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Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders

Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders

Crispy, flavorful Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders coated in crushed Cool Ranch Doritos for a bold, cheesy, and zesty twist on classic tenders. Perfect for baking, frying, or air frying, these tenders are easy to make and pair well with dips like ranch, spicy mayo, or cheese sauce.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
  • 4 ounces Cool Ranch Doritos (crushed into fine crumbs)
  • ⅔ cup fine breadcrumbs
  • ⅓ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 2 large eggs (whisked)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil (for baking or air frying)

Optional:

  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (adds smokiness)
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (for extra cheesiness)

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C) (if baking).
  • Prepare the breading:
    • Crush Cool Ranch Doritos using a food processor or a ziplock bag and rolling pin.
    • Mix crushed chips with breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a bowl.
  • Set up a breading station:
    • Bowl 1: Flour
    • Bowl 2: Whisked eggs
    • Bowl 3: Dorito-breadcrumb mixture
  • Bread the chicken strips:
    • Dredge in flour, then dip in egg, then coat in the Dorito mixture.
  • Cooking Options:
    • Baking: Place on a lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway.
    • Air Frying: Cook at 400°F (204°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway.
    • Deep Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (177°C) and fry tenders for 2-3 minutes per side until golden.
  • Serve immediately with your favorite dip like ranch, spicy mayo, or cheese sauce.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, use a wire rack when baking.
  • Can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
  • Best when served fresh, but leftovers can be stored and reheated in an air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
  • Author: Jennifer
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking, Air Frying, Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g