If you’re craving a crunchy, flavorful chicken dish that elevates simple ingredients into a dinner classic, you’re going to love this Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe. The crispy corn flakes coating gives the tender chicken a satisfyingly crunchy texture, while the homemade honey mustard sauce brings the perfect balance of sweet and tangy that pairs beautifully with each bite. It’s a fun, easy meal that will quickly become a family favorite or a go-to when you want something both comforting and special.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be fooled by how straightforward this recipe is — every ingredient plays an important role in making these chicken tenders irresistible. From the crunchy corn flakes to the flavorful spices and the rich, creamy honey mustard sauce, each element is essential for the perfect balance of texture and taste.
- Mayonnaise: Adds creaminess and a subtle tang to the honey mustard sauce for a luscious dip.
- Mustard: Brings a piquant kick that brightens the sauce and complements the crispy tenders.
- Apple cider vinegar: Gives the sauce a pleasant acidity that balances sweetness.
- Honey: Sweetens the sauce naturally, tying together all the flavors seamlessly.
- Chicken Breast Tenderloins: The star protein, tender and quick-cooking for juicy results every time.
- Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with warm, aromatic flavor.
- Paprika powder: Adds a hint of smoky depth and a subtle color boost.
- Lemon juice: Brightens and tenderizes the chicken with fresh citrus zing.
- Corn flakes: The secret to that irresistible crispy crunch coating.
- Olive oil: Helps crisp up the corn flakes without making the coating greasy.
- All-purpose flour: Creates a light base layer for the coating to adhere perfectly.
- Eggs: Acts as the glue holding the crunchy corn flakes onto the tender chicken.
How to Make Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Whip Up the Honey Mustard Sauce
Begin by combining mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then stir until smooth. This sauce is creamy, tangy, and sweet all at once — the perfect partner to the chicken tenders.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
Place the chicken breast tenderloins in a large bowl. Sprinkle them generously with salt, garlic powder, paprika powder, black pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss everything using tongs so each piece is evenly coated. Let this rest while you prepare the coating, allowing the flavors to soak in and the chicken to stay juicy once cooked.
Step 3: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Setup
Position your oven rack one notch above the middle. Preheat your fan-assisted oven to 210 °C (410 °F) or if using a conventional oven, heat it to 230 °C (445 °F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top—this lets hot air circulate around the chicken for an extra crispy finish. If you’re feeling modern, an air fryer also works beautifully.
Step 4: Make the Crunchy Coating
Take your corn flakes and crush them by hand in a large bowl, leaving a few big chunks for that standout crunch. Toss them with olive oil to help the flakes brown evenly. Have your flour on one plate and whisked eggs on another. Now, one by one, coat each chicken tenderloin in flour, dip it into the eggs, and press it firmly into the corn flakes. Give each piece a gentle shake to remove excess coating, then transfer to your prepared wire rack. Repeat this until every tender is perfectly coated.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes if using a fan oven, or slightly less in a conventional oven. If you’re air frying, set the temp to 180 °C (350 °F) and cook for about 10 minutes. Your target is golden, crispy edges and an internal temperature of 64 °C (148 °F) ensuring juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
How to Serve Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a fresh color pop and herbaceous note that balances the richness of the dish nicely. You can also add a light dusting of smoked paprika for extra warmth and visual appeal.
Side Dishes
These tenders love company! Serve alongside crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or classic fries for a comforting meal. For something a little different, creamy mashed potatoes or seasoned rice pilaf are fantastic to soak up any extra honey mustard sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking tenders in a rustic wooden board family-style with small bowls of honey mustard for dipping. Or turn it into a fun platter by pairing with colorful veggie sticks, pickles, and an array of dipping sauces to please every palate at your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and refrigerate. They stay delicious for up to three days, perfect for quick lunches or snacks.
Freezing
You can freeze these tenders either before baking (after coating) or after cooking. For unbaked tenders, freeze on a sheet first, then transfer to a zip-top bag to prevent sticking. Cooked tenders freeze well for up to a month, making meal prep a breeze!
Reheating
To revive that crispiness, reheat frozen or refrigerated tenders in an oven or air fryer at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 8-10 minutes until warm and crunchy again. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! Just slice the chicken breasts into similarly sized strips to ensure even cooking and coating coverage.
What if I don’t have corn flakes? Can I use something else?
If corn flakes aren’t on hand, crushed crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed chips can offer a similar crunch, though the unique texture and flavor of corn flakes add a special touch.
Is this recipe suitable for an air fryer?
Definitely. The air fryer works wonderfully for this recipe, producing crispy tenders in less time and with minimal oil.
Can I make the honey mustard sauce ahead of time?
Yes! The sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. It often tastes even better once the flavors have had time to meld.
How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy inside?
Marinate briefly with the lemon juice and seasonings, avoid overcooking, and keep the internal temperature at 64 °C (148 °F). Using tenderloins also helps naturally keep the meat tender and juicy.
Final Thoughts
This Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe strikes the perfect balance of crunchy, juicy, and flavorful that’s sure to brighten any meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s an easy-to-make, satisfying dish that brings a little extra joy to the dinner table. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite!
Print
Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Corn Flakes Chicken Tenders baked to perfection and served with a tangy honey mustard dipping sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines crunchy corn flakes coating with tender, juicy chicken breast tenderloins, perfect for a family-friendly meal or appetizer.
Ingredients
Honey Mustard Sauce
- 160 g (2/3 cup) mayonnaise
- 100 g (1/2 cup) mustard
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 140 g (3/8 cup) honey
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Chicken Tenders
- 720 g (1.6 pounds) chicken breast tenderloins
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika powder
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Coating
- 250 g (1/2 pound) corn flakes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 100 g (3/4 cup) all-purpose flour
- 4 eggs
Instructions
- Prepare Honey Mustard Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, mustard, apple cider vinegar, and honey. Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. Set the sauce aside for serving.
- Season Chicken: Place chicken breast tenderloins in a large bowl. Season with salt, garlic powder, paprika powder, pepper, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Toss with tongs to evenly coat the chicken. Set aside while preparing the coating.
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Rack: Position an oven rack one level above the middle. Preheat a fan-assisted oven to 210 °C (410 °F) or a conventional oven to 230 °C (445 °F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top. Alternatively, an air fryer can be used instead of the oven.
- Prepare Coating: Crush corn flakes by hand in a large bowl, leaving some larger pieces for extra crunch. Stir in olive oil. Spread flour on a separate plate. Whisk eggs in a third plate.
- Coat Chicken: Dredge each chicken tenderloin in the flour, dip into the whisked eggs, and then coat with the crushed corn flakes, shaking off any excess. Place coated chicken tenders on the prepared wire rack on the baking sheet. Repeat until all pieces are coated.
- Bake or Air Fry Chicken: For oven baking, place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 14 to 16 minutes, or until chicken is golden and cooked through. For air frying, cook at 180 °C (350 °F) for about 10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 64 °C (148 °F) and is crispy outside.
- Serve: Serve the hot, crispy corn flakes chicken tenders with the prepared honey mustard sauce and your preferred side dish.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breast tenderloins with chicken strips or thighs if preferred.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste, adding more or less paprika or garlic powder.
- For extra crunch, do not over-crush the corn flakes; leaving some larger pieces enhances texture.
- If air frying, flip the chicken tenders halfway for even crispiness.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the coating’s crisp texture at its best.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *