New Jersey kitchens know comfort food, and one dish that continues to win over home cooks of all ages is a batch of oven-baked chicken tenders with a crunchy, golden finish. This updated take on a nostalgic favorite uses crushed cornflakes to create an irresistible crispiness without ever touching a frying pan. It’s the kind of weeknight dinner that tastes like something special but comes together with simple ingredients and minimal cleanup. For readers looking to expand their home-cooking lineup, Explore New Jersey continues to feature more delicious meal ideas under our growing collection of recipes.
This baked cornflake chicken delivers the satisfying crunch many associate with classic fried chicken, just without the lingering oil smell or the stovetop mess that comes with deep frying. Instead, a light coating of crumbed cornflakes crisps up beautifully in the oven, giving each piece a golden, crackly texture that stands up to any fried version. It’s a family-friendly meal that works just as well for a cozy weekend dinner as it does for a quick midweek option.
The recipe begins with sliced chicken breast cutlets seasoned with salt, paprika, and black pepper—simple flavors that bring out the natural richness of the chicken. A classic three-step dredge follows: flour to help the coating adhere, beaten egg as the binder, and finally, finely crushed cornflakes that cling to every surface for maximum crunch. Arranging the coated strips on a parchment-lined baking sheet and brushing them lightly with olive oil ensures they turn perfectly crisp in the oven while staying juicy inside. After a short bake, a quick flip, and a final few minutes under the heat, the chicken emerges golden, crunchy, and ready for the table.
What makes this style of baked chicken so appealing is how adaptable it is. Home cooks can dial up the heat with cayenne or chili powder, incorporate herbs for a more aromatic profile, or mix in grated Parmesan for a savory twist. Families looking for an easy gluten-free option can rely on certified gluten-free cornflakes and a flour alternative without sacrificing texture. For households with young children, turning this into bite-size nuggets adds fun and encourages little eaters to dig in.
No special tools are required—just a baking sheet, parchment paper, shallow bowls for dredging, and a zip-top bag to crush the cornflakes to the right consistency. A meat thermometer is helpful to confirm the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for several days or can be frozen for longer-term use. Reheating in the oven or air fryer keeps the coating crisp, making it an excellent prep-ahead meal for busy weeks.
There are a few simple steps that help elevate this dish. Finely crushed flakes adhere better, patting the chicken dry helps seasonings stick, and pressing the coating firmly onto the chicken makes sure it stays put during baking. Spacing out the pieces on the baking sheet prevents steaming and keeps the exterior crisp. And flipping the tenders midway through the cook ensures even browning on both sides.
These baked cornflake chicken tenders pair effortlessly with a wide range of sides. They’re perfect with fresh salads, roasted vegetables, warm biscuits, or sweet potato fries. They also shine when tucked into wraps, layered onto sandwiches, or sliced over hearty grain bowls. And of course, the right dipping sauces can transform them—creamy garlic sauce, smoky barbecue, or a homemade teriyaki glaze all complement the crunchy coating beautifully.
For home cooks across New Jersey looking to bring a crispy, satisfying favorite to the dinner table—without the fuss of frying—this baked cornflake chicken offers the best of both worlds. It captures the flavor and texture people crave while staying easy, fun, and adaptable, making it a standout addition to the weeknight rotation. Check out the Jersey Girl Cooks recipe here.
