Rice Krispie Chicken Tenders (Baked & Gluten-Free!)
These Rice Krispie Chicken tenders are oven-baked, gluten-free, and ready in under 30 minutes. With a crunchy rice cereal coating and sweet dipping sauce, they’re a healthier take on a nostalgic classic. Perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or anyone craving crispy comfort food
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Servings: 4
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
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 409kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 16.1g | Saturated Fat: 3.8g | Cholesterol: 187mg | Sodium: 702mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 18g
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