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Hot Cheetos Chicken Strips

These playful and bold Hot Cheetos Chicken Strips transform everyday chicken tenders into a crunchy, fun snack perfect for game nights or any time you crave something adventurous.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Mexican
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Coating
  • 2 cups crushed Flamin' Hot Cheetos
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 tablespoon mayonnaise Helps the coating stick
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Chicken
  • 2 pounds chicken tenders Can be substituted with battered cauliflower florets for a vegetarian version.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place the crushed Cheetos in a shallow dish and set aside.
  2. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and place a wire rack on top of a baking sheet.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the egg, mayonnaise, salt, and cayenne.
  4. Fold in the chicken tenders until fully coated.
Baking or Frying
  1. Coat each piece of chicken with the crushed Cheetos and place them on the wire rack.
  2. Spray the chicken tenders lightly with cooking spray.
  3. Bake for 15 minutes or until the thickest piece of chicken registers 165°F (74°C), or air fry for about 10 minutes at 400°F (200°C).

Notes

For best texture, reheat in an air fryer or on a wire rack in a 375°F oven if stored. Avoid microwaving to maintain crunch. For a global street-food vibe, serve in soft tortillas or on bao buns.