These Rice Krispie Chicken tenders are a crispy, flavorful, and gluten-free dinner option that will change your weeknight routine forever. Coated in seasoned rice cereal and baked to golden perfection, these chicken tenders are ready in under 30 minutes!
Pair them with a tangy homemade honey mustard sauce, and you’ve got a kid-friendly recipe the whole family will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Tenders: Use chicken tenders for the perfect size and juiciness. Remove the tendon for a smooth bite.
- Gluten-Free Flour: The flour helps the egg and cereal coating stick to the chicken tenders.
- Eggs: Acts as a binder to adhere the cereal mixture to the chicken.
- Rice Cereal: Look for gluten-free rice cereal with minimal sugar for a healthy crunch.
- Spices: A blend of kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper adds flavor to the coating.
- Honey Mustard (or Ranch): A sweet and tangy dipping sauce that complements the crispy chicken perfectly.
For exact ingredient amounts, see the full printable recipe card below.
How to Make Rice Krispie Chicken
Step 1. Prepare the Egg Wash: Whisk the eggs in a medium-sized bowl to create an egg wash and set it aside. This step helps the crispy rice cereal coating stick to the chicken tenders.
Step 2. Season the Cereal Coating: Place the rice cereal in a gallon-sized plastic bag along with the salt, garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Seal the bag and shake to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the cereal.
Step 3. Coat the Chicken Tenders: Dip each chicken tender into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, transfer the chicken tender to the cereal mixture in the bag, seal it, and shake well to coat the tender with the seasoned cereal mixture.
Step 4. Arrange on Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken tenders on a prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece to allow for even cooking. Sprinkle any leftover cereal mixture on top of the tenders and gently press it down to ensure it sticks.
Step 5. Bake to Perfection: Bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 6. Prepare the Honey Mustard: While the chicken is baking, make the quick and easy honey mustard dipping sauce for a perfect pairing!
Expert Tips
- Ensure Crispy Coating: Pat the chicken dry before coating to help the rice cereal stick better and create a perfectly even crust. This step ensures the coating doesn’t fall off during baking.
- Season Generously: The rice cereal is naturally mild, so the spices are key to flavorful tenders. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice blend to suit your taste preferences or add a little heat.
- Prevent Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness without drying out the chicken. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F, as the chicken will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven.
- Leftover Cereal: Sprinkle any extra seasoned cereal mixture on top of the tenders before baking for added crunch.
- Coating alternatives: Feel free to swap out the rice krispies for crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Add parmesan cheese to the coating for a boost of flavor!
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Rice Krispie Chicken with these delicious sides for a balanced meal:
- Grains: Brown rice or fluffy cauliflower rice.
- Veggies: Crispy Brussels sprouts, green beans, or a crisp garden salad.
- Salads: Cucumber, avocado and tomato salad or sweet potato salad for a heartier pairing.
- Dips: Use any favorite style of dipping sauce. I like jalapeno ranch, BBQ sauce, cilantro chimichurri, or firecracker sauce for an extra kick.
- Leftovers: Turn leftover Rice Krispie Chicken Tenders into a delicious next-day meal! You can also tuck the sliced chicken into a wrap with fresh veggies, shredded cheese, and your favorite sauce for an easy, handheld lunch. For a heartier option, chop the tenders and add them to a grain bowl with quinoa, roasted sweet potatoes, and a dollop of cilantro-lime yogurt sauce.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Storage: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Freeze cooked tenders in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen for a quick meal.
Reheat: Warm in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Recipe FAQs
Yes! The recipe is naturally dairy-free as written, so no substitutions are needed.
Look for a gluten-free brand with minimal added sugar, such as Nature’s Path or One Degree Organics.
Absolutely! Slice chicken breasts into tender-sized strips for similar results.
Yes! Coat the chicken and refrigerate it uncooked for up to 8 hours. Bake when ready to serve for the best texture.
Mix equal parts honey and mustard with a dollop of mayo for creaminess and a squeeze of lemon juice. Add a dash of paprika for extra flavor and color.
More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love
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Baked Rice Krispie Chicken Tenders Recipe
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Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders tendon removed
- 1/3 cup flour gluten-free if needed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups rice cereal
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Ranch or honey mustard for dipping
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F and line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Add the flour and eggs to two separate bowls. Mix the rice cereal and spices in a separate third bowl.1/3 cup flour, 2 large eggs, 2 cups rice cereal, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Dip the chicken tenders in the flour, then eggs, then rice krispie mixture. Arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheet.1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders
- Bake them in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches 160°F (target temp is 165 as it rests/cools).
Notes
-
- Ensure Crispy Coating: Pat the chicken dry before coating to help the rice cereal stick better and create a perfectly even crust. This step ensures the coating doesn’t fall off during baking.
-
- Season Generously: The rice cereal is naturally mild, so the spices are key to flavorful tenders. Don’t be afraid to adjust the spice blend to suit your taste preferences or add a little heat.
-
- Prevent Overcooking: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness without drying out the chicken. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F, as the chicken will continue cooking slightly after being removed from the oven.
-
- Leftover Cereal: Sprinkle any extra seasoned cereal mixture on top of the tenders before baking for added crunch.
- Coating alternatives: Feel free to swap out the rice krispies for crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs. Add parmesan cheese to the coating for a boost of flavor!
- Nutrition information is based on chicken and honey mustard.
- Storage: Store leftover chicken tenders in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooked tenders in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen for a quick meal.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 375°F for 10 minutes or in an air fryer for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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