🔪Prep Time 90 Min
🔥Cook Time 20 Min
🍽️Servings4 Servings People

Ultimate Crunch Cornflake Chicken Tenders

(Better than Takeout!)

Forget soggy chicken fingers. This recipe uses a dual-marinade method and a secret “Ice Water Shock” technique to create the craziest, loudest crunch you’ve ever heard. Coated in crushed cornflakes and golden spices, these tenders are juicy on the inside and shatteringly crispy on the outside. A guaranteed hit for kids and adults alike.

Crispy golden fried chicken strips served with dipping sauce
⏱️
Prep & Marinate
90 Mins
🔥
Cook Time
20 Mins
🍗
Yields
4 Servings

🛒 Ingredients

The Chicken & Acid Marinade

  • 2.2 lbs (1kg) Chicken Breast (Cut into thick strips/tenders).
  • Marinade Mix: 1 Chopped Onion, Juice of 1 Lemon, Splash of Vinegar, Salt & Pepper.

The “Milk Soak” (Step 2)

  • 3 Cups Milk (Buttermilk works too).

The Crispy Coating System

  • Dry Mix: 1.5 cups Flour + 1/4 cup Cornstarch + 3 tbsp Baking Powder (For extra puffiness).
  • Spice Blend: 1 tbsp Turmeric, 1 tbsp Garlic Powder, 1 tbsp Paprika, Salt & Pepper.
  • The Crunch Layer: 2-3 cups Cornflakes (Crushed slightly).
  • The Secret Weapon: A bowl of Ice Cold Water.
  • Oil: Vegetable or Canola oil for deep frying.

👩‍🍳 How to Make It

  1. Step 1: The Acid Bath (Tenderizing): In a bowl, mix the chicken strips with the chopped onion, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for 1 hour. This breaks down the fibers for super soft meat.
  2. Step 2: The Milk Soak: After the hour is up, transfer the chicken pieces into a bowl with the 3 cups of milk. Let them soak for another 30 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Setup the Station:
    Bowl A: Mix the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and all the spices (Turmeric, Garlic, Paprika, S&P).
    Bowl B: Ice Water.
    Bowl C: Crushed Cornflakes.
  4. Step 4: The “Shock” Method (Important!): Take a piece of chicken from the milk.
    1. Dredge it in the Flour Mix.
    2. Dip it quickly (1 second) into the Ice Water.
    3. Immediately roll it in the Cornflakes, pressing down to adhere.
  5. Step 5: Fry Immediately: Do not let the breaded chicken sit! Carefully drop them into hot oil (350°F/175°C) immediately after coating. Fry for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and floating.

💡 Pro Tips for Maximum Crunch

  • Why Ice Water? The cold water hitting the hot oil creates steam pockets and reacts with the baking powder, making the crust incredibly airy and crispy.
  • Fry in Batches: Don’t overcrowd the pan, or the oil temperature will drop, and the tenders will become oily instead of crispy.
  • Serving Suggestion: Serve hot with Honey Mustard, Ranch, or BBQ sauce.
5/5 - (2 votes)

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