Dorito Chicken Tenders with Creamy Chipotle Ranch Dip
If your family is anything like ours, fun twists on classic comfort food are always a hit and these Dorito Chicken Tenders are no exception! Coated in crushed nacho cheese chips and paired with a zesty homemade chipotle ranch dressing, this recipe brings the perfect mix of crispy, spicy, and satisfying.
Whether you’re planning a weekend dinner, game night snack, or just need something new to shake up your meal routine, these chicken tenders are guaranteed to disappear fast. Ready to dig in?
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Dorito Chicken Tenders with Creamy Chipotle Ranch Dip
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Cool Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients You’ll Need for These Dorito Chicken Strips with Chipotle Dipping Sauce:
Dorito Chicken Tenders:
- 1 lb chicken tenders or boneless chicken breast, cut into strips (How to safely handle raw chicken)
- 1 ½ cups crushed Doritos, nacho cheese flavor or your favorite
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crispiness)
- 2 large eggs
- ¼ cup milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Cooking oil or spray
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 (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tsp adobo sauce (from the chipotle can)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
How to Make Dorito Chicken Tenders:
Prepare the coating: Crush the Doritos into fine crumbs using a food processor or by placing them in a sealed bag and crushing them with a rolling pin. Mix with breadcrumbs if using.
Prepare the egg wash: In a bowl, whisk the eggs with milk.
Season the chicken: In another bowl, mix garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this seasoning into the chicken strips.
Coat the chicken: Dip each chicken strip into the egg mixture, then coat it evenly with the crushed Doritos mixture.
Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper. Lightly grease it with cooking spray. Arrange the coated chicken strips on the tray and bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Serve: Enjoy hot with your favorite dipping sauce, like the Chipotle Ranch Dressing below!
How to Make Chipotle Ranch Dip:
Blend the base: In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, and lemon juice until smooth.
Add flavor: Stir in chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Blend for smoothness (optional): For a smoother dressing, blend the mixture in a food processor or with an immersion blender.
Adjust consistency: If the dressing is too thick, add a little water until you reach your desired consistency.
Chill and serve: Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
These Dorito Chicken Tenders with Chipotle Ranch Dressing are the kind of recipe that turns a regular night into something special. They’re crunchy, flavorful, and just a little bit addictive.
Side Dishes that Go Well with These Baked Chicken Tenders:
FAQs About Dorito Chicken Tenders
Can I make these chicken tenders in an air fryer instead of baking them?
Yes! To air fry, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the chicken tenders in a single layer for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Cook until golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Do I have to use nacho cheese Doritos?
Not at all! Feel free to use any flavor of Doritos you love—Cool Ranch, Spicy Sweet Chili, or even Flamin’ Hot for extra heat. Just be sure to crush them finely so they stick well.
Can I use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream in the chipotle ranch?
Absolutely! Greek yogurt is a great substitute for sour cream. It adds a similar creamy texture with a bit of extra tang and protein.
How spicy is the chipotle ranch dressing?
It’s mildly spicy as written. You can adjust the heat by using more or fewer chipotle peppers and adobo sauce. For a milder version, use just half a pepper or swap for smoked paprika alone.
Can I prep these chicken tenders ahead of time?
You can season and bread the chicken strips in advance, then refrigerate them (uncooked) for up to 4 hours before baking. You can also freeze them raw and bake straight from frozen—just add a few extra minutes to the cook time.
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to bring back the crispiness. The chipotle ranch dressing can be refrigerated for up to 5 days.
We’d love to know how your family enjoyed them—leave a comment below or tag us on social media if you give them a try!
Craving more comfort food with a twist? Be sure to check out these other crowd-pleasing recipes!
- Taco Charcuterie Board
- Easy Homemade Sloppy Joes
- Loaded Sheet Pan Nachos
- Easy Homemade Corn Dogs
- Delicious Beer Can Chicken
- Black Bean and Rice Enchiladas
- Bacon Cheeseburger Egg Rolls
Love discovering fun family recipes like this? Don’t forget to pin this Dorito Chicken Tenders recipe to your favorite Pinterest board so you can come back to it anytime!
