Crispy Cornflake Chicken Tenders

If you need an easy dinner that feels fun for the whole family, these cornflake chicken tenders are about to earn a spot in your weeknight rotation. They're crunchy, golden, full of flavor, and baked in the oven instead of fried, which means you still get that crispy chicken tender bite without standing over a skillet of hot oil.

As a Southern dietitian and mom, I love recipes like this because they keep dinner simple but still satisfying. Chicken tenderloins bring the protein, cornflakes bring the crunch, and the Parmesan with Old Bay gives every bite a savory Southern-style flavor that tastes a little more special than basic baked chicken.

If you're looking for more easy family dinner ideas, try my air fryer BBQ chicken breasts, pulled pork bowls, or sweet potato taco skillet next.

• Big crunch without frying: The cornflake coating gets golden and crispy without needing a pot of hot oil.
• Great protein option for the whole family: Chicken tenderloins make this a filling dinner that pairs well with vegetables, fruit, potatoes, pasta salad, or your favorite Southern sides.
• Perfect for dipping: These crispy chicken tenders are made for ranch, honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ketchup, or comeback sauce.

For another crunchy chicken dinner, try my pecan crusted chicken tenders for a Southern-inspired twist with a nutty coating!

Ingredients for Cornflake Chicken Fingers

This recipe uses simple ingredients to make crispy baked chicken tenders with a flavorful cornflake coating.

• Chicken tenderloins: Chicken tenderloins are already the perfect size for homemade chicken tenders and cook quickly in the oven. 
• Cornflakes: Plain cornflakes give these chicken tenders their signature crispy coating, so skip frosted flakes for this savory recipe!
• Grated parmesan cheese: Parmesan adds salty, savory flavor and helps the coating taste more seasoned.
• Old Bay seasoning: Old Bay gives these cornflake chicken tenders a Southern-inspired flavor, but you can start with a little less if your family prefers a milder seasoning. 
• Eggs: Eggs help the cornflake mixture stick to the chicken.
• Cooking spray: A little cooking spray helps the coating turn golden and crisp in the oven.

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions & Variations

This recipe is easy to adjust depending on what you have in the pantry or what your family likes.

• You can use chicken breasts in this recipe if you slice them into even strips so they bake at the same rate as chicken tenderloins.
• Choose gluten-free cornflakes if you need a gluten free version!
• Add ranch seasoning to the cornflake mixture if your family loves that classic ranch chicken tender flavor.
• Swap in Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper for part of the Old Bay if you want a bolder Southern-style flavor.
• Drizzle hot honey over the baked chicken tenders if you like a little sweet heat with your crunchy chicken.
• Use buttermilk to soak the chicken before breading if you want extra tender chicken tenders with a little tangy flavor.

How to Make Cornflake Chicken Tenders 

The coating comes together quickly, so I like to get the pan ready first and then set up the chicken and cornflake mixture!

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2: Make the cornflake coating by adding the cornflakes, Parmesan cheese, and Old Bay seasoning to a blender or food processor, then pulse until the mixture forms small crumbs with a little texture. You can also add everything to a zip-top bag and crush it by hand with a rolling pin.

Step 3: In a large bowl, season the chicken tenderloins with salt and pepper. Pour the whisked eggs over the chicken and toss until each piece is evenly coated.

Step 4: Dip each chicken tender into the crushed cornflakes mixture. Press the coating onto each piece so it sticks well.

Step 5: Arrange the coated chicken tenders on the prepared baking sheet, leaving a little space between each one so they bake evenly.

Step 6: Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the coating is golden and the chicken reaches 165°F.

Step 7: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.

What to Serve With Baked Cornflake Chicken Strips

These crispy chicken tenders are easy to turn into a full meal with a few simple sides.

• Pair these cornflake chicken tenders with roasted green beans or maple carrots if you want an easy way to add color and balance to the plate.
• Serve them with mashed sweet potatoes or twice baked mashed potatoes for a hearty, family-friendly dinner that still feels simple.
• Serve them with Cajun coleslaw for a Southern-style dinner that brings a little extra flavor without making the meal complicated.
• Round out the plate with a simple green salad drizzled with strawberry vinaigrette when you want something lighter beside the crispy chicken tenders.
• Add strawberry pasta salad to the table if you're making these cornflake chicken tenders for a spring or summer cookout.
• Set out a few dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, comeback sauce, peach barbecue sauce, or avocado crema so everyone can pick their favorite.

Storage

These cornflake chicken tenders taste crispiest right after baking, but leftovers can still work well with the right reheating method.

• Leftovers: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken tenders in the oven at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, or until warmed through and crispy again.
• Freezer: Freeze baked chicken tenders for a quick meal later by placing cooled tenders in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months.