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Flamin’ Hot Chicken Tenders Recipe

4.9 from 127 reviews

Crispy, spicy, and irresistible, these Flamin’ Hot Chicken Tenders feature tender chicken breasts coated in a crunchy, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos crust. Baked to perfection for a healthier twist on a classic fried favorite, served with cool ranch dressing for dipping.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

  • 1/3 cup (40 g) all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 (9-oz.) bag Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, crushed
  • 3 (8-oz.) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut lengthwise into 1” pieces
  • Kosher salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Serving

  • Ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare Coating: Arrange a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C). Set up three shallow bowls: one with the all-purpose flour, the second with beaten eggs mixed with 1 tablespoon of water, and the third with the crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. This station will streamline the breading process.
  2. Season and Coat Chicken: Generously season the chicken tenders with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. First, dredge each piece in the flour to create a base layer. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it is completely coated. Finally, roll the chicken in the crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos until fully covered. Place each coated tender on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spaced evenly to allow for even cooking.
  3. Bake Until Crispy and Cooked Through: Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) as measured by an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part. The crust should be crispy and vibrant red from the Cheetos. Serve hot with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, lightly spray the coated tenders with cooking spray before baking.
  • Flamin’ Hot Cheetos can be adjusted for spiciness; use less if you prefer milder heat.
  • Ensure chicken pieces are cut evenly for uniform cooking.
  • Serve with your favorite dipping sauces if ranch is not preferred.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the oven to restore crispiness.

Keywords: Flamin' Hot Chicken Tenders, spicy chicken tenders, baked chicken tenders, Flamin' Hot Cheetos recipe, crispy chicken, oven-baked chicken, snack, appetizer