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    Home » Gluten Free » Cornflake Chicken Tenders (Gluten Free)

    Cornflake Chicken Tenders (Gluten Free)

    Apr 21, 2025 by Kayla Cappiello

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    These gluten free Cornflake Chicken Tenders are chicken breast coated in crushed gluten free cornflakes and air fried to crispy perfection. These chicken tenders are easy to make and use minimal ingredients. They are a such a hit with both kids and adults!

    I love the flavor of the gluten free cornflakes and the texture it gives the chicken tenders. Talk about crunchy!! Note that not all cornflakes are gluten free so make sure you are buying gluten free cornflakes for a gluten free recipe!

    If you love easy chicken recipes, here are 20 weeknight chicken recipe you need to make! Plus they are all gluten free!

    cornflake chicken tenders

    When I was a kid, one of my favorite meals was chicken tenders. I didnt care if they were homemade or store bought. These gluten free cornflake chicken strips are the adult, gluten free homemade air fryer version…and I love them!

    While Perdue, Caulipower and many other brands make gluten free chicken tenders that you can buy from the grocery store, making them homemade is so much better, more fun and definitely a safe option because you know exactly what is in them! At home you’re in full control of the ingredients.

    cornflake chicken tenders

    Why you’ll love this recipe

    • The air fryer is honestly fool proof. These Cornflake Chicken Tenders come out juicy, crispy and delicious every time.
    • These Cornflake Chicken Tenders are easy AND quick. Most of the time is spent coating the chicken or letting it air fry while you do other things.
    • These chicken tenders are made in the air fryer so there is no no oil mess to clean up afterwards. They can also be baked in the oven if you do not have an air fryer.
    • This gluten free chicken tenders recipe is allergy friendly. You can use gluten free cornflakes like I did for gluten free recipe.
    cornflake chicken tenders

    Ingredients & Substitutions

    Chicken: I like to use chicken breast tenders because they cook quickly and they’re already pre-cut which saves on prep time. You can also use chicken breasts and cut them down yourself to chicken tender strips.

    Gluten free corn flakes: not all cornflakes are gluten free. Make sure you are buying gluten free ones to ensure the recipe is gluten free. If you cannot find gluten free corn flakes you can always use crushed gluten free crackers.

    Egg: Used to help bind the cornflakes to the chicken.

    How do I make these Cornflake Chicken Tenders?

    First, I crack egg into a shallow bow. Then, I add milk and beat. After, I crush the gluten free corn flakes and add to a separate bowl with garlic powder.

    cornflake chicken tenders

    Next, I pound the chicken and cut into 5 strips. I dip the chicken tenders into the egg mixture then into the corn flake mixture. Next, I add the gluten free chicken tenders to the air fryer basket.

    cornflake chicken tenders

    To cook, I air fry on 390 for approx 11-15 minutes or until fully cooked. While the chicken is cooking, I mix together the sauce ingredients.

    cornflake chicken tenders

    Once the Cornflake Chicken Tenders are done, I remove from the air fryer and brush with the spicy sauce. I always like to serve with avocado ranch dipping sauce or dairy free option.

    cornflake chicken tenders

    Expert Tips & Tricks

    I either crush my gluten free cornflakes in the food processor, or just throw them in a resealable ziplock bag and use a rolling pin or my hands to crush them into crumbs.

    Allergies and Variations

    Gluten free recipe: I used a gluten free cereal to ensure these chicken tenders were gluten free. Not all cornflakes are gluten free so make sure you check!

    Dairy free recipe: These chicken tenders are naturally dairy free.

    Nut free recipe: This recipe is naturally nut free.

    Can I add other seasonings to the crumb mixture?

    Change up the spices you add to the cornflake crumbs. I use a blend of paprika, onion powder, garlic, salt and pepper. You can also use a taco seasoning, an italian seasoning or even red pepper flakes!

    You can even switch up the sauces you use on top as well! Brush on your own sauce mixture or even bbq sauce or buffalo sauce instead!

    How Do I Serve these Cornflake Chicken Tenders?

    These cornflake chicken tenders can be served as a main course or as an appetizer! You can also make them to throw into salads, wraps, sandwiches or tacos!

    When I serve cornflake chicken tenders as my main entree, I serve them with a vegetable or salad and french fries. I like heating my frozen french fries in the air fryer as well to get them crispy.

    When I serve these gluten free chicken tenders as an appetizer or snack, I love to serve with a variety of dipping sauces such as ketchup, honey mustard, BBQ sauce and ranch.

    cornflake chicken tenders

    How do I Store and Meal Prep this recipe?

    To store, I let it cool completely before refrigerating in an airtight container for up to four days.

    For longer storage, I love to portion into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

    To meal prep into individual portions, divide into separate containers. These individual portions are my favorite for great grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners during the week.

    How do I reheat leftovers?

    I like to serve these gluten free cornflake chicken tenders immediately after they come out of the air fryer. The cornflake coating will get a bit soggy after some time in the refrigerator. If you have leftover gluten free chicken tenders, you can re-warm them in the air fryer to restore their crispy coating.

    cornflake chicken tenders

    Looking for more gluten free chicken recipes?

    • coconut chicken korma recipe
      Chicken Korma Recipe (gluten free)
    • gluten free chicken tikka masala
      Easy Gluten Free Chicken Tikka Masala
    • sticky chicken recipe
      Sticky Chicken Recipe (Gluten Free)
    • Bruschetta Chicken Pizza (gluten free, dairy free option)

    If you make this recipe and enjoyed it, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, Tik Tok and Pinterest. Purchase my cookbook Easy Allergy Free Cooking. Join my exclusive weeknight meal plan group for 5 weekly 30-minute dinner recipes. The weeknight meal plan also has an accompanying podcast as well! I would love for you to follow along! 

    cornflake chicken tenders

    Cornflake Chicken Tenders (Gluten Free)

    Kayla Cappiello
    These gluten free Cornflake Chicken Tenders are chicken breast coated in crushed gluten free cornflakes and air fried to crispy perfection. These chicken tenders are easy to make and use minimal ingredients. They are a such a hit with both kids and adults!
    I love the flavor of the gluten free cornflakes and the texture it gives the chicken tenders. Talk about crunchy!! Note that not all cornflakes are gluten free so make sure you are buying gluten free cornflakes for a gluten free recipe!
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save to Email
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 15 minutes mins
    Total Time 25 minutes mins
    Course Appetizer, Dinner, lunch
    Cuisine American
    Servings 2 servings
    Calories 416 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 1/2 lb chicken breasts or chicken breast tenders
    • 2 cups corn flakes gluten free
    • 1 tbsp garlic powder
    • 1 egg
    • 2 tbsp any milk or dairy free milk

    The sticky sauce

    • 4 tbsp Honey
    • 2 tbsp Sriracha Sauce
    • 1 tbsp gluten free soy sauce coconut aminos or liquid aminos

    Instructions
     

    • Crack egg into a shallow bow. Add milk. Beat.
    • Crush corn flakes and add to a separate bowl with garlic powder.
    • Pound the chicken and cut into 5 strips.
    • Dip the chicken strips into the egg mixture then into the corn flake mixture.
    • Add breaded chicken tenders to the air fryer basket.
    • Air fry on 390 for approx 11-15 minutes or until fully cooked.
    • While the chicken is cooking, mix together the sauce ingredients.
    • Once the chicken is done, remove from the air fryer and brush with the spicy sauce.
    • Serve with avocado ranch dipping sauce or dairy free option.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 416kcalCarbohydrates: 63gProtein: 31gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 154mgSodium: 1224mgPotassium: 612mgFiber: 2gSugar: 39gVitamin A: 705IUVitamin C: 17mgCalcium: 49mgIron: 10mg
    Keyword 30 minute recipe, air fryer, gluten free
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    Filed Under: 30-minute meal, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Gluten Free, Gluten Free Appetizer, Gluten Free Dinner Recipes, Gluten Free Lunch Recipes, Homemade take-out, Nut Free

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    Hi! I'm Kayla.

    I’m so happy to have you here. I started sharing my easy gluten free recipes after going gluten free and realizing most recipes out there weren’t as easy or approachable as I wanted!

    I love sharing simple but delicious recipes that are gluten-free, dairy-free, and tree nut free. I hope as you too feel inspired to whip up some easy, delicious recipes! xoxo

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