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Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Sauce Recipe

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4.2 from 233 reviews

Crispy and flavorful Cornflake Chicken Tenders coated in a crunchy cornflake crust and baked to golden perfection, served with a tangy and sweet homemade honey mustard dipping sauce. This recipe offers a healthier twist on classic fried chicken tenders by baking instead of frying, making it perfect for a family-friendly meal or casual gathering.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 6

Ingredients

Chicken Tenders

  • 2 lbs. chicken tenders (~12 chicken strips)
  • 2/3 cup All-Purpose Flour
  • 1 tsp. kosher salt
  • 1 tsp. Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp. chili powder
  • 2 large eggs, whisked
  • 2 Tbsp. water
  • 3 cups cornflakes, crushed
  • Non-stick baking spray

Honey Mustard Sauce

  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 Tbsp. distilled white vinegar
  • 1/4 tsp. salt
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper or foil and lightly spraying it with non-stick baking spray to prevent sticking.
  2. Prepare the Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, Italian seasoning, and chili powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
  3. Prepare the Egg Wash: In another shallow bowl, whisk together the two large eggs and 2 tablespoons of water until fully blended. This will help the cornflake coating adhere to the chicken.
  4. Crush the Cornflakes: Place the cornflakes in a large zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or pulse in a food processor until coarse crumbs form. Alternatively, you can crush them in a bowl using your hands, ensuring they remain chunky to give a crispy texture.
  5. Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken tender and dredge it first in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg wash, followed by pressing it firmly into the crushed cornflakes to coat all sides. Repeat this process for all tenders.
  6. Arrange and Spray: Lay the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. Spray the tops lightly with non-stick baking spray to help them crisp up during baking.
  7. Bake the Chicken: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping the tenders halfway through baking to ensure even crispiness. The chicken should be cooked through with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cornflake crust golden brown and crunchy.
  8. Make the Honey Mustard Sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine the honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, distilled white vinegar, salt, and cayenne pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  9. Serve: Remove the chicken tenders from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Serve warm with the honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, you can broil the chicken tenders for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch closely to avoid burning.
  • Using crushed cornflakes as a coating is a great gluten-free option only if you use certified gluten-free cornflakes; otherwise, swap with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best texture.
  • You can adjust the cayenne pepper in the honey mustard sauce to suit your heat preference.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American