Description
Crispy and flavorful Cheetos Chicken Strips made by coating chicken tenders in crushed Cheetos and baked to golden perfection. A fun twist on classic chicken strips with a crunchy, cheesy coating that’s perfect as a main course or appetizer. Enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauces for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Coating
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken tenders or chicken breasts (cut into strips)
- 4 cups crushed Cheetos (regular or Flamin’ Hot)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Wet Ingredients
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray or oil for baking
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare coating bowls: Place the crushed Cheetos into a shallow bowl. In a second bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a third bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until blended.
- Coat the chicken strips: Take each chicken strip and first dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Next, dip it into the egg and milk mixture ensuring it’s well coated. Finally, press the chicken strip firmly into the crushed Cheetos, making sure all sides are covered for maximum crunch.
- Arrange and spray: Place the coated chicken strips onto the baking sheet in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops of the strips with nonstick cooking spray to help achieve an extra crispy texture as they bake.
- Bake until golden and cooked through: Bake the chicken strips in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) to ensure they are fully cooked.
- Rest and serve: Once baked, let the chicken strips cool slightly before serving. They pair wonderfully with ranch, honey mustard, or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious snack or meal.
Notes
- For extra crunch, place the chicken strips on a wire rack over the baking sheet to allow air circulation during baking.
- These chicken strips can also be cooked in an air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12 to 15 minutes for a quicker alternative.
- Try using Flamin’ Hot Cheetos to give the chicken strips a spicy kick.
- Serve alongside a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch or honey mustard for added flavor.
