Crispy, golden, and bursting with flavor, these Cornflake-Crusted Chicken Tenders with Homemade Honey Mustard are more than just a meal—they’re a weeknight revelation. Designed to delight both children and adults, this easy-to-make dish transforms simple ingredients into an unforgettable dining experience. Forget soggy, bland chicken; these tenders boast an irresistible crunch thanks to their cornflake coating, while a tangy-sweet Dijon marinade keeps the chicken incredibly juicy. Served with a vibrant, fresh green salad and our signature homemade honey mustard dipping sauce, you’ve got a balanced, wholesome, and utterly delicious meal ready in under an hour.
Why These Cornflake Chicken Tenders Will Become Your Family’s Favorite
In the hustle and bustle of daily life, finding a meal that pleases everyone at the table can feel like a daunting task. This recipe for baked cornflake chicken tenders consistently hits the mark, making it a staple in countless homes. From its satisfying crunch to its tender interior, every element is designed for maximum enjoyment and minimal fuss.
A Dish That Unites Dinner Tables
Before I had a child, I appreciated these chicken tenders for their simplicity and taste. Now, as a parent, my appreciation has deepened exponentially. The struggle of preparing multiple meals to cater to different palates is real, and any dish that bridges that gap is a true treasure. These tenders are one such gem, offering a delicious, well-balanced meal that both my daughter and I genuinely look forward to. The sight of her enjoying the same scrumptious food as me is truly rewarding, and it certainly simplifies my evening routine. This crispy, tender baked chicken, paired with its sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce, is a guaranteed hit for even the pickiest of eaters.
Effortless Preparation for Busy Weeknights
One of the standout features of this recipe is its incredible ease. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a wholesome, homemade meal on the table without feeling overwhelmed. This recipe is perfect for those busy weeknights when time is precious but you still want to serve something nourishing and delicious. The baking method not only reduces fat but also minimizes cleanup, making it a healthier and more convenient alternative to traditional fried chicken.
The Magic of Cornflake Crusting: Unrivaled Crispiness
What sets these chicken tenders apart is the ingenious use of cornflakes for the coating. Unlike breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes create an exceptionally crispy, golden crust that holds up beautifully during baking. This unique texture provides a satisfying bite with every tender, mimicking the beloved crunch of fried chicken without the added oil. It’s a game-changer for baked chicken, ensuring a texture that even the most discerning palates will adore.
Ingredients for Success: Building Flavor from Scratch
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its core ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the tender, flavorful chicken and the irresistible dipping sauce.
Choosing Your Chicken
For the tenders, you’ll need about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. You can either purchase them as pre-cut tenders, saving you a step, or easily slice whole chicken breasts into vertical strips yourself. Aim for strips of uniform size to ensure even cooking. Patting the chicken dry before marinating is a small but important step that helps the marinade adhere better.
The Flavorful Marinade: Greek Yogurt & Dijon Blend
The secret to incredibly tender and flavorful chicken lies in the simple marinade. Combine plain nonfat Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, a touch of honey, and a pinch of kosher salt. The Greek yogurt acts as a natural tenderizer, breaking down the chicken fibers and locking in moisture. Dijon mustard adds a zesty, savory depth, while honey balances it with a subtle sweetness. Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes (or even up to a day in advance) allows these flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in juicy, succulent tenders every time.
The Ultimate Crispy Coating: Crushed Cornflakes
For that signature crunch, you’ll need about 2 1/2 cups of crushed cornflakes cereal. The best way to crush them is to place them in a zip-top bag and gently crush them with a rolling pin or your hands until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs. Avoid turning them into a fine powder; some larger pieces will contribute to the fantastic texture.
Crafting the Perfect Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce
No chicken tender experience is complete without a stellar dipping sauce, and our homemade honey mustard is the ideal companion. It’s incredibly easy to make and far superior to store-bought versions.
Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor
This sauce requires just three core ingredients: Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, and honey. The Dijon provides a sharp, tangy base, the mayonnaise adds a creamy richness, and the honey brings a lovely sweetness that perfectly complements the chicken. Simply combine them in a small bowl and stir until thoroughly blended and smooth.
Customizing Your Dip
While delicious as is, this honey mustard can be easily customized to suit your preference. For those who enjoy a little kick, consider adding a teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce, or adjust to taste. A dash of garlic powder or onion powder can also add another layer of savory flavor. Experiment to find your perfect balance! You can make this sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Guide to Crispy Perfection
Follow these detailed steps to achieve perfectly baked, crispy chicken tenders every time.
1. Prep and Marinate
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and coat it lightly with nonstick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup. Cut your boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform strips and pat them dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, honey, Dijon mustard, and salt until well combined. Add the chicken strips to the bowl, tossing them thoroughly to ensure each piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; for maximum flavor and tenderness, marinate for up to a full day.
2. Crumb Coating Techniques
When you’re ready to bake, place the crushed cornflakes in a shallow dish. Remove the chicken tenders from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off. One by one, toss each tender in the crushed cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well to all sides. The thick, creamy marinade helps the cornflakes stick perfectly. Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with a bit more nonstick cooking spray; this helps achieve that beautiful golden-brown color and extra crispiness during baking.
3. Baking for Golden Crispiness
Bake the chicken tenders in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until they are thoroughly cooked through and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You’ll know they’re done when the cornflake coating is a gorgeous golden brown and the chicken is no longer pink inside. As they bake, you’ll hear them crisp and sizzle, building anticipation for the delightful meal to come. While the chicken bakes, prepare your simple homemade honey mustard sauce and toss together a fresh green salad. Dinner is served!
Tips for the Best Baked Chicken Tenders
To elevate your cornflake chicken tenders from good to exceptional, keep these practical tips in mind.
Prevent Soggy Tenders
The key to truly crispy tenders is moisture control. First, ensure you pat the raw chicken strips very dry with paper towels before marinating. Second, arrange the coated tenders on the baking sheet with enough space between them for air to circulate. Overcrowding the pan can lead to steaming instead of baking, resulting in a less crispy crust. Finally, avoid placing them directly on foil without parchment paper or cooking spray, as they might stick and lose their crispiness upon removal.
Ensure Even Cooking
Uniformity is crucial for even cooking. Slice your chicken breasts into strips of roughly the same thickness and size. This ensures all pieces cook at the same rate, preventing some from being undercooked while others are overdone and dry. If some pieces are significantly thicker, consider giving them an extra minute or two in the oven or cutting them down slightly.
Get Ahead: Meal Prep & Storage
This recipe is excellent for meal prepping. You can marinate the chicken a day in advance, saving valuable time on cooking day. Leftover chicken tenders can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat and maintain crispiness, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and re-crisped. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soft.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
While a simple green salad is a fantastic accompaniment, these versatile tenders pair well with a variety of sides and can be adapted to suit different tastes.
Beyond the Salad Bowl
For a complete and satisfying meal, consider serving these crispy chicken tenders with:
- Roasted Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or sweet potato fries.
- Mashed Potatoes: A classic comfort food pairing.
- Rice Pilaf or Quinoa: For a heartier side.
- Coleslaw: A creamy, crunchy contrast.
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: For a fun, interactive meal.
Spice It Up!
Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the cornflake mixture for a subtle kick. You can also experiment with other spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or even a dash of chili powder in the marinade or coating.
Make It Nuggets!
If you have younger children or just prefer bite-sized pieces, simply chop the raw chicken breasts into smaller, nugget-sized pieces before marinating and coating. Bake them for a slightly shorter time, around 15-20 minutes, or until cooked through. This is a fantastic way to make homemade baked nuggets that are healthier and tastier than anything store-bought.
Crispy Honey-Dijon Baked Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approx. 1 1/2 to 2 lbs), cut into 4-5 vertical strips each
- 1 1/2 cups plain nonfat Greek yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons honey
- 2 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 1/2 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed
- Nonstick cooking spray
For the Honey Mustard:
- 3 Tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 2 Tablespoons mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons honey
Instructions
- For the Chicken Tenders: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil and coat with nonstick cooking spray.
- Cut chicken into uniform strips and pat dry thoroughly with a paper towel; set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, honey, Dijon, and salt, blending well until smooth. Place the chicken strips into the bowl and toss to coat tenders completely. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 1 day for best results.
- When ready to bake, place the crushed cornflakes in a shallow dish. Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing excess to drip off, then toss each tender in the cornflake mixture, pressing to coat firmly on all sides.
- Place the coated tenders onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they do not touch. Lightly spray the tops of the tenders with cooking spray for extra crispiness and golden color.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through (internal temperature 165°F/74°C) and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- For the Honey Mustard: While the chicken bakes, combine Dijon, mayonnaise, and honey in a small bowl. Stir until well blended and smooth. For a more zesty flavor (my preference), add 1 teaspoon of your favorite hot sauce, or to taste.
- Serve the crispy baked chicken tenders immediately with the homemade honey mustard dipping sauce and a fresh green salad, if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious, homemade meal!
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Frequently Asked Questions About Crispy Chicken Tenders
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used. They tend to be more forgiving and stay juicier due to their higher fat content. You might need to adjust baking time slightly, as thighs can sometimes take a bit longer to cook through depending on their thickness. Ensure they reach an internal temperature of 175°F (80°C) for thighs.
Q: How do I make sure the cornflakes stick to the chicken?
A: The Greek yogurt marinade acts as an excellent adhesive. Ensure the chicken pieces are fully coated in the marinade before dredging them in the crushed cornflakes. Press the cornflakes firmly onto the chicken strips to create a thick, even coating.
Q: Can I air fry these chicken tenders?
A: Absolutely! Air frying is a fantastic method for achieving extra crispiness with less oil. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the coated tenders in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring not to overcrowd it (you may need to work in batches). Air fry for 12-18 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Q: What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
A: While Greek yogurt is preferred for its thickness and tenderizing properties, you can substitute it with regular plain yogurt, buttermilk, or even a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar (let it sit for 5-10 minutes to curdle). The texture and flavor might vary slightly, but the tenderizing effect will still be present.
Q: How can I crush cornflakes without a rolling pin?
A: If you don’t have a rolling pin, you can use a food processor for a quick and easy method. Pulse until the cornflakes reach a coarse crumb consistency. Alternatively, place them in a sturdy zip-top bag and use the bottom of a heavy pan or even your hands to crush them.
These Crispy Honey-Dijon Baked Chicken Tenders are a testament to the fact that healthy, delicious, and family-friendly meals don’t have to be complicated. With their satisfying crunch, tender interior, and irresistible homemade honey mustard, they are sure to become a beloved staple in your recipe rotation. So gather your ingredients, enjoy the simple process, and prepare to delight everyone at your table with this outstanding weeknight dinner!