This post may contain affiliate links. Please see disclosure form more information.
This easy Cheetos chicken recipe uses crushed Cheetos instead of bread crumbs to make breaded chicken tenders in the oven. Ready in just 15 minutes!
Have you ever planned to make something and found you were out of one of the main ingredients? Happens here all.the.time. You would think I would know better! I wanted to make breaded chicken tenders, but we were out of breadcrumbs. But, I did have a bag of the new semi healthier Simply Cheetos puffs in the pantry that the kids hadn’t discovered yet.
Long story short — I crushed some up and made crispy Cheeto chicken using Cheetos for the breading. Wow. These were honestly some of the BEST breaded chicken strips ever! The chicken was tender, flavorful, and my kids devoured them in minutes!
For more breaded chicken recipes, try my Ritz chicken or these spicy Buffalo nuggets next!
Why you’ll love this family favorite recipe!
It’s quick and easy with minimal ingredients you may already have in the house.
Takes just 15 minutes to bake. Or you can use your air fryer.
The best part? It’s picky eater approved!
What You Need
Here’s a quick overview of the ingredients. Full amounts are listed in the printable recipe card below.
- Chicken tenders — You can also do this with chicken breasts, but they will take longer to cook.
- Cheetos — I used white cheddar, but regular cheddar, Flamin Hot or any flavor will work.
- Italian seasoning — This is optional, but it adds a nice, herby flavor that goes well with the white cheddar flavor.
- Egg — to help the breading stick
- Milk — to thin out the egg. Water will also work.
How to Make Cheetos Chicken Tenders
First, crush up the Cheetos in a bag or in a food processor. Dip the tenders in the egg wash, and coat them well with the seasoned crumbs. Place on a lightly greased baking sheet, and bake for about 15 minutes or until cooked through.
Quick Tips
Set up a breading station with the egg wash in one dish and the Cheeto crumbs in another dish to make the process go quickly.
Use kitchen tongs to prevent the crumbs sticking to your hands.
Variations
If you can’t find tenders, slice chicken breasts into long strips. You can also slice them into smaller pieces to make chicken nuggets.
You can use your air fryer instead of the oven. I usually air fry chicken tenders at 390 for 8-10 minutes or until done.
Add a couple of tablespoons of shredded Parmesan cheese for even more flavor.
Easy Cheetos Chicken
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken tenders
- 1 large egg
- 1 teaspoon milk
- 3 cups white cheddar Simply Cheetos puffs crushed
- 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400℉, and lightly grease a baking sheet with oil or non-stick cooking spray. You can also line baking sheet with foil or parchment paper
- Crush Cheetos in a large freezer bag using a meat mallet or rolling pin, or use a food processor.
- Place crumbs into shallow dish, and stir in Italian seasoning
- Add egg to a small shallow dish, and whisk with milk until blended
- Dip chicken tenders into egg mixture
- Press chicken into Cheeto crumbs until well coated
- Place on prepared baking sheet, and bake in preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until internal temperature is at least 165℉, according to a meat thermometer
- Serve immediately
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Sign up for the free weekly newsletter to receive more easy recipes by email.
