Worn out from eating the same old chicken dinner? This cornflake chicken tenders recipe is your answer. It’s a family favourite which provides a thoroughly satisfyingly crispy crunch without any of the mess or inconvenience involved with a deep fryer. The trick is a simple breading method that uses crushed cornflakes to form a golden delicious crust that kids and adults alike will love.
This recipe is so versatile and makes a great week night dish. You can do them upright in a lighter crunchy pan or fry them for a richer taste. Either way, the result is tender juicy chicken covered in a wonderfully crunchy crust. Below, we’ll guide you on how to perfect this popular dish so that it becomes a staple in your meal rotation.
Time Table
| Component | Duration |
|---|---|
| Preparation | 15 minutes |
| Cooking | 20-25 minutes |
| Total Time | 35-40 minutes |
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken tenders (boneless)
- 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- salt and black pepper according to taste
- Cooking Spray or 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
Instructions
Serves 4
- Preheat your oven to 400° F (200° C). If you are making the baked cornflake chicken tenders recipe, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
- Set up your breading station. In a shallow dish, mix the crushed cornflakes, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
- Put the flour in a second shallow container. In a third bowl beat the two eggs lightly so that you can use this as an egg wash.
- Prepare the chicken tenders. Blot dry with a paper towel – to help the coating stick. Steps three and four are essential to attaining that signature crispiness.
- Preheat dark roasting pan with olive oil and toss the chicken tender in the flour, shaking out the excess oil. Then, dip it in egg wash till it is coated. Finally, press the tender well into the cornflake mixture so that there is a fat, smooth layer.
- Cook the tenders any way you’d like. For the baked cornflake chicken tenders recipe, arrange them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Give the tops of them a quick spray of cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until hot through and golden brown, turning midway through.
- For a richer flavour, you can make the fried cornflake chicken tenders recipe. Place vegetable oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Place the breaded tenders in the hot oil and fry for 3 – 4 minutes a side or until golden and through.
- Take the chicken off the oven or skillet and let them rest for one or two minutes before serving. This helps the juices to redistribute and make the tenders moist and tender.
Tips & Tricks
- Extra Crispy Coating: For extra crunchy crust, you can toast the crushed cornflakes in a dry skillet for a few minutes before combining them with the wet ingredients. Allow to cool down completely before breading.
- Spice and herbs: Don’t be afraid to experiment with a variety of spices. Cayenne pepper can be added for a bit of heat, or Italian seasoning for another flavour profile.
- Dipping Sauces: The tenders on their own are delicious but what brings them to life are the dipping sauces. Some other options are classic barbecue, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayonnaise.
- Meal Prep: You can bread the chicken tenders a day ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator on a wire rack to keep the coating from getting soggy.
Conclusion
This simple yet effective cornflake chicken tenders recipe is a perfect way to bring a smile to everyone at the dinner table. It’s a delicious, crunchy and simple recipe that shows you don’t need a deep fryer to make great things. The baked cornflake chicken tenders recipe is a hit with families everywhere.
We hope you would give this nice recipe a try soon! Let us know how well that worked in the comments below. So please share your feedback, tips and photos with us.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can I use different parts of the chicken?
Yes! While this recipe is designed for chicken tenders, you can easily adapt it for boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Simply slice the breasts into strips of a similar size to tenders. The cooking time will be approximately the same.
How can I make this a gluten-free dish?
To make this cornflake chicken tenders recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free cornflakes and a gluten-free flour blend. The preparation process remains the same, ensuring you get the same great taste and texture without the gluten.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this?
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a side of macaroni and cheese.
Ingredients
-
1 lb chicken tenders (boneless)
-
2 cups cornflakes, crushed
-
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
-
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
-
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1 tsp onion powder
-
1/2 tsp paprika
-
salt and black pepper according to taste
-
Cooking Spray or 2 tbsp. vegetable oil
Instructions
-
Preheat your oven to 400° F (200° C). If you are making the baked cornflake chicken tenders recipe, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside.
-
Set up your breading station. In a shallow dish, mix the crushed cornflakes, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder and paprika. Season with salt and pepper.
-
Put the flour in a second shallow container. In a third bowl beat the two eggs lightly so that you can use this as an egg wash.
-
Prepare the chicken tenders. Blot dry with a paper towel - to help the coating stick. Steps three and four are essential to attaining that signature crispiness.
-
Preheat dark roasting pan with olive oil and toss the chicken tender in the flour, shaking out the excess oil. Then, dip it in egg wash till it is coated. Finally, press the tender well into the cornflake mixture so that there is a fat, smooth layer.
-
Cook the tenders any way you'd like. For the baked cornflake chicken tenders recipe, arrange them on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Give the tops of them a quick spray of cooking spray. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until hot through and golden brown, turning midway through.
-
For a richer flavour, you can make the fried cornflake chicken tenders recipe. Place vegetable oil in a large skillet set over medium-high heat. Place the breaded tenders in the hot oil and fry for 3 - 4 minutes a side or until golden and through.
-
Take the chicken off the oven or skillet and let them rest for one or two minutes before serving. This helps the juices to redistribute and make the tenders moist and tender.
Notes
-
Extra Crispy Coating: For extra crunchy crust, you can toast the crushed cornflakes in a dry skillet for a few minutes before combining them with the wet ingredients. Allow to cool down completely before breading.
-
Spice and herbs: Don't be afraid to experiment with a variety of spices. Cayenne pepper can be added for a bit of heat, or Italian seasoning for another flavour profile.
-
Dipping Sauces: The tenders on their own are delicious but what brings them to life are the dipping sauces. Some other options are classic barbecue, honey mustard, or spicy sriracha mayonnaise.
-
Meal Prep: You can bread the chicken tenders a day ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator on a wire rack to keep the coating from getting soggy.