Dorito Chicken Tenders

I have to share this recipe with you because it has officially become a family favorite in our house. These Dorito Chicken Tenders are crispy, cheesy, full of flavor, and fun.

They’re the kind of snack that disappears from the plate before you’ve even had a chance to grab one for yourself.

They are the ideal savory snack for a a birthday party, a weekend get-together, or just when you need something easy and crowd-pleasing for movie night. And don’t even get me started on the Chipotle Ranch Dip, it’s smoky, creamy, and gives the tenders just the right little kick.

Best part? You don’t need to deep fry anything. These beauties are oven-baked. Easy cleanup, no grease splatter, and still totally crunchy.

How to Make Dorito Chicken Tenders

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Cool Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Serves: 4–6 hungry snackers

Step by Step

For the Chicken Tenders:

1. Crush the Doritos
   Pop them in a food processor or smash them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. You want a fine crumb, think breading texture. Mix in the breadcrumbs if using.
2. Whip Up the Egg Wash
   In a bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. That’s your sticky layer!
3. Season the Chicken
   In a separate bowl, mix your garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub it all over the chicken strips. They should be well-coated and ready to shine.
4. Coat Your Tenders
   Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash, then press into the Dorito crumbs until fully coated. You want every inch of that chicken covered in cheesy goodness.
5. Bake It Up
   Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it lightly. Lay the tenders out in a single layer, don’t crowd the pan. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for that golden, crispy coating.
6. Cool & Serve
   Let them rest for 5 minutes. Then serve them up with that dreamy dip below.

Chipotle Ranch Dressing (Yes, it’s as good as it sounds)

1. Mix the Creamy Base
   Whisk together the mayo, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and lemon juice.
2. Add the Zing
   Stir in those finely chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and the rest of the seasonings. Give it a taste, you can always add more spice if you’re feeling bold.
3. Smooth It Out (Optional)
   Want a restaurant-style smooth dip? Blend it up with a food processor or immersion blender.
4. Chill Out
   Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors come together and mellow out. So worth the wait!

Tips

• No food processor? Crushing Doritos in a bag is actually kind of therapeutic. Bonus points if you let the kids help!
• Make-ahead magic: You can prep the coating and dip the night before. Just keep everything in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
• Air fryer lovers: Yep, these work great in the air fryer too, just cook at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Tenders

These chicken tenders check all the boxes:
✔️ Kid-friendly
✔️ Grown-up approved
✔️ Crispy, cheesy, and flavorful
✔️ Easy to make with pantry staples

Every time I bring these to a party or make them for game night, I get asked for the recipe. They’re that good. And the best part is, they’re fun to make with the kids, mine love crushing the chips and dipping the chicken.

Check Out More Finger Food Recipes

• Mini Salmon Quiche
• Caprese Skewers
• Asian Sticky Wings

Dorito Chicken Tenders

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients

  

For the Dorito Chicken Tenders:

• 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast cut into strips
• 1½ cups crushed Doritos nacho cheese flavor is our go-to but feel free to get wild!
• ½ cup breadcrumbs totally optional, but adds extra crispiness!
• 2 large eggs
• ¼ cup milk
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray or oil for baking

For the Chipotle Ranch Dressing:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1–2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce finely chopped (depends how spicy you like it)
• 1 tsp adobo sauce from the can
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

 

For the Chicken Tenders:

• Crush the Doritos. Pop them in a food processor or smash them in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin. You want a fine crumb, think breading texture. Mix in the breadcrumbs if using.
• In a bowl, beat the eggs and milk together. That’s your sticky layer!
• In a separate bowl, mix your garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub it all over the chicken strips. They should be well-coated and ready to shine.
• Dip each chicken strip into the egg wash, then press into the Dorito crumbs until fully coated. You want every inch of that chicken covered in cheesy goodness.
• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it lightly. Lay the tenders out in a single layer, don’t crowd the pan. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’re looking for that golden, crispy coating.
• Let them rest for 5 minutes. Then serve them up with that dreamy dip below.

Chipotle Ranch Dressing (Yes, it’s as good as it sounds)

• Whisk together the mayo, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), and lemon juice.
• Stir in those finely chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, and the rest of the seasonings. Give it a taste, you can always add more spice if you’re feeling bold.
• Want a restaurant-style smooth dip? Blend it up with a food processor or immersion blender.
• Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This lets the flavors come together and mellow out. So worth the wait!