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If you’re on the hunt for a crunchy, flavorful treat that’s both comforting and a little bit special, this Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe is going to become your new go-to. Picture tender chicken coated in a golden, crispy cornflake crust, paired with a luscious honey mustard dip that’s tangy, sweet, and creamy all at once. It’s simple to make, irresistibly crunchy, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to casual get-togethers where you want to impress without fuss. Trust me—once you try these tenders, you’ll wonder how you lived without them!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The joy of this Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe starts with a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a starring role. From the crispy cornflakes that provide that crave-worthy crunch to the creamy and zesty dip components that bring the flavor to life, every item is chosen for delicious impact and ease.
- Cornflakes, 3 cups: Gives the chicken a satisfyingly crunchy and golden coating that bakes beautifully in the oven.
- Chicken tenderloins, 5 pieces: Tender and naturally lean, they cook quickly and stay juicy inside the crispy exterior.
- Honey, 2 tablespoons: Adds a subtle sweetness to the dip, balancing the tangy mustard perfectly.
- Dijon mustard, 2 tablespoons: Provides a punch of sharp, tangy flavor that elevates the dip from ordinary to unforgettable.
- Mayonnaise, 1/2 cup: Brings creaminess and helps the dip cling deliciously to each bite.
- Sour cream, 1/2 cup: Adds a cool tang and richness that complements the spicy, smoky paprika.
- Black pepper, 1 teaspoon: Lends a gentle heat to both the dip and the seasoning of the chicken.
- Sea salt, 1 teaspoon: Enhances all the flavors beautifully with just the right seasoning kick.
- Smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon: Infuses the coating and dip with a warm, smoky depth that makes every bite interesting.
- Chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon: Brightens the coating with a fresh herbal note and a pop of color.
How to Make Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Cornflakes
Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring it’s ready when your tenders are assembled. Next, grab a sealed plastic bag and pour in your cornflakes. Crush them gently with a rolling pin until you achieve a coarse, crumbly texture that will provide that perfect crunch without being powdery.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Honey Mustard Dip
In a small bowl, combine honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, sour cream, black pepper, sea salt, and smoked paprika. Whisk this mixture well until it’s smooth and creamy. Set aside about ¼ cup of this incredible sauce—you’ll use this reserved portion as the dip when serving your tenders.
Step 3: Mix the Parsley Into the Crushed Cornflakes
Next, stir the chopped parsley into your crushed cornflakes bowl. This simple addition adds a lovely burst of color and a fresh, herbal finish to the coating, elevating the tenders both visually and in flavor.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the honey mustard mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, press it into the parsley-infused crushed cornflakes, ensuring every inch is covered with the crunchy goodness. Lay each coated tender piece into an oven-safe dish with enough space so they aren’t crowded, which helps keep the crust crisp.
Step 5: Bake Until Perfectly Crispy
Place the chicken tenders in your preheated oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes. You’re looking for that irresistible golden hue and an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit to confirm they’re safe and juicy on the inside. The result is chicken with a delightfully crunchy coating and tender, flavorful meat inside.
Step 6: Serve with the Reserved Honey Mustard Dip
Once baked to perfection, serve your tenders hot alongside the reserved honey mustard dip. This pairing brings everything together—crispy, juicy chicken meets creamy, tangy dip for a match made in comfort food heaven.
How to Serve Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a little extra smoked paprika on top right before serving brings a colorful, appetizing touch. For a bit of zing, a lemon wedge on the side brightens every bite and keeps things fresh and lively.
Side Dishes
These tenders are the perfect centerpiece for a variety of sides. For a light twist, serve with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette. Or, go classic with creamy mashed potatoes or oven-roasted sweet potato fries. Even simple steamed veggies make a lovely balance to the richness and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For entertaining, arrange the tenders on a large wooden board alongside small ramekins filled with the honey mustard dip and other accompaniments like pickles, sliced apples, or crunchy carrot sticks. You can also skewer the tenders for a fun finger food idea that’s great for parties or game day.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, cool them completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days and maintain much of their crunch with proper reheating.
Freezing
Want to keep these delicious tenders on hand for longer? Freeze them after baking on a parchment-lined sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. This way, they can be stored for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that crispy texture after refrigeration or freezing, reheat the tenders in a preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the coating crunchy. A quick bake or broil refreshes the crispness beautifully.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cereal instead of cornflakes?
Absolutely! While cornflakes give the best classic crunch and golden color, crushed rice cereal or bran flakes can work nicely for a different texture or flavor profile. Just make sure to crush them coarsely for maximum crunch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
This Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free cornflakes. Always double-check packaging to be sure.
Can I make the honey mustard dip ahead of time?
Yes! The dip actually tastes even better if made a few hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld. Keep it refrigerated in a sealed container until you’re ready to serve.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The safest way is to use a meat thermometer—chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The juices should run clear, and the meat should no longer be pink inside.
Can I bake these tenders in an air fryer?
Definitely! Air frying at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10-12 minutes will yield crispy, delicious tenders. Just be sure to keep an eye on them and shake the basket halfway through for even cooking.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe enough if you want a straightforward way to impress with crispy, juicy chicken and a dip that brings all the flavors together. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a special treat, but comes together with simple ingredients and a no-fuss approach. So, grab your cornflakes and get ready to enjoy a new favorite—your taste buds will absolutely thank you!
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Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Crispy and flavorful Cornflake Chicken Tenders coated in a crunchy cornflake crust and baked to perfection, served with a tangy honey mustard dipping sauce. This easy-to-make oven-baked recipe offers a delicious twist on traditional chicken tenders with a delightful combination of sweet and smoky flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Tenders
- 3 cups Cornflakes
- 5 Chicken tenderloins
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon Chopped parsley
For the Honey Mustard Sauce & Coating
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Sour cream
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C), preparing it to bake the chicken tenders to a crispy golden finish.
- Crush Cornflakes: Place the 3 cups of cornflakes in a sealed plastic bag and crush them evenly using a rolling pin until you have coarse crumbs, which will serve as the crunchy coating for the chicken.
- Prepare Honey Mustard Mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together the honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, sour cream, black pepper, sea salt, and smoked paprika until smooth. Set aside ¼ cup of this mixture separately to use as a dipping sauce.
- Combine Cornflakes and Parsley: Add the chopped parsley into the bowl with the crushed cornflakes and stir well to evenly distribute the herbs.
- Coat Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the honey mustard sauce, ensuring it is fully coated, then roll it into the cornflake and parsley mixture, pressing lightly so the coating sticks. Place each coated tender in an oven-safe dish, spaced evenly.
- Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken tenders uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F (74 degrees C) and the coating is golden and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the chicken tenders hot with the reserved ¼ cup of honey mustard dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy your crispy, flavorful meal!
Notes
- Make sure not to overload the chicken with the coating to ensure it crisps properly.
- Use a meat thermometer to check that chicken tenders reach a safe internal temperature of 165°F.
- For extra crispiness, you may spray a little cooking oil on the coated chicken before baking.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated up to 3 days and reheated in the oven to retain crispiness.
- You can substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a lighter sauce option.
