If you are on the hunt for a crispy, flavorful, and utterly irresistible dish, look no further than this Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe. It’s the perfect balance of crunchy golden crust and juicy tender chicken, elevated by the subtle tang of ranch seasoning and the comforting, homey flavor of cornbread. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner or serving up a snack at your next game day gathering, these chicken tenders bring warmth, heartiness, and a little bit of southern charm straight to your kitchen table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in making this recipe shine. From the tender chicken to the cornbread crust and zesty ranch seasoning, every element comes together for that perfectly textured and flavorful bite.
- 2 lb chicken tenders: The star of the dish, tender and quick to cook, making weeknight meals simpler and delicious.
- 1 (8.5-oz) package cornbread mix (Jiffy): This adds a sweet, crumbly crust that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix: Infuses the coating with a savory and herby punch that keeps every bite lively.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a glue to hold the cornbread crust to the chicken, also helping the coating brown evenly.
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour: Ensures the coating sticks by providing a dry layer before the egg wash, giving texture and structure.
How to Make Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Coating Stations
To get started, preheat your oven to 400ºF; this heat will give you that perfect crispiness without drying out the chicken. Set up three shallow dishes — one with flour, one with whisked eggs, and one with a mix of the cornbread mix and ranch dressing powder. This setup makes the coating process quick and mess-free.
Step 2: Coat the Chicken Tenders
Take each chicken tender and lightly coat it in the flour first, shaking off any excess. This dry layer helps the egg wash stick like magic. Dip the floured tender into the eggs next, ensuring every bit gets covered. Finally, press it into the cornbread and ranch mixture until fully coated. Don’t rush this step because that coating is where all the crunch and flavor live!
Step 3: Bake to Golden Perfection
Place the coated tenders on a baking sheet and give them a gentle spray with cooking oil to encourage browning. Bake them for 15 minutes or until the internal juices run clear and the crust is beautifully golden. The oven does all the work here to deliver juicy chicken wrapped in a satisfyingly crunchy shell.
How to Serve Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives sprinkled on top bring a pop of color and freshness that contrast beautifully with the warm, crispy tenders. A drizzle of honey mustard or a side of zesty ranch dressing elevates the flavor even more, making each bite a little celebration.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs amazingly well with classic southern-style sides like creamy coleslaw, baked beans, or buttery mashed potatoes. For a lighter touch, a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables offer balance to the richness of the chicken.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve these chicken tenders on a platter lined with fresh lettuce leaves or nestle them beside a colorful array of dipping sauces for a party-ready appetizer. You can even turn them into sliders with mini buns and pickles for a fun twist that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where they will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Make sure to cool them completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze these tenders before baking by coating the chicken, placing them on a lined baking sheet, and freezing until solid. Transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 2 months. Bake them straight from frozen, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.
Reheating
For the best texture, reheat leftovers in a preheated oven at 350ºF for 10-12 minutes. This method crisps the crust back up without drying out the tender chicken inside. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that crunch intact.
FAQs
Can I use homemade cornbread mix instead of store-bought?
Absolutely! A homemade cornbread mix can add an extra touch of freshness and allow you to control the sweetness, but be sure it’s dry enough to coat the chicken well.
Is it necessary to use ranch dressing mix?
While ranch mix adds a unique flavor boost, you can substitute it with your favorite seasoning blend like Italian herbs or Cajun spices to tailor the flavor to your liking.
Can I bake these tenders instead of frying them?
Yes, this Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe is designed for baking, which makes it healthier and less messy without sacrificing crispiness, especially with the cooking spray step.
What’s the secret to a super crispy crust?
Making sure to coat the chicken in flour first, spraying the tenders lightly with oil before baking, and baking at a high temperature (400ºF) ensures that irresistible crunch.
Can I make these gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, choose a gluten-free cornbread mix and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative. Just double-check your ranch seasoning for any gluten ingredients.
Final Thoughts
This Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate — all crispy, tender, and packed with flavor. It’s approachable, quick to make, and bound to become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Give it a try and watch it rise to the top of your family favorites!
Print
Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Cornbread Crusted Chicken Tenders baked to perfection. This easy recipe uses a cornbread mix and ranch seasoning for a delicious twist on classic chicken tenders, making a perfect family-friendly meal in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lb chicken tenders
Coating
- 1 (8.5-oz) package cornbread mix (Jiffy)
- 1 (1-oz) package ranch dressing mix
- 2 large eggs
- â…“ cup all-purpose flour
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400ºF to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the chicken tenders evenly with a crispy crust.
- Prepare Coating Stations: Place the flour in a shallow pan or plate. In another shallow dish, whisk the eggs until smooth. In a third shallow dish, combine the cornbread mix and ranch dressing mix thoroughly.
- Coat Chicken: Take each chicken tender and coat it first in the flour, shaking off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured chicken tender into the whisked egg, allowing any excess egg to drip off. Finally, coat the chicken tender evenly in the cornbread and ranch mixture, pressing gently to adhere the coating well.
- Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders in a single layer on a baking sheet. Ensure they are spaced out slightly to allow for even cooking and crisping.
- Spray and Bake: Lightly spray the chicken tenders with cooking spray to help achieve a golden, crispy crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear when pierced with a fork.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, flip chicken tenders halfway through baking and re-spray with cooking spray.
- Ensure chicken is fully cooked by checking internal temperature reaches 165ºF.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce like honey mustard or barbecue sauce.
- This recipe is easily doubled for larger gatherings.
- Can substitute the ranch mix with your favorite seasoning blend if desired.
