Cornflake Chicken Tenders

If you're looking for a delicious, healthier alternative to fried chicken tenders, these baked cornflake chicken tenders are just what you need! They’re crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and packed with flavor. Plus, they’re easy to make and perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or even a fun appetizer.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

✔ Crispy & Crunchy – Thanks to the cornflake coating, these tenders have the perfect crunch without deep frying.
✔ Healthier Alternative – Baking instead of frying cuts down on excess oil and calories.
✔ Kid-Friendly & Family-Approved – A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults!

Ingredients

To make these crispy tenders, you'll need:

• 1 ½ lbs chicken tenders (or boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into strips)
• 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
• ½ cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Cooking spray or olive oil

Optional Dipping Sauce

• Honey mustard
• Ranch dressing
• BBQ sauce

Instructions

1. Preheat & Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack for extra crispiness.

2. Crush the Cornflakes

Place cornflakes in a zip-top bag and crush them using a rolling pin or pulse them in a food processor. You want them finely crushed but not turned into powder.

3. Set Up the Breading Station

• In one bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.
• In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk.
• In a third bowl, place the crushed cornflakes.

4. Coat the Chicken

Dredge each chicken tender in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.

Press it into the cornflakes, making sure the entire surface is covered.

5. Bake to Perfection

• Arrange the coated tenders on the prepared baking sheet.
• Lightly spray them with cooking spray or drizzle with a little olive oil for extra crispiness.
• Bake for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

6. Serve & Enjoy!

Let the tenders cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce. Pair them with a side salad, roasted veggies, or sweet potato fries for a complete meal.

Tips for Extra Crispy Tenders

• Use a wire rack on the baking sheet to allow airflow for even crisping.
• Don’t overcrowd the baking sheet—this helps the tenders get crispy instead of steaming.
• Want extra crunch? Double dip by repeating the egg and cornflake coating step.

These baked cornflake chicken tenders are so crispy and flavorful, you won’t even miss the deep fryer! Give them a try, and let me know how they turn out in the comments below.

Happy cooking! 🍗✨