Cornflake-Crusted Chicken Tenders
Cornflake-Crusted Chicken Tenders feature a perfectly crispy golden crust made from crushed cornflakes, enclosing juicy and tender chicken inside. This easy-to-make recipe uses simple pantry staples to create a crunchy, flavorful dish ideal for quick dinners, kid-friendly lunches, or party snacks. Baked or lightly fried, these tenders deliver a satisfying crunch and savory taste that kids and adults will love.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes (baking) or 6-8 minutes (frying)
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb fresh boneless chicken tenders
- 1 cup cornflakes, crushed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour for gluten-free option)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Cooking oil or cooking spray, as needed
- Prepare the Coating Stations: Set up three shallow bowls or plates — one with seasoned flour (mix flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika), one with beaten eggs, and one with crushed cornflakes mixed with any additional seasonings you prefer. This setup makes the coating process efficient and clean.
- Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and dredge it first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Dip into the beaten eggs to fully moisten, then press firmly into the crushed cornflakes to coat evenly and thoroughly, ensuring maximum crunch.
- Cook to Perfection: Heat a skillet with a little oil over medium heat or preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the tenders in batches: if frying, cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C); if baking, place tenders on a greased baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway, until crispy and fully cooked.
- Rest and Serve: Transfer cooked tenders onto a wire rack or a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil and keep the crust crispy. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the coating to set properly.
Notes
- Use fresh cornflakes as stale flakes reduce crunchiness; crush gently for best texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking to avoid steaming and ensure even crispness.
- Press the coating firmly onto the chicken to create a thick, crunchy crust that sticks well during cooking.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, balancing salt and spices with your chosen dipping sauces.
- Allow tenders to rest after cooking to keep the crust crisp and the chicken juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz (about 3 tenders)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: cornflake chicken, chicken tenders, crunchy chicken, easy chicken recipe, kid-friendly chicken, baked chicken tenders, gluten-free chicken