Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders

Why Make This Recipe

Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders are a fun and simple dish perfect for any meal. They are not just easy to make but also deliciously crispy and packed with flavor. If you’re looking for a dish that pleases both kids and adults alike, this recipe is a great choice. The crunchy texture of the cornflakes adds a delightful twist to the classic chicken tender, making them a fantastic alternative to fried chicken.

Another reason to make this recipe is its versatility. You can serve these tenders as a main dish or as an appetizer. They can be paired with a variety of sauces, or you can serve them alongside your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. Moreover, this recipe is baked rather than fried, making it a healthier option without compromising on taste and crunch.

How to Make Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders

Making Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders is straightforward and requires very little prep time. You’ll need a few simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. The recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a fun weekend meal. Let’s dive into the steps.

Ingredients

To make Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 lb chicken tenders: These are boneless and skinless strips of chicken breast, easy to cook and seasoned perfectly.
• 2 cups cornflakes, crushed: Cornflakes give a crispy and crunchy coating; be sure they are crushed for better adhesion.
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: This helps the coating stick to the chicken.
• 2 large eggs, beaten: The eggs act as a binding agent for the coating.
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a fantastic flavor to the chicken.
• 1 teaspoon paprika: Provides a hint of smokiness and color.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for flavoring the chicken.
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild kick.
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional): A little spice if you want extra heat.
• Cooking spray or vegetable oil: Used for greasing the baking sheet to prevent sticking and for a little extra crispiness.

Directions

Follow these simple steps to make your Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help the tenders get crispy while cooking. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coat of cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Set up your breading station. You will need three bowls:

• In the first bowl, mix the flour with the garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
• In the second bowl, beat the eggs until fully mixed.
• In the third bowl, place your crushed cornflakes.

Step 3: Take each chicken tender and coat it in the flour mixture. Make sure to cover all sides. Next, dip the flour-coated chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, roll the chicken in the crushed cornflakes. Press down slightly to ensure the cornflakes stick well.

Step 4: Place the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are spaced apart to allow even cooking and crisping.

Step 5: Lightly spray the tops of the chicken tenders with cooking spray or drizzle a little vegetable oil over them for an extra crunch. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the tenders are golden brown and fully cooked. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).

Once done, take them out and let them cool for a few minutes before serving. You’ll have crunchy, tender chicken strips that are sure to impress!

How to Serve Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders

Serving Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders is all about pairing them with the right sides and sauces. Here are a few ideas:

• Dipping Sauces: Serve with various sauces like honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, or a spicy sriracha mayo for dipping. Each sauce brings a unique flavor to the tenders and can elevate your meal.

• Sides: Pair the chicken tenders with classic sides like mashed potatoes, macaroni and cheese, or French fries. For a healthier option, consider serving them with a side salad or steamed vegetables—broccoli or green beans are great choices.

• Toppings: You can also top the chicken tenders with shredded cheese or fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor and color.

• Buns: Turn the tenders into sandwiches. Place them in a bun with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauces for an easy meal option.

How to Store Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders

If you have leftovers, storing them properly will help maintain their freshness. Here’s how:

• Cooling: Allow the chicken tenders to cool completely at room temperature.

• Packaging: Place them in an airtight container. If you want to keep them even more fresh, you can wrap individual tenders in foil and then put them in the container.

• Refrigeration: Store the container in the refrigerator. They should last for about 3-4 days.

• Freezing: If you want to keep them for a longer period, you can freeze them. Place the cooled tenders on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, and they can be kept for about 2-3 months.

When ready to eat again, you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through to regain some crunch.

Tips to Make Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders

Here are some useful tips to help you make the best Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders:

1. Crushing Cornflakes: For a finer texture, place your cornflakes in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or your hands. Be careful not to crush them too much; you want some texture.

2. Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the spices according to your taste. You can add Italian herbs, chili powder, or even a dash of lemon zest for a twist.

3. Cooking Time: Every oven is different, so be sure to check your chicken tenders a few minutes before the suggested cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy on the outside but juicy inside.

4. For Extra Crunch: To get an even crispier texture, you can double-coat the chicken tenders. After the first coat of cornflakes, dip the chicken back into the egg and then into the cornflakes again.

5. Air Fryer Option: If you have an air fryer, you can cook these tenders in it to reduce the cooking time and achieve a super crunchy crust. Set your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for about 10-12 minutes.

Variation

If you want to switch it up, consider these variations:

• Spicy Crunchy Chicken Tenders: Add more cayenne pepper or some hot sauce to the egg mixture for an extra kick.

• Cheesy Cornflake Tenders: Mix grated Parmesan cheese in with the crushed cornflakes for a cheesy flavor.

• BBQ Glazed Tenders: After baking, brush the tenders with your favorite BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking for a sticky, sweet finish.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken tenders?
Yes, you can! Simply cut chicken breasts into strips to make your own tenders. Adjust the cooking time since thicker pieces may take longer to cook through.

2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute regular all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornflakes.

3. Can I prep these in advance?
Absolutely! You can coat the chicken tenders the night before and store them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, just bake them directly from the fridge.

4. What if I can’t find cornflakes?
If cornflakes are not available, you can substitute them with crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or even crushed pretzels for a different texture.

5. How do I know when chicken tenders are done?
The best way is to check the internal temperature using a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) to be safe for consumption. The tenders should also be golden brown and crispy on the outside.

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