Name: Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken tenders; 2 cups cornflakes, crushed; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 large eggs, beaten; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); Cooking spray or vegetable oil

If you’re on the hunt for an easy yet delightful dinner option that will leave your kids raving, look no further than these Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders. This recipe takes the classic chicken tender and gives it a fantastic twist with a crispy cornflake coating that ensures each bite is a satisfying crunch. With just a handful of ingredients and simple step-by-step instructions, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal ready in no time. Not only do these chicken tenders taste great, but their enticing texture will also have your family coming back for seconds.

These tenders are not just for kids, though! Adults will find them hard to resist too, making them perfect for family dinners, weekend cookouts, or even game-day snacks. Whether you choose to bake them in the oven or fry them to perfection, these chicken tenders will meet your taste expectations. Plus, with the flexibility of substituting ingredients, you can easily customize this recipe to cater to various dietary preferences.

Why You’ll Love This Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders

Kid-Friendly: Children love finger foods, and these tenders are not only flavorful but also fun to eat!
Easy Preparation: With minimal ingredients and simple steps, you can whip these up in under an hour.
Versatile Cooking Options: Bake them for a healthier option or fry them for ultimate crispiness.
Customizable: Use gluten-free ingredients or swap the eggs for buttermilk for extra richness.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into making these Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders, it’s essential to prepare your kitchen and workspace. Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients and tools. You will need a baking sheet lined with parchment paper if you’re baking, a frying pan if you choose to fry, and three bowls for your breading station.

An ideal setup includes one bowl for the seasoned flour mix, another for beaten eggs, and the third for the crushed cornflakes. Make sure to have some cooking spray or vegetable oil handy, depending on your cooking method. It’s also helpful to have tongs or a fork available for breading the chicken tenders and a meat thermometer to check the doneness.

Ingredients

1 lb chicken tenders
2 cups cornflakes, crushed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Cooking spray or vegetable oil

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) for baking, or heat oil in a frying pan if you prefer frying your tenders. It’s crucial to line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup later. If frying, ensure the oil reaches the right temperature before adding the chicken.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

The next step involves setting up a breading station. This means arranging three bowls in a row: the first bowl should contain the flour mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for a littleheat. The second bowl will hold the beaten eggs, creating a wet mixture to help the cornflakes stick. Finally, the third bowl will be filled with crushed cornflakes that provide the crunchiness you crave!

Step 3: Bread the Chicken

Take each chicken tender and dip it into the seasoned flour, making sure it gets coated evenly. Next, transfer it to the bowl with the beaten eggs, coating it well to make sure the cornflakes adhere. Finally, press the tender into the crushed cornflakes, ensuring it is thoroughly covered on all sides. The more cornflakes, the crunchier the result!

Step 4: Bake or Fry

Now, you have two delightful options! If you’re baking, place the coated tenders on the lined baking sheet, lightly spray them with cooking spray for extra crispness, and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through to achieve even cooking. If you prefer frying, carefully place the tenders in hot oil, cooking for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through—just make sure to maintain the oil’s temperature for perfect results!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once your chicken tenders are cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve! Enjoy them hot with your favorite dipping sauces such as ranch, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce for an extra flavor kick. These tenders make for an enchanting meal that everyone will love.

Variations

Protein: Try using turkey tenders instead of chicken for a twist, or swap in tofu slices for a vegetarian option.
Vegetables: Coat slices of zucchini or eggplant in the same seasoning and breading for a veggie version!
Spices: Experiment with different spices like lemon pepper or cayenne for a spicier kick.

Cooking Notes

Make sure to evenly coat the chicken tenders for a consistent crunch.
If you have any leftover cornflakes, save them for another use or mix them into your cereal for added crunch.

Serving Suggestions

Pair these chicken tenders with a fresh salad to balance out the meal.
Serve with a side of sweet potato fries for a delightful crunchy contrast.

Tips

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before breading.
To maintain crunchiness, avoid overcrowding the pan while frying.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: Approximately 350 per serving
Protein: 30g
Sodium: 600mg

FAQs

Can I use skinless chicken breast instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Just cut the chicken breast into strips to create your own tenders.

Can these tenders be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate up to 2 hours before cooking.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Can I freeze the chicken tenders?

Certainly! Freeze unbaked, breaded tenders for up to a month, then bake them directly from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Crunchy Cornflake Chicken Tenders are a delightful and versatile meal that both kids and adults will love. Their crispy texture and mouthwatering flavor make them a hit at any dinner table. With the option to bake or fry, and a variety of ways to customize the flavors, this recipe can adapt to your family’s preferences. Don’t hesitate to share your thoughts in the comments, try out different variations, and make this dish your own. Enjoy these tenders with friends and family, and let the crispy goodness keep you coming back for more!