Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders
If you’re craving a crispy, juicy, and utterly satisfying chicken recipe, look no further than Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders. This dish combines the irresistible crunch of golden corn flakes with tender, flavorful chicken strips to create a meal perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re cooking for the family or prepping a fun snack, these Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders deliver on taste and texture, making them a fast favorite in any kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crunchy Perfection: The corn flakes coating crisps up beautifully, creating a delightful crunch with every bite.
- Juicy Chicken Inside: Tender chicken stays moist and flavorful beneath the crispy crust.
- Quick and Easy: Minimal prep time and simple ingredients make it a go-to weeknight dinner.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the familiar, comforting flavors and textures.
- Versatile: Great for dipping, sandwich filling, or as a main course with your favorite sides.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need are simple pantry staples and fresh chicken to get started. Each ingredient plays a vital role, from seasoning to crunch and moisture, ensuring your Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders turn out perfectly every time.
- Chicken Breast: Boneless, skinless pieces work best for tender strips.
- Corn Flakes: Gives the tenders a crispy, golden crust packed with crunch.
- Flour: Helps the coating stick and provides a light base layer.
- Eggs: Acts as the binder between chicken and coating.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika boost flavor throughout.
- Cooking Oil: For pan-frying or baking, depending on your preferred method.
Variations for Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders
This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, so feel free to customize to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. A few simple swaps can bring new flavors and interests to your table.
- Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoning for a gentle kick.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in dried parsley or Italian seasoning to your coating mix for a fresh aromatic touch.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free corn flakes and flour alternatives like almond or rice flour.
- Baked Instead of Fried: Opt for baking to reduce oil usage and keep it lighter without sacrificing crunch.
- Parmesan Boost: Stir grated Parmesan cheese into the corn flakes for an extra depth of flavor.
How to Make Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Start by cutting the chicken breasts into tender-sized strips. Season them generously with salt, pepper, and your chosen spices to ensure each bite is flavorful.
Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station
In separate shallow dishes, place the flour, beaten eggs, and crushed corn flakes mixed with seasonings. This classic three-step coating process guarantees the perfect crispy texture.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken strip first into the flour, then the egg, and finally press them firmly into the corn flakes mixture to cover thoroughly. The crunch comes from this carefully layered coating.
Step 4: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat a skillet with oil over medium heat and cook the tenders in batches. Fry them until golden brown on each side and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. For a lighter option, bake them at 400°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Step 5: Rest and Serve
Remove the tenders and let them rest briefly on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot for the most satisfying crunch and juiciness.
Pro Tips for Making Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders
- Use Fresh Corn Flakes: Crush just before coating to maintain maximum crispiness, not a powdery texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to avoid steaming and get that sought-after crunchy crust.
- Pat Chicken Dry: Remove moisture before dredging to help the coating stick better.
- Season Each Layer: Add spices to flour and corn flakes for deeper, balanced flavor.
- Rest Before Serving: Allow tenders to cool for a minute to set the crust and keep juices sealed.
How to Serve Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add a vibrant color and a subtle burst of flavor to the plate, enhancing the dish’s appeal and aroma.
Side Dishes
Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, fresh coleslaw, or crispy fries for a classic combination, or light salads and steamed veggies for a healthier balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders into wraps or sliders with lettuce, tomato, and your favorite sauce, perfect for parties or quick lunches.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place cooled tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days, maintaining flavor and crispness when reheated properly.
Freezing
Freeze uncooked coated tenders on a baking sheet until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook directly from frozen for convenience and freshness.
Reheating
Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to revive crispiness without drying out the chicken.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer more juiciness and flavor and work well with the corn flakes coating, though cooking time may be a little longer.
Is this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, by using certified gluten-free corn flakes and flour substitutes like almond or rice flour, you can easily make this recipe gluten-free.
What’s the best way to crush corn flakes for coating?
Use a food processor for even crumbs or place them in a sealed bag and crush gently with a rolling pin to maintain texture without turning to powder.
Can I bake instead of frying the Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders?
Definitely. Baking at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes yields excellent crispy results while being a healthier alternative to frying.
How do I make these tenders extra crispy?
Double-coating the chicken by repeating the egg and corn flakes dip can boost crunchiness, plus using fresh corn flakes and frying in hot oil ensures a crisp crust.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders — that perfect crunch followed by juicy, tender chicken inside. This recipe is simple to master, versatile enough to suit any taste, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy every delicious bite of this crispy delight!
Related Posts
PrintCorn Flakes Chicken Tenders
Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders are crispy, juicy, and flavorful chicken strips coated in a crunchy corn flakes crust. This quick and easy recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a golden, crunchy coating perfect for family dinners, snacks, or party appetizers. Versatile and satisfying, they can be fried or baked for a delicious meal loved by kids and adults alike.
- 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
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips
Coating
- 1 1/2 cups corn flakes, crushed fresh
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or almond/rice flour for gluten-free)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili powder for spice
- Optional: 1 teaspoon dried parsley or Italian seasoning
For Cooking
- 2–3 tablespoons cooking oil (for pan-frying) or non-stick spray (for baking)
Instructions
- Prep Your Ingredients: Cut the chicken breasts into tender-sized strips. Season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any additional spices chosen to ensure each bite is flavorful.
- Set Up Your Breading Station: Place the flour in one shallow dish, the beaten eggs in a second, and the crushed corn flakes mixed with seasonings in a third dish. This three-step coating process creates the perfect crispy texture.
- Coat the Chicken: Dip each chicken strip into the flour first, then into the egg, and finally press firmly into the corn flakes mixture so it is thoroughly covered, ensuring a crunchy crust.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: For frying, heat oil in a skillet over medium heat and fry the tenders in batches for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. For a lighter option, bake the tenders at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove cooked tenders and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil if fried. Allow to rest briefly to set the crust and keep the chicken juicy, then serve hot for best taste and crunch.
Notes
- Use fresh corn flakes and crush just before coating to maintain maximum crispiness without turning into powder.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying to avoid steaming and ensure a crunchy crust.
- Pat chicken dry before coating to help the coating stick better.
- Season the flour and corn flakes mixtures to build deeper, balanced flavor.
- Rest the tenders for a minute after cooking to set the crust and seal juices.
- For extra crispy tenders, double-coat by repeating the egg and corn flakes step.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4-5 tenders (about 150g)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 24 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: corn flakes chicken tenders, crispy chicken, gluten free chicken tenders, baked chicken tenders, fried chicken strips
