Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders

Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders are a deliciously crispy and flavorful take on the classic chicken tenders, using crushed corn flakes as the crunchy coating. This recipe pairs tender, seasoned chicken with a homemade honey mustard dipping sauce, making it an ideal choice for family meals, parties, or casual gatherings. With the option to bake or air fry, these chicken tenders are a healthier alternative to deep-fried versions without compromising on taste or texture.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Offers a healthier, oven-baked or air-fried alternative to deep frying

• Coated with corn flakes for an irresistibly crispy texture

• Includes a tangy-sweet homemade dipping sauce

• Great for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests

• Quick to prepare and easy to make in large batches

• Kid-friendly and perfect for picky eaters

• Easily adaptable with different seasonings or dips

• Ideal for meal prepping or next-day leftovers

• No special cooking skills required

• A fun and interactive meal idea for family nights

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Sauce:

• Mayonnaise

• Mustard

• Apple cider vinegar

• Honey

For the Chicken Tenders:

• Chicken breast tenderloins

• Garlic powder

• Paprika powder

• Freshly squeezed lemon juice

• Corn flakes

• Olive oil

• All-purpose flour

• Eggs

Tools and Equipment:

• Small bowl

• Large bowl

• Baking sheet or air fryer

• Plates

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey until smooth. Set aside for serving.

2. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss chicken tenderloins with garlic powder, paprika, and lemon juice. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

3. Preheat Oven or Air Fryer:

   • Oven: Preheat to 200°C (390°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

   • Air Fryer: Preheat to 200°C (390°F) as per manufacturer instructions.

4. Prepare the Coating:

   • Crush the corn flakes in a food processor or by hand until they reach a coarse crumb consistency.

   • Mix the crushed flakes with olive oil in a shallow bowl.

5. Set Up Dredging Station:

   • Place flour in one plate, beaten eggs in another, and the corn flake mixture in a third.

6. Coat the Chicken:

   • Dredge each tenderloin in flour, dip into the egg, and then coat thoroughly with corn flakes.

   • Transfer coated tenders to the baking sheet or air fryer basket.

7. Cook the Chicken:

   • Oven: Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

   • Air Fryer: Cook for 15–18 minutes, flipping once, until crispy and fully cooked.

8. Serve: Plate the crispy tenders with the prepared honey mustard sauce on the side.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes (oven) / 15–18 minutes (air fryer)

• Total Time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the seasoning mix.

• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free corn flakes.

• Cheesy Tenders: Mix grated parmesan cheese with the corn flakes for extra flavor.

• Herb Blend: Add dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the flour for added depth.

• Panko Mix: Combine corn flakes with panko bread crumbs for an extra crunch.

• Dipping Sauce Swap: Try ranch, BBQ sauce, or spicy sriracha mayo instead of honey mustard.

• Buttermilk Marinade: Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours for added tenderness.

• Asian Twist: Swap the honey mustard with a soy-ginger dipping sauce.

• Buffalo Style: Toss cooked tenders in buffalo sauce for a zesty finish.

• Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with tofu strips or cauliflower florets.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken tenders for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen for convenience.

• Reheating (Oven): Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes until hot and crisp.

• Reheating (Air Fryer): Heat at 180°C (350°F) for 6-8 minutes.

• Microwave: Not recommended for optimal crispiness.

FAQs

How do I get the corn flakes to stick better to the chicken?

Ensure the chicken is well coated in flour and egg before pressing into the corn flake mixture. Gently press the coating onto the chicken to help it adhere.

Can I use regular chicken breast instead of tenderloins?

Yes, just slice the chicken breast into strips of similar size to tenderloins for even cooking.

Are corn flakes healthy for coating chicken?

Corn flakes provide a crunchy texture and can be a better alternative to processed breadcrumbs, especially when baked or air-fried.

Can I make these chicken tenders ahead of time?

Yes, you can coat the tenders and refrigerate them for up to 4 hours before cooking.

Is the sauce optional?

Yes, the honey mustard sauce is optional, but it adds a delicious balance to the crispy chicken.

Can I use a different oil for mixing with the corn flakes?

Yes, you can use vegetable oil, canola oil, or melted butter as alternatives.

How do I crush the corn flakes properly?

Use a food processor or place the flakes in a sealed bag and crush with a rolling pin until they resemble coarse crumbs.

Are these tenders kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The mild flavors and crunchy texture make them a hit with children.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled. Use two baking sheets or cook in batches if using an air fryer.

What should I serve with corn flakes chicken tenders?

They pair well with salads, fries, coleslaw, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders are a satisfying and versatile dish that combines crunch, flavor, and ease. Whether you’re preparing a casual lunch, planning a party platter, or looking for a healthier chicken tender alternative, this recipe delivers on all fronts. With customizable seasoning options and a crowd-pleasing dipping sauce, it’s bound to become a staple in your home kitchen.