Description

Cornflake-Crusted Chicken Tenders deliver a perfect balance of crispy golden crunch and juicy tender chicken inside. This quick and easy recipe uses simple ingredients and a triple-layer coating to ensure a flavorful, kid-friendly meal ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Customize seasoning and cooking methods for a versatile, healthier homemade alternative that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Coating

1 lb chicken tenders
1 cup cornflakes, crushed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free flour blend for gluten-free option)
2 large eggs, beaten

Seasonings

1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Cooking

Cooking oil with high smoke point (such as vegetable or canola oil) for frying

Instructions

Prepare the Coating: Begin by crushing the cornflakes in a large bowl until they reach coarse crumbs to keep plenty of crunch. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs thoroughly. In a third bowl, combine the flour with salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings like garlic powder or paprika for an even, flavorful coating.
Coat the Chicken: Lightly dredge each chicken tender in the seasoned flour mixture to help the coating stick. Next, dip the tenders into the beaten eggs, then firmly press them into the crushed cornflakes until fully covered with a thick, crunchy layer.
Cook to Golden Perfection: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add enough cooking oil to coat the bottom. Fry the chicken tenders in batches without overcrowding, cooking each side for about 3-4 minutes until golden brown and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Drain and Serve: Remove the cooked tenders from the skillet and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.

Notes

For extra crunch, use stale cornflakes which brown beautifully.
Press crushed cornflakes firmly onto the chicken to prevent coating from falling off during cooking.
Maintain medium-high heat to avoid burning the crust and ensure even cooking.
Cook in small batches to keep oil temperature steady and the coating crisp.
Let tenders rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in moisture and crispness.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Appetizers
Method: Frying and Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4 tenders
Calories: 320 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 450 mg
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 22 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 110 mg

Keywords: cornflake-crusted chicken tenders, crispy chicken tenders, easy chicken recipe, gluten-free chicken tenders, kid-friendly chicken, crunchy chicken strips