Name: Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 3 cups gluten-free cornflakes (preferably organic, non-GMO); 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt; 1/4 cup Dijon mustard; 2 eggs; 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into strips)

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As I stood in my kitchen, the aroma of something delightful filled the air, and it was time to whip up my favorite dish: Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders. Growing up, chicken tenders were a staple, often enjoyed at family gatherings or as a quick weeknight meal. Now, as an adult, I love creating that same joy with a modern twist by making them gluten-free. The crispy texture and flavorful coating always take me back to my childhood, and I can’t wait to share this fantastic dish with you. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, these tenders are not only easy to make but also a hit with friends and family.

Recipe Snapshot

Total Time:
25 mins

Prep Time:
5 mins

Cook Time:
20 mins

Difficulty:
Medium

Calories:
350 kcal

Protein:
28 g

Diet:
Keto, Paleo, Whole30

Fat:
10 g

Tools Used:
Baking Sheet, Oven, Food Processor, Mixing Bowl

The Appeal of This Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders

They’re Extra Crispy!

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love that satisfying crunch? The secret to the Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders lies in the use of gluten-free cornflakes. When baked to perfection, they create a deliciously crispy exterior that locks in the juicy goodness of the chicken.

Healthier Option

By baking instead of frying, these tenders are a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken tenders. You get all the flavor and crunch without the excess oil, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Kid-Friendly and Fun

This recipe is perfect for kids! They can help crush the cornflakes, coat the chicken, and even choose their favorite dipping sauces. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce them to healthy eating without sacrificing taste.

Versatile and Customizable

You can easily customize the Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders to suit your tastes. Want a little kick? Add some cayenne pepper to the cornflake mixture. Prefer a milder flavor? Stick with the paprika. You can make these tenders your own with just a few tweaks.

Perfect for Any Occasion

Whether it’s a casual family dinner or a game day snack, these chicken tenders fit right in. Serve them with a variety of dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or a homemade honey mustard for an extra touch.

Easy to Make Ahead

If you’re meal prepping or planning for a busy week, these tenders can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy!

Ingredients for Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders

The ingredients for Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders are simple yet effective in creating flavors that everyone will love. Each component plays a vital role in ensuring a delicious outcome. The key players here include the gluten-free cornflakes, which provide that irresistible crunch, and the succulent chicken breast that serves as the perfect base for this dish.

3 cups gluten-free cornflakes (preferably organic, non-GMO) – They act as the perfect crunchy coating that gives these tenders their signature texture.
1/2 teaspoon paprika – Adds a subtle warmth and color to the coating.
1/2 teaspoon sea salt – Enhances the flavors of the chicken and the coating.
1/4 cup Dijon mustard – Acts as a flavorful adhesive for the coating.
2 eggs – Provides moisture and helps the cornflake coating stick to the chicken.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into strips) – The main ingredient that brings protein and heartiness to the dish.

Cooking Instructions for Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders

Getting those Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders ready is a straightforward process, and I promise it’s worth every minute! You’ll see how simple it is to make a dish that is both delicious and satisfying. Let’s dive into the steps!

First things first, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This temperature is perfect for achieving that golden-brown crisp. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Next, grab a small food processor and add the gluten-free cornflakes, paprika, and sea salt. Pulse them together until they are finely ground. This creates a flavorful coating that’ll stick perfectly to the chicken. Once done, transfer the mixture to a shallow bowl.
In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. This egg wash will help the cornflake coating adhere to the chicken.
Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard with the chicken breast strips. Toss the chicken until it is well coated with the mustard. This not only adds flavor but also helps the cornflake mixture to stick.
It’s time to bread the chicken! Working one piece at a time, dredge a chicken strip in the cornflake mixture, ensuring to shake off any excess. Next, dip the chicken into the egg wash before returning it to the cornflake coating. Press down firmly to ensure the cornflakes adhere well.
Once all the chicken strips are coated, arrange them in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. Make sure they have some space between them to allow even cooking.
Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes; you want them to be golden brown and crispy.
Once they are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the tray. This cooling period allows the chicken to firm up a bit more.
Finally, serve your Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders with your choice of dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or mayo. Enjoy every bite!

Things Worth Knowing

Cooking temperature matters: Ensure your oven is at the right temperature to achieve perfect crispiness.
Watch the timing: Keep an eye on the tenders during baking; overcooking can lead to dryness.
Experiment with spices: Feel free to add different spices to the cornflake coating to personalize the flavor.
Let them rest: Allowing the tenders to rest after baking helps them maintain their crispiness.

Expert Tips about Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders

Making the perfect Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders can be a breeze with just a few expert tips. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced cook, these suggestions will enhance your cooking experience and the dish itself.

Storage: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should last for about 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the oven for a few minutes to regain their crispiness.
Freezing: You can freeze the uncooked, coated chicken tenders. Place them on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Pairing: These tenders go wonderfully with a side of sweet potato fries or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Serving suggestions: For a fun twist, serve them with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch, BBQ, or a spicy aioli.
Cooking method: If you have an air fryer, consider using it for an even crispier texture.

What Complements This Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders

When it comes to serving the Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders, there are endless possibilities to elevate your meal. Here are some great suggestions:

Ideal sides: Pair your tenders with crispy sweet potato fries or a fresh garden salad. The sweetness of the fries balances the savory flavor of the chicken.
Perfect for lunch or dinner: These tenders work great as a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner option.
Great for gatherings: Serve them at parties or game days; they are always a crowd-pleaser!
Endless dipping options: Keep a selection of dipping sauces available, like honey mustard, ranch, or even spicy ketchup.
Seasonal pairings: In the summer, serve them with a light cucumber salad, or in the winter, with roasted vegetables.

FAQ

Absolutely! You can prepare the Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders ahead of time. Just coat them according to the recipe and place them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake. If you’re meal prepping, consider freezing the uncooked tenders. They can be baked straight from the freezer.

These tenders pair perfectly with various sides! Consider serving them with sweet potato fries, a fresh salad, or even as a fun appetizer at your next gathering. Don’t forget about different dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch to enhance the flavors!

To store leftover chicken tenders, place them in an airtight container in your refrigerator. They should stay fresh for about 3 days. To reheat, the best method is to pop them back in the oven to retain that crispy texture. You can also microwave them, but they may lose some crunch.

While you can technically use regular cornflakes, I recommend sticking to gluten-free cornflakes for this recipe, especially if you need to avoid gluten. The flavor and crunch are well worth it, and it keeps the dish true to its gluten-free essence.

Conclusion

The Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders are truly a delightful dish that captures the essence of comfort food while catering to gluten-free diets. They’re easy to make and can be customized to suit different tastes, making them a perfect choice for any meal. I encourage you to try this recipe at home; you’re bound to love how crispy and flavorful they turn out. Enjoy every bite and let the nostalgia wash over you!

Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders

The ultimate comfort food, Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders are a deliciously crunchy treat. Baked to perfection, they offer a healthier option for a classic dish. Ideal for any occasion, these tenders are sure to satisfy your cravings!

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Total Time 25

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Calories: 350

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

3 cups gluten-free cornflakes preferably organic, non-GMO
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
2 eggs
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast cut into strips

Equipment

Baking Sheet
Oven
Food Processor
Mixing Bowl

Method

First things first, preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. This temperature is perfect for achieving that golden-brown crisp. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
Next, grab a small food processor and add the gluten-free cornflakes, paprika, and sea salt. Pulse them together until they are finely ground. This creates a flavorful coating that'll stick perfectly to the chicken. Once done, transfer the mixture to a shallow bowl.
In a second shallow bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. This egg wash will help the cornflake coating adhere to the chicken.
Now, in a large mixing bowl, combine the Dijon mustard with the chicken breast strips. Toss the chicken until it is well coated with the mustard. This not only adds flavor but also helps the cornflake mixture to stick.
It’s time to bread the chicken! Working one piece at a time, dredge a chicken strip in the cornflake mixture, ensuring to shake off any excess. Next, dip the chicken into the egg wash before returning it to the cornflake coating. Press down firmly to ensure the cornflakes adhere well.
Once all the chicken strips are coated, arrange them in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. Make sure they have some space between them to allow even cooking.
Now it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for about 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes; you want them to be golden brown and crispy.
Once they are done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the tray. This cooling period allows the chicken to firm up a bit more.
Finally, serve your Extra Crispy Gluten Free Chicken Tenders with your choice of dipping sauces like ketchup, mustard, or mayo. Enjoy every bite!

Notes

When storing leftover chicken tenders, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They typically last about 3 days. To reheat, pop them back in the oven to regain that crunchy texture. For meal prep, consider freezing uncooked tenders. They can be frozen for up to 2 months and baked from frozen by adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.