There’s a delightful crunch that comes with the first bite of my Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders—one that instantly transports me to carefree weekends filled with backyard barbecues and laughter. Imagine crispy, golden chicken enveloped in the vibrant flavor of Cool Ranch Doritos, effortlessly elevating a simple weeknight dinner into an exciting taste adventure.
This recipe is a game changer, especially for those moments when you’re bored of bland fast food or feeling uninspired in the kitchen. With just a few ingredients, you can create a dish that’s not only crowd-pleasing but also incredibly satisfying. The best part? You can whip these up in no time, making them perfect for busy evenings or spontaneous gatherings.
So, if you’re ready to trade in your usual meals for something irresistibly tasty and fun, let’s dive into how to create these mouthwatering tenders that everyone will rave about!
Why You'll Love This Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders
- This recipe is a breeze to prepare, allowing you to enjoy delicious homemade chicken tenders without spending hours in the kitchen.
- The vibrant flavor of Cool Ranch Doritos adds a unique twist that will tantalize your taste buds and impress your family and friends.
- These tenders are versatile and can be served as an appetizer, main course, or even as a fun addition to a party platter.
- With a stunning golden brown color and a satisfying crunch, they are sure to be a visual hit at any gathering.
Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders Ingredients
Dive into the deliciousness with these simple and flavorful ingredients!
For the Chicken
• Boneless chicken breasts – 2 lbs – tender and meaty, perfect for creating juicy tenders.
• Buttermilk – 2 cups – helps to marinate and tenderize the chicken, ensuring maximum flavor.
For the Coating
• Cool Ranch Doritos – 1 (12 oz) bag, crushed – infuses each bite with that iconic, zesty Cool Ranch flavor.
• Flour – 1 cup – provides a light and crispy coating that clings beautifully to the chicken.
• Ranch seasoning mix – 1–2 Tbsp (optional) – adds an extra punch of flavor if you’re a ranch lover!
For Frying
• Vegetable oil – for frying – a neutral oil like canola or vegetable oil works best for frying these tenders to golden perfection.
How to Make Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders
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Marinate: Pour buttermilk over the chicken strips in a bowl, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour—longer if you can wait, as overnight marination enhances the flavor.
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Crush: Take your bag of Cool Ranch Doritos and crush them into fine crumbs. You can do this using a food processor or place them in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin for a little workout!
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Mix: In a shallow dish, combine the crushed Doritos, flour, and the optional Ranch seasoning mix. This flavorful blend will add a yummy coating to the chicken.
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Heat: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). A thermometer is handy here to ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying.
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Dredge: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken strips into the Doritos-flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure they are well coated.
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Fry: Carefully add the chicken strips to the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 3–5 minutes per side, until they are golden brown and cooked through. They should turn a beautiful golden color as they fry!
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Drain: Use tongs to transfer the chicken strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy the crunchy goodness!
Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders?
Elevate your meal with delightful sides that complement this crispy, flavorful chicken.
- Crispy French Fries: The classic pairing of golden fries adds an irresistible crunch and comfort, perfect for dipping alongside your tenders.
- Fresh Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens balances the richness of the tenders, providing a refreshing crunch with every bite. Toss in a tangy vinaigrette for extra zing.
- Creamy Coleslaw: The cool, creamy texture of coleslaw contrasts beautifully with the crispy chicken, offering a delicious bite of flavor and texture.
- Vegetable Crudités: Bright, crunchy veggies with a zingy dip offer a fresh, crisp element that lightens the meal and adds a nutritious touch.
- Garlic Breadsticks: Soft, buttery breadsticks are a comforting side that pairs wonderfully as you scoop up any leftover dipping sauce from your plate.
- Sweet Potato Wedges: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potato wedges not only adds more flavor but also makes for a nutritious side.
- Ranch Dipping Sauce: Enhance the ranch flavor by serving a side of ranch dressing for dipping, giving your meal that extra creamy dimension.
- Sparkling Lemonade: A refreshing, fizzy drink lifts the meal, balancing the savory flavors with a bright, citrus twist.
- Chocolate Brownies: End your meal on a sweet note with gooey chocolate brownies, offering the perfect contrast to the savory tenders.
Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize these tenders to match your flavor preferences!
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Spicy Kick: Add 1-2 tsp cayenne pepper to the Dorito coating for a zesty heat that enhances every bite.
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Cheesy Twist: Mix in ½ cup grated parmesan cheese with the crumbs for a savory, cheesy layer that perfectly compliments the ranch flavor.
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Gluten-Free: Swap out regular flour for a gluten-free blend and use gluten-free chips for a crispy texture without the gluten.
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Herb-Infused: Blend in some fresh chopped herbs like parsley or dill into the coating for a fresh burst of flavor with every crunchy bite.
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Oven-Baked: If you prefer to skip frying, place the coated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden.
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Buffalo Sauce Drizzle: After frying, toss the chicken in a bit of Buffalo sauce for a tangy, spicy twist that will add a delightful flavor explosion.
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Sweet & Savory: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup before serving for an unexpected sweet element that balances the savory crunch.
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Ranch Lovers: If you’re a ranch enthusiast, add extra ranch seasoning directly into the buttermilk marinade for a deeper infusion of flavor!
Proper Storage for Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders
Fridge: Store leftover Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Make sure they are completely cooled before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze tenders in a single layer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen for the best texture.
Reheating: To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. A quick broil at the end can add extra crunch!
Make Ahead Options
These Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders are an excellent choice for meal prep, saving you valuable time on busy weeknights. You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk up to 24 hours in advance to infuse it with flavor. Additionally, you can crush the Doritos and mix them with flour and seasoning, storing the coating in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, simply dredge the marinated chicken in the prepared coating and fry until golden brown. This approach allows you to enjoy delicious, homemade chicken tenders with minimal effort, keeping them just as crispy and flavorful as if made fresh!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor in your Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders, marinate the chicken overnight in buttermilk to really enhance the taste and texture.
- Remember to press the Doritos coating firmly onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well during frying, preventing it from falling off.
- Always check the oil temperature with a thermometer to ensure it stays at 350°F for optimal frying, preventing greasy tenders.
- Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and achieve that perfect golden brown color while keeping the tenders juicy inside.
Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders Recipe FAQs
How do I select the best chicken breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing boneless chicken breasts, look for those that are plump and have a pinkish color without any dark spots. Ensure they feel firm to the touch and are not slimy, which might indicate spoilage. Fresh chicken breasts can make all the difference in the taste and quality of your Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders!
How should I store leftover Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders?
Very! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for about 3 days. Make sure they cool completely before sealing them up to maintain their crispy texture. If you want to enjoy them later, I recommend following the freezing instructions below!
Can I freeze Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders, and if so, how?
Definitely! You can freeze your cooked Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders for up to 3 months. First, allow them to cool completely. Then, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer them to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. To reheat, pop them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 10–12 minutes until heated through, avoiding the microwave to prevent sogginess.
What if my tenders aren’t crispy enough after frying?
If your Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders aren’t crispy, it might be due to a few factors. First, make sure your oil is hot enough (350°F or 175°C) before frying; you can test it with a small piece of the coating which should sizzle immediately. If the chicken is crowded in the pan, the temperature can drop, leading to sogginess. Fry in small batches for the best results!
Can I add ingredients to accommodate dietary restrictions?
Of course! For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend, and check that your Doritos are labeled as gluten-free. If allergies are a concern, be mindful of the Ranch seasoning mix and choose an allergy-friendly alternative. Always double-check the ingredient labels to ensure safety, especially when cooking for someone with specific dietary needs.
Is there a recommended dipping sauce for my tenders?
Absolutely! These Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders pair wonderfully with ranch dressing or a zesty blue cheese dip. You can also try a spicy sriracha mayo or barbecue sauce for a little extra flavor. The more, the merrier—get creative with your favorite dips!
Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
- 2 lbs Boneless chicken breasts tender and meaty, perfect for creating juicy tenders.
- 2 cups Buttermilk helps to marinate and tenderize the chicken.
- 1 bag (12 oz) Cool Ranch Doritos crushed, for iconic flavor.
- 1 cup Flour provides a light and crispy coating.
- 1–2 Tbsp Ranch seasoning mix optional, for extra flavor.
- Vegetable oil for frying.
Method
- Pour buttermilk over the chicken strips in a bowl, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Crush Cool Ranch Doritos into fine crumbs using a food processor or rolling pin.
- In a shallow dish, combine crushed Doritos, flour, and optional ranch seasoning mix.
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge in Doritos-flour mixture.
- Carefully add chicken strips to hot oil in batches. Fry for about 3–5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Transfer chicken strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve hot.
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