Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Fried Chicken Recipe

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Ingredients

• 6 cups cheese puffs, such as CHEETOS Crunchy FLAMIN HOT Cheese Flavored Snacks
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound chicken breast tenderloins (about 8 pieces)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil

Directions

1. Place Cheetos in a blender and pulse until they turn into fine crumbs. Transfer the crumbs into a 1-gallon resealable plastic bag.
2. Add cayenne pepper and salt to the Cheetos crumbs. Seal the bag and shake it to mix everything together evenly.
3. Next, place the chicken tenders in a separate 1-quart resealable plastic bag. Add mayonnaise into the bag and seal it. Gently massage the chicken through the bag to coat it evenly with mayonnaise.
4. Take two chicken tenders at a time from the mayonnaise bag and transfer them into the Cheetos crumb bag. Seal the bag and shake it until the tenders are thoroughly coated with the crumbs.
5. Place the coated chicken tenders on a plate and repeat this process with the remaining tenders.
6. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the breaded chicken tenders in a single layer and cook for 6 minutes on one side.
7. Using a spatula, flip the tenders over and cook them for an additional 6 minutes, or until the chicken is no longer pink inside and the juices run clear. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of the tenders should register at least 165F (74C).
8. Once cooked, remove the tenders from the skillet and serve hot. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful chicken tenders!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	636
Total Fat	40g	51%
Saturated Fat	6g	30%
Cholesterol	106mg	35%
Sodium	930mg	40%
Total Carbohydrate	28g	10%
Dietary Fiber	1g	3%
Total Sugars	2g
Protein	38g	77%
Vitamin C	0mg	0%
Calcium	48mg	4%
Iron	3mg	14%
Potassium	398mg	8%

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

The Story Behind Flamin Hot Cheetos Fried Chicken

Flamin Hot Cheetos Fried Chicken is a modern twist on the classic American fried chicken, blending the iconic spicy snack with a southern comfort food staple. Its origin can be traced to the rise of creative, snack-infused recipes that became popular in the 2010s, particularly in urban food culture. Social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok played a significant role in popularizing this dish, turning a playful idea into a viral culinary trend. It reflects the American penchant for bold flavors and experimental fusion cooking.

Regional Characteristics

Although fried chicken is a staple across the United States, this version highlights a distinctly urban and contemporary style, often associated with Southern cities such as Atlanta, Dallas, and Los Angeles. Unlike traditional Southern fried chicken, which relies on seasoned flour and buttermilk, Flamin Hot Cheetos Fried Chicken uses crushed spicy Cheetos to create an intense, crunchy coating. This regional adaptation caters to a younger audience looking for heat, crunch, and a visually striking dish.

Differences from Similar Dishes

While many fried chicken recipes exist, this version stands out due to its unique use of a snack food as a crust. Classic Southern fried chicken uses a combination of flour, spices, and sometimes cornmeal. Nashville hot chicken is known for its cayenne pepper paste applied after frying. Flamin Hot Cheetos Fried Chicken combines both approaches: the chicken is coated in mayonnaise to help the crumbs stick, and then the Cheetos crumbs provide both intense heat and a vibrant red-orange color. The result is a dish that is spicier, crunchier, and visually more dramatic than most traditional fried chicken.

Where Its Typically Served

This dish is most often found at food festivals, fast-casual restaurants, and pop-up eateries specializing in creative fried foods. It is also a popular homemade recipe, frequently shared online for gatherings, game-day events, or parties where finger foods are preferred. Unlike traditional fried chicken served at family dinners, this version leans toward fun, casual, and social dining experiences.

Fun and Interesting Facts

• The bright red-orange color of the coating comes directly from the artificial coloring in Flamin Hot Cheetos, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the taste buds.
• Despite its bold flavor, the spicy coating can be surprisingly mild after cooking, as some of the heat from the Cheetos dissipates during frying.
• The recipe can be customized with other snack foods, like Doritos or Takis, creating endless flavor possibilities.
• It has become a symbol of snack food fusion, a trend where familiar snacks are incorporated into classic recipes for playful, unconventional results.
• Flamin Hot Cheetos Fried Chicken has inspired entire menus in certain specialty restaurants, alongside other innovative snack-based dishes such as Cheetos mac and cheese or Cheetos-topped burgers.

FAQ about Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Fried Chicken Recipe

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