If you’re on the hunt for a crispy, flavorful meal that’s both fun to make and delicious to eat, this Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender chicken coated in a golden, crunchy cornflake crust paired with a creamy, tangy honey mustard dip that perfectly balances sweetness and spice. It’s the kind of dish that brings comforting warmth with a little kick of excitement in every bite, making it perfect for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or even a special treat on any day of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity fool you—each ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in creating that perfect harmony of crunch, flavor, and creaminess. From the crispy cornflakes that bring the golden crust to the honey and Dijon mustard combination that gives the dip its irresistible zing, every single component is essential.
- 3 cups Cornflakes: The key to the crispy, crunchy coating that makes these tenders so addictive.
- 5 Chicken tenderloins: Tender, juicy, and quick-cooking pieces perfect for coating and baking.
- 2 tablespoons Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the tangy Dijon mustard.
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard: Provides a gentle kick and depth of flavor in the dip and coating.
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise: Gives a creamy texture to the honey mustard mixture, helping it cling to the chicken.
- 1/2 cup Sour cream: Adds a smooth tang that elevates the dip and keeps the chicken moist.
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper: A perfect amount of spice to enhance the overall flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika: Adds warmth and a subtle smoky undertone to the coating.
- 1 tablespoon Chopped parsley: Fresh herbs to brighten up the dish and add color.
How to Make Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature ensures that the chicken cooks through perfectly while the cornflake coating crisps up beautifully without burning. Having the oven ready upfront speeds up your cooking process and guarantees the best texture.
Step 2: Crush the Cornflakes
Place your cornflakes in a sealed plastic bag, then grab a rolling pin or something heavy and crush them until they’re mostly fine but still have some small chunks. These textures will give your chicken tenders that mouthwatering crunch that makes this recipe a standout.
Step 3: Prepare the 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. This sauce is the magic binder that coats the chicken in flavor before the crispy cornflakes adhere. Be sure to reserve about ¼ cup of this for dipping later—trust me, you’ll want it!
Step 4: Mix Parsley into the Cornflakes
Take your crushed cornflakes and mix in the chopped parsley. Not only does this add a lovely pop of green color, but the fresh parsley also brings a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness of the coating.
Step 5: Coat the Chicken
Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the honey mustard mixture, letting any excess drip off, then roll it thoroughly in the parsley-infused cornflakes. The double coating locks in moisture and guarantees every bite is full of crispy goodness. Place the coated tenders evenly spaced in your oven-safe dish.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfect
Put your chicken in the oven and bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep an eye out for that beautiful golden-brown color on the cornflakes—that’s when you know they’re done to perfection.
Step 7: Serve with Honey Mustard Dip
Plate your crispy Cornflake Chicken Tenders alongside the reserved honey mustard dip and get ready to enjoy! The combination of crunchy, juicy chicken paired with the creamy, tangy dip is pure comfort food at its finest.
How to Serve Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or a dash of smoked paprika on top of the chicken tenders just before serving to add vibrant color and an inviting aroma. A few lemon wedges on the side can offer a fresh burst of citrus that brightens each bite wonderfully.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with crispy oven-baked fries, a fresh green salad, or even a creamy coleslaw. The crisp textures and contrasting flavors in these sides complement the crunch and richness of the chicken tenders perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe as finger food for a party by placing each tender on a skewer with a small bowl of dip for easy grabbing. Alternatively, transform it into a fun sandwich by adding lettuce and tomato between two buttery brioche buns with a generous drizzle of the honey mustard dip.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the tenders separate from the dip helps maintain their crispiness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the coated but uncooked tenders by placing them on a parchment-lined tray until firm, then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. This way, the crispy goodness is ready to be baked fresh whenever you want in the future, lasting up to 1 month in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat leftover or frozen cooked tenders, pop them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes or until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular crushed crackers instead of cornflakes?
While you could, cornflakes provide a uniquely light and extra crunchy texture that regular crackers don’t quite match. They also brown beautifully in the oven for that perfect golden crust.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
If you use gluten-free cornflakes, this recipe can be made gluten-free, but be sure to double-check all ingredient labels for any hidden gluten-containing additives.
Can I make the honey mustard dip in advance?
Absolutely! The honey mustard dip can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge—its flavors actually deepen and become more harmonious if given some time to rest.
What is the best way to ensure chicken stays juicy?
Don’t overbake the chicken; using a meat thermometer to check for 165 degrees ensures it’s cooked just right and still juicy. Also, the creamy honey mustard coating helps lock in moisture.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
You can slice chicken breasts into strips and use them, but tenderloins are naturally more tender and cook faster, making them ideal for this recipe’s texture and timing.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so joyfully satisfying about making and sharing these Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Honey Mustard Dip Recipe. It’s a wonderful balance of textures, flavors, and colors that will effortlessly become a staple in your home cooking rotation. From the crispy coating to the creamy dipping sauce, it’s hard not to get excited about this dish, and once you try it, I’m sure you’ll be cooking it over and over with a big smile on your face.
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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
Description
These Cornflake Chicken Tenders are a crispy and flavorful twist on classic chicken tenders, baked to golden perfection with a crunchy cornflake coating and served with a tangy honey mustard dipping sauce. Perfect for a family dinner or a party appetizer, they combine simple pantry ingredients to create a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Coating
- 3 cups Cornflakes
- 5 Chicken tenderloins
- 1 tablespoon Chopped parsley
Honey Mustard Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup Sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Sea salt
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F to prepare for baking the chicken tenders.
- Crush Cornflakes: Place the cornflakes into a sealed plastic bag and crush them using a rolling pin until they become coarse crumbs for coating.
- Prepare Honey Mustard Mixture: In a small bowl, combine honey, Dijon mustard, mayonnaise, sour cream, black pepper, sea salt, and smoked paprika. Whisk the ingredients together until smooth. Reserve ¼ cup of this mixture to serve later as a dipping sauce.
- Mix Parsley with Coating: Add the chopped parsley to a bowl containing the crushed cornflakes and stir well to evenly distribute the herbs in the coating mixture.
- Coat Chicken: Dip each chicken tenderloin first into the honey mustard sauce, then thoroughly coat it with the parsley mixed cornflake crumbs. Place the coated chicken tenders evenly in an oven-safe dish.
- Bake: Bake the chicken tenders uncovered in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F and the coating is crispy and golden.
- Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately with the reserved honey mustard dipping sauce. Enjoy your crunchy, flavorful treat!
Notes
- You can substitute cornflakes for crushed panko or breadcrumbs if desired for a different texture.
- Make sure to not overcrowd the baking dish to allow even crisping of the coating.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked through for food safety.
- Leftover honey mustard sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- This recipe can be doubled easily for larger groups.
