How do I ensure the Doritos stick to the chicken?

Make sure to thoroughly coat the chicken in the flour, then the egg, and finally the crushed Doritos. Press the Doritos onto the chicken to ensure they stick well.

Can I freeze the Dorito Chicken Tenders?

Yes, you can freeze them after cooking. Reheat them in the oven or air fryer until they’re hot and crispy.

Is there a difference in texture between air frying and baking?

Air frying tends to produce a slightly crispier texture, while baking gives a more uniform cook. Both methods yield delicious results!