1-First Step: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Setup Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place a wire rack on top, spraying the rack lightly with cooking spray. This setup allows for even air circulation, which is key to achieving that crispy texture in your baked cornflake chicken.

2-Second Step: Prepare the Chicken Slice each of the 2 large chicken breasts horizontally into two thinner pieces, giving you 4 even portions. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to help the coating stick better and ensure a crispier result for this easy oven baked cornflake chicken.

3-Third Step: Mix the Flour Mixture In a shallow dish, combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon garlic salt, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Stir these together until well blended, creating a flavorful base for your cornflake crusted chicken.

4-Fourth Step: Prepare the Egg Wash In another shallow dish, whisk together 2 large eggs and 2 tablespoons milk until fully combined. This mixture will act as the glue that holds the crunchy cornflake coating in place on your healthy cornflake chicken.

5-Fifth Step: Set Up the Cornflake Coating Place 2 1/2 cups of crushed cornflakes in a third shallow dish. For extra crunch, leave the cornflakes slightly chunky by crushing them lightly with a rolling pin in a zip-top bag. This step is crucial for the best baked cornflake crusted chicken texture.

6-Sixth Step: Coat the Chicken Take each piece of chicken and dredge it first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, letting the excess drip off, before pressing it firmly into the crushed cornflakes to coat both sides evenly. This multi-step process ensures your crispy cornflake chicken has a perfect, adherent crust.

7-Seventh Step: Arrange and Bake Lay the coated chicken pieces on the wire rack over the baking sheet, making sure they aren’t touching for even cooking. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray, then bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For reference, you can check out similar baking tips in our air fryer cod guide if you’re exploring other methods.

8-Final Step: Rest and Serve Once baked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to settle, making your cornflake chicken tenders recipe juicy and flavorful. Serve it hot with your favorite sides for a complete meal that fits any occasion.