Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Years ago, a friend’s mom served up buttery, crispy chicken tenders made with Rice Krispies at a sleepover, and I never forgot that first bite. When brainstorming gluten-free dinner ideas, I instantly knew I wanted to recreate that nostalgic flavor—minus the extra sugar and oil.
I tested a few coating ratios and found this mix of cereal and spices crisps up perfectly without frying. It holds together even when dipped and reheated.
This version is everything I hoped for and more. These crispy chicken tenders are:
- Completely gluten-free and oven-baked
- Packed with flavor thanks to seasoned rice cereal
- Fast and easy—ready in under 30 minutes
- A kid-friendly dinner that’s still sophisticated enough for grown-ups
Pair them with a simple homemade honey mustard sauce or ranch dressing, and serve with your favorite side dish for a delicious recipe the whole family will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken Tenders: Boneless, skinless tenders are the perfect size. Remove the tendon for a smoother bite.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Helps the egg wash grip the chicken and hold the coating.
- Eggs: The binding agent that locks the crunchy texture in place.
- Rice Cereal: Use a gluten-free version with low sugar (like Nature’s Path or One Degree Organics) for crispiness.
- Spices: Kosher salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper bring bold, savory flavor.
- Dipping Sauce: Honey mustard or ranch dressing are perfect pairings for this crunchy classic.
Want extra crunch? Add a little grated Parmesan cheese to the coating for a flavor boost. If you’re looking for something with a spicy kick, try these Hot Honey Chicken Tenders for another gluten-free dinner inspiration.
How to Make Rice Krispie Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Egg Wash. Whisk eggs in a shallow bowl and set aside.
Step 2: Season the Cereal Coating. Add rice cereal, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and pepper to a gallon bag. Seal and shake to combine.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken Tenders. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash, then place chicken in the bag and shake until coated.
Step 4: Arrange on Baking Sheet. Place coated chicken on a prepared baking sheet. Press any leftover coating on top for added crisp.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection. Bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
Step 6: Make the Honey Mustard. While baking, stir together honey, mustard, mayo, lemon juice, and paprika in a small bowl for dipping.
Expert Tips
- Pat Dry First: Moisture prevents the coating from sticking—use paper towels to blot the chicken dry first.
- Don’t Under-Season: Rice cereal is bland on its own. Season well for maximum flavor.
- Even Spacing = Even Baking: Leave room between tenders on the cookie sheet to ensure crispy edges.
- Use a Thermometer: Aim for 165°F to avoid overcooking.
Serving Suggestions
These sides and dips add balance, texture, and variety to your crispy tenders:
- Grains: Brown rice or cauliflower rice
- Veggies: Roasted green beans or Brussels sprouts
- Salads: Cucumber avocado salad or sweet potato salad
- Dips: Use any favorite style of dipping sauce. I like jalapeno ranch, BBQ sauce, cilantro chimichurri, or firecracker sauce for an extra kick.
Got leftovers? Tuck sliced tenders into a wrap, or layer into a crispy chicken salad bowl for lunch the next day.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Lay flat in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Bake at 375°F or pop in the air fryer at 350°F for 5–7 minutes.
Recipe FAQs
Go for low-sugar, gluten-free options like Nature’s Path or One Degree Organics.
Absolutely. Slice them into strips to mimic tender shapes.
Yes. Coat the tenders and refrigerate up to 8 hours before baking.
These Rice Krispie chicken tenders are a nostalgic, easy dinner with a healthy twist—crispy, flavorful, and gluten-free. If your family loves a good chicken recipe, this one’s bound to be a new weeknight favorite.
Tried it? Leave a comment and star rating below! I’d love to hear if you swapped in cornflakes or added your own twist—what did your whole family think? For more oven-baked recipes, don’t miss my One Pot Spanish Chicken and Rice.
More Chicken Recipes
If you make this recipe, I’d love for you to give it a star rating ★ below. You can also tag me on Instagram so I can see it!
Rice Krispie Chicken Tenders (Baked & Gluten-Free!)
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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
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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.
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- 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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