Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders
There’s something so comforting about a crispy coating, and that’s exactly what you’ll get with Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders. I still remember the first time I made these for my family. It was a rainy afternoon, and the kids were cooped up inside, getting antsy. I wanted to create something special for them, so I reached for my trusty cornbread mix and chicken tenders. The aroma of baking chicken filled the air, and it was like an instant mood booster. When the tenders came out of the oven, golden brown and crunchy, my family couldn’t resist diving right in. Each bite was a delightful mix of flavorful cornbread and juicy chicken, and it quickly became a favorite in our household.
Recipe Snapshot
25 mins
10 mins
15 mins
Medium
300 kcal
27 g
Paleo, Whole30, Vegan
10 g
Rimmed Baking Sheet with Wire Rack, Cookie Sheet
Why Try This Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders
1. Simple Yet Flavorful
One thing I love about Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders is how simple the ingredients are. You don’t need to scour specialty stores for exotic spices or difficult-to-find ingredients. Just a few pantry staples come together to create a dish that bursts with flavor. The mixture of cornbread and ranch dressing mix coats the chicken perfectly, making every bite irresistible.
2. Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a casual dinner during the week or a gathering with friends, these tenders fit right in. They’re perfect for dipping in your favorite sauces or enjoying straight from the oven. I often serve them at parties, and they disappear quickly! Kids love them, and adults appreciate the flavor, making it a win-win.
3. Easy to Prepare
I know we’re all busy, and that’s why these tenders are a lifesaver! They come together in no time at all. Just coat the chicken in the flour, dip it in the eggs, and then roll it in the cornbread mixture. Before you know it, you’ll have tasty tenders ready for the oven. It’s also a fun activity to get the kids involved—watching them help coat the chicken is always a joy!
4. Versatile Meal
Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders can be served in so many ways! Pair them with a fresh salad for a light meal, or serve them with mashed potatoes for something heartier. You can even slice them up for sandwiches or wraps for lunch the next day. The options are endless, making it a versatile choice for any family.
Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders Shopping List
In crafting the perfect Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders, the ingredients play a vital role in achieving that mouthwatering flavor and texture. Each component contributes to a delightful balance that creates a comforting meal. The star players are the chicken tenderloins, which are not only tender but also soak up the flavors beautifully. The cornbread mix adds sweetness and crunch, while the ranch dressing mix infuses an irresistible savory element.
- 2 lb chicken tenders: The main ingredient, these tenderloins provide a juicy and satisfying bite.
- 1 (8.5-oz) package cornbread mix: This gives the dish its unique flavor and crunch.
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix: A secret weapon for flavor, adding a deliciously zesty touch.
- 2 large eggs: Essential for binding the coating.
- ⅓ cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick beautifully to the chicken.
Recipe Directions for Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders
Once you gather your ingredients, the fun really begins! The Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders are not just easy to prepare but also give you the chance to unleash your inner chef. You’ll love the delightful aroma wafting through your kitchen as they bake. Now, let’s dive into the steps to make these crispy tenders!
Preheat your oven to 400ºF. This is an important step to ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets that crunchy exterior.
Take a shallow pan or plate and place the flour in it. Make sure it’s evenly spread. This will be the first step of our coating process.
In another shallow pan, whisk the eggs until they’re well beaten. This is what will help the coating stick to the chicken.
Now it’s time to mix the dry ingredients! In a separate shallow pan, combine the Ranch dressing mix and cornbread mix until thoroughly mixed. This blend will give your tenders a unique flavor.
Take one piece of the chicken and coat it in the flour. Make sure to shake off any excess flour to avoid clumps.
Next, dip the coated chicken into the beaten eggs to ensure every inch is covered.
Then, roll the chicken in the cornbread mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. The more coating you have, the crunchier they will be!
Place the coated tenders on a rimmed baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced out so they can crisp up nicely.
Repeat the previous steps with the remaining chicken tenders until all are coated and on the baking sheet.
Now, lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray. This helps achieve that golden brown color!
Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. They’ll be done when the juices run clear and the coating is a delightful golden color.
Things Worth Knowing
Things Worth Knowing
- Chicken Tender Size: Cut your chicken tenderloins to a uniform size to ensure even cooking.
- Coating Techniques: For extra crunch, double-coat the tenders by repeating the egg and cornbread mixture steps.
- Test for Doneness: Always check that your chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ºF.
- Serving Fresh: These tenders are best served immediately after baking for optimal crispiness.
Ways to Adapt This Recipe
There are endless ways to make Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders your own! Don’t hesitate to experiment!
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
- Freezing: You can freeze the coated tenders before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time when you’re ready to bake them.
- Pairing: These tenders pair beautifully with a simple side salad or some creamy mashed potatoes.
- Spice It Up: Add some cayenne or paprika to the cornbread mixture for a little kick.
- Different Cuts: You can use chicken breasts, thighs, or even fish fillets for a twist!
How to Enjoy Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders
When it comes to serving Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders, the possibilities are endless! Here’s how to make the most out of this delightful dish:
- Family Dinner: Serve them fresh out of the oven with a side of your favorite dipping sauces.
- Picnic Treat: Pack them for a picnic; they’re delicious both warm and cold!
- Lunchbox Delights: Slice them up for sandwiches or wraps, adding plenty of fresh veggies.
- Game Day Snack: They make an exciting finger food option when hosting friends for sports events!
- Seasonal Pairing: Enjoy these during the cooler months with hearty sides like roasted vegetables or winter salads.
FAQ
Conclusion
The Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders are a crowd-pleaser that combines comfort and flavor in every bite. With their crispy coating and juicy interior, it’s no wonder they have become a family favorite. I encourage you to give this recipe a try; you’re in for a delicious treat that will surely become a staple in your home.
Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400ºF. This is an important step to ensure your chicken cooks evenly and gets that crunchy exterior.
- Take a shallow pan or plate and place the flour in it. Make sure it's evenly spread. This will be the first step of our coating process.
- In another shallow pan, whisk the eggs until they're well beaten. This is what will help the coating stick to the chicken.
- Now it’s time to mix the dry ingredients! In a separate shallow pan, combine the Ranch dressing mix and cornbread mix until thoroughly mixed. This blend will give your tenders a unique flavor.
- Take one piece of the chicken and coat it in the flour. Make sure to shake off any excess flour to avoid clumps.
- Next, dip the coated chicken into the beaten eggs to ensure every inch is covered.
- Then, roll the chicken in the cornbread mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. The more coating you have, the crunchier they will be!
- Place the coated tenders on a rimmed baking sheet. Make sure they’re spaced out so they can crisp up nicely.
- Repeat the previous steps with the remaining chicken tenders until all are coated and on the baking sheet.
- Now, lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray. This helps achieve that golden brown color!
- Pop them into your preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. They’ll be done when the juices run clear and the coating is a delightful golden color.
Notes
- Tip 1: You can use any cut of chicken that you enjoy – tenders, breasts, thighs, or drumsticks.
- Tip 2: Adjust the cooking time to ensure an internal temperature of 165ºF.
- Tip 3: Can Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders be made in advance? Yes! You can coat the chicken and refrigerate it overnight before baking.
- Tip 4: Can Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders be frozen? Yes! You can freeze the coated chicken unbaked or baked.
- Tip 5: To bake the chicken from frozen, simply add a few minutes to the cooking time.
