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.
Make Ahead Options
These Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk up to 24 hours in advance to enhance the flavor and tenderness. Additionally, you can crush the Cool Ranch Doritos and mix them with flour and Ranch seasoning, storing this mixture in an airtight container for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply dredge the marinated chicken in the prepped coating and fry them for that crispy, golden finish. This way, you can enjoy a delicious homemade meal with minimal effort on busy weeknights, and trust me, they’ll be just as tasty as when made fresh!
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!
What to Serve with Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders?
Looking to create a mouthwatering feast that will enchant your family and friends?
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Crispy French Fries: The golden crunch of fries beautifully complements the tender chicken, making every bite utterly satisfying. Serve them with a sprinkle of sea salt for that perfect crunch!
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Coleslaw: A refreshing tangy coleslaw adds a cool contrast to the crispy tenders. The crunch of the cabbage and carrots paired with a creamy dressing is a heavenly match.
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Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha sauce. These sauces enhance the flavor experience, creating endless variations for your taste buds.
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Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn pairs wonderfully with the savory tenders, bringing a touch of summer to your plate. It’s the ideal side for a backyard barbecue vibe.
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Garlic Bread: Slices of warm, buttery garlic bread bring a deliciously aromatic element. The soft bread will perfectly scoop up any leftover dipping sauce!
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Pickle Chips: Crunchy and tangy pickle chips add a unique, zesty flavor contrast that brightens up the meal. Their acidity perfectly cuts through the richness of the chicken tenders.
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Sweet Tea: A refreshing glass of sweet tea complements the dish beautifully, enhancing the whole meal with its sweet, southern charm.
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Chocolate Chip Cookies: End your meal on a sweet note with warm chocolate chip cookies. The gooey chocolate will be the perfect finish after those savory bites.
Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders Variations
Feel free to mix things up and make this recipe your own with these exciting twists!
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Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the Dorito coating for an extra layer of heat that will tantalize your taste buds.
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Herb-Infused: Mix in a tablespoon of fresh chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro into the coating for a fresh, flavorful pop.
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Cheese Lover’s Delight: Sprinkle some grated parmesan or cheddar cheese into the Dorito coating for a cheesy twist that will have everyone asking for more.
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Baked Option: For a healthier alternative, spray the coated chicken tenders with cooking spray and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until golden and crispy.
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Gluten-Free: Swap out the flour for a gluten-free alternative like almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose mix for a tasty, inclusive version.
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Zesty Lime: Add the zest of one lime to the buttermilk marinade for a citrusy freshness that brings a delightful lift to each bite.
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Sweet & Spicy: Mix in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup with the buttermilk to introduce a wonderfully sweet element that balances the ranch flavor.
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Crispy Panko: Substitute some crushed Doritos with panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy texture that will delight anyone biting into these tenders.
Embrace your inner chef and let your creativity shine with these tasty variations!
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 my tenders?
Absolutely! Look for boneless chicken breasts that are plump and have a consistent pink color. Avoid any that have dark spots or an off smell. Fresh chicken should feel firm to the touch, and I recommend buying it from a trusted source to ensure the best quality.
What’s the best way to store leftover Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders?
For optimal freshness, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure the tenders are completely cooled before sealing, as this will keep them crispy rather than soggy. If you plan to enjoy them later than that, consider freezing!
Can I freeze the Cooked Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders?
Definitely! To freeze these tasty tenders, lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they can stay good for up to 2 months. Remember to label the bag with the date! When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them directly from frozen.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen Cool Ranch Chicken Tenders?
I recommend preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen tenders in a single layer on a lined baking sheet and reheat for about 15-20 minutes, or until heated thoroughly. Broil for the last 2 minutes to get that lovely crispy texture back!
Are these chicken tenders suitable for kids with dietary allergies?
Very! While the basic ingredients are chicken and buttermilk, be cautious if you’re making these for kids with allergies. Make sure the Doritos are safe for their dietary needs, and consider using gluten-free flour and buttermilk substitutes if necessary. Always check labels for allergens, especially when frying as oils might also be a concern. If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare provider.
What do I do if my chicken coating isn’t sticking?
If you find that the coating isn’t adhering to your chicken tenders, there are a couple of simple fixes! First, make sure you’re pressing the coating mixture firmly onto the chicken strips. If the chicken seems dry, a little extra buttermilk could help it adhere better. You can also try letting the coated chicken rest for a few minutes before frying to allow the coating to set. Happy cooking!
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, infuses each bite with that iconic flavor.
- 1 cup Flour provides a light and crispy coating.
- 1-2 Tbsp Ranch seasoning mix optional, adds an extra punch of 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.
- Take your bag of Cool Ranch Doritos and crush them into fine crumbs using a food processor or a rolling pin.
- In a shallow dish, combine the crushed Doritos, flour, and optional Ranch seasoning mix.
- In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge the chicken strips into the Doritos-flour mixture, pressing gently.
- Carefully add the chicken strips to the hot oil in batches. Fry for about 3-5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Use tongs to transfer the chicken strips to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve hot.
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