Crispy, crunchy, and utterly delicious, this easy Cornflake Chicken with Hot Honey is a surefire hit with both kids and adults! Baked to perfection in the oven, this chicken has the best taste and texture and is ridiculously easy to make. Pair it with your favorite sides for a meal the whole family will be rushing to the table to devour!
Table of Contents
- Why You’ll Be Crazy for Cornflake Chicken
- Can You Use Cornflakes as Breadcrumbs?
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Skip the Fryer, and Bake Your Cornflake Chicken Tenders Instead!
- Tips for Success
- Optional Variations
- How to Serve Crispy Cornflake Chicken
- Common Questions About This Easy Cornflake Chicken Recipe
- More Family-Friendly Chicken Recipes
- Baked Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Hot Honey Recipe
Why You’ll Be Crazy for Cornflake Chicken
Cornflake chicken is a classic American dinner that no one can resist! An alternative option to breaded chicken tenders, it’s made by dunking chicken tenders in an egg wash and coating them in a “breading” of crushed cornflakes and seasonings.
Fried in oil or baked in the oven, the end result is a savory, smoky, mouthwatering flavor with a crisp, golden coating that’s guaranteed to knock your socks off! Every bite is guaranteed to leave you drooling.
But that’s not the only reason we love cornflake chicken tenders! This recipe is also:
- Made with simple, staple ingredients.
- Baked instead of fried for a healthier alternative with all the same crunch.
- Ready in around 30 minutes.
- Paired with a side of hot honey for the perfect contrast of sweet and savory flavors.
Can You Use Cornflakes as Breadcrumbs?
Yes! Cornflakes make for a great alternative to breadcrumbs in many recipes. Crushed cornflakes can provide a crispy, slightly sweet coating for protein like chicken tenders and fish.
However, it’s important to note that the taste and texture will differ from traditional breadcrumbs. So, cornflakes are best suited for recipes where the sweetness of the cereal compliments the dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This homemade cornflake chicken recipe uses most of the ingredients you expect to see in a classic breaded chicken recipe, just with cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs! Then, we pair it with a side of homemade hot honey for a recipe far better than anything you’ll find at a restaurant.
Here’s what you need:
For the Cornflake Chicken
- Cornflakes – We use cornflake cereal, but any sweet, crunchy cereal flake cereal you like best can be used.
- Seasonings – Paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and ground black pepper create a unique flavor that’s savory with just a hint of smokey spice.
- Chicken – We use chicken tenders, but you could also use chicken breasts or even boneless, skinless chicken thighs if preferred.
- Milk – We like to use whole milk for a rich coating, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand.
- Large Eggs – These are crucial to coat the chicken and allow the cornflake breading to stick.
For the Easy Hot Honey
- Honey – Used to form the sweet, sticky base of the sauce.
- Hot Sauce – Use as little or as much as you like.
Skip the Fryer, and Bake Your Cornflake Chicken Tenders Instead!
This recipe requires a few simple steps, but they go quickly, and they’re so worth the effort!
- Prepare. Before you begin, you’ll want to preheat your oven. Then, line a baking sheet with
parchment paper , or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the chicken from sticking. - Create the Breading. Crush the cornflakes in a food processor or a zip-top bag until fine crumbs are formed. In a shallow dish, combine half of the seasonings with the crushed cornflakes.
- Dredge the Chicken. In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until smooth. Then, dip each chicken tender into the mixture, and allow any excess to drip off.
- Bread the Chicken. Roll the chicken in the cornflake mixture, coating each piece completely.
- Bake. Arrange the cornflake chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Transfer them to the oven to bake until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy.
- Make the Hot Honey. While the chicken is baking, heat the honey in a small saucepan over low heat until it becomes runny. Then, stir in the hot sauce, and keep the mixture warm until you’re ready to serve.
- Enjoy! Drizzle the hot honey over the chicken, or use it on the side for dipping. Sprinkle the remaining seasonings on top, and enjoy your chicken while it’s warm!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overprocess the Cornflakes. You want the cereal to be fine but not like sand. Leave a few small pieces for texture!
- Press the Breading into the Chicken. Use your fingers to gently press the cornflake mixture into the chicken and ensure it sticks.
- Use a Wire Rack. For ultra crispy chicken, place a wire rack over the baking sheet, and arrange the chicken on top of the rack. This allows for the air to circulate evenly, cooking the chicken from all sides.
- Use a Meat Thermometer. Check that your chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit before removing it from the oven.
- Rest the Chicken. Set the chicken aside for five minutes or so before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and keep it tender and moist.
Optional Variations
This recipe is best enjoyed right away while the chicken is still hot. It tends to get a little soggy as it cools!
However, if you have leftovers, they can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for three to four days.
When you’re ready to eat, reheat your chicken in the oven until it’s heated through and the breading has crisped back up. Be careful not to let it burn!
We do not recommend freezing this recipe because the breading won’t thaw well.
How to Serve Crispy Cornflake Chicken
While we love the sweet and spicy combo of the hot honey, this recipe can be paired with any sauce you like best! Honey mustard, barbecue, ketchup, and ranch are all perfect complements to the cornflake-encrusted chicken.
Then, transform it into a complete meal with sides like pizza-flavored oven baked asparagus, spiraled cucumber yogurt salad, potato wedges, mac and cheese, and fattoush salad!
Common Questions About This Easy Cornflake Chicken Recipe
Cornstarch can help keep chicken moist when used as a coating for frying or as a thickening agent in sauces, but it is not a standalone solution for retaining moisture in other cooking methods like baking or roasting.
If you can’t use eggs, dip your chicken tenders in heavy cream instead!
No, corn grits are rolled out into flakes. Then, they’re cooked, dried, and toasted to create cornflakes.
They’re delicious! Cornflakes make for a great alternative to breadcrumbs, adding a unique crunchy texture and sweet, savory taste to whatever they’re paired with.
Yes! Just be sure to read the ingredient list on your cornflakes, and opt for a brand that is certified gluten-free.
More Family-Friendly Chicken Recipes
Searching for more chicken-based dishes that are sure to please everyone’s palate? Check out these easy chicken recipes that are among our families’ favorites!
- Air Fryer Lime Chicken
- Oven-Baked Parmesan Chicken Tenders
- Coconut Chicken Tenders
- Crispy Baked Chicken Nuggets
Baked Cornflake Chicken Tenders with Hot Honey
Ingredients
For the Cornflake Chicken:
- 6 cups cornflakes
- 2 teaspoons paprika divided
- 1 teaspoon onion powder divided
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder divided
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning divided
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper divided
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 2 large eggs
- 2 Tablespoons milk
- 2 pounds chicken tenders
For the Hot Honey Drizzle:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 2-3 teaspoons hot sauce adjust to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- In a food processor or a zip-top bag, crush the cornflakes until they become fine crumbs. Leave some small pieces for added texture!6 cups cornflakes
- In a shallow dish, combine half of the paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and salt with the crushed cornflakes. Mix well.2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon ground black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk to create an egg wash.2 large eggs, 2 Tablespoons milk
- Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.2 pounds chicken tenders
- Roll the chicken tenders in the cornflake mixture, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Press the coating onto the chicken to help it adhere.
- Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven, and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown and crispy. It should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While the chicken is baking, prepare the hot honey drizzle. In a small saucepan, heat the honey over low heat until it becomes runny.1/2 cup honey
- Stir in the hot sauce, starting with 2 teaspoons. Taste and add more, if desired. Keep warm until ready to serve.2-3 teaspoons hot sauce
- Once the chicken tenders are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes.
- Drizzle the hot honey over the baked chicken tenders, or serve it on the side for dipping.
- Garnish with the remaining paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt for extra flavor, if desired. Serve hot.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
Equipment
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Nutrition
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DELICIOUS!!!!
Thank you so much, Terry! 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa