WHAT’S FOR A KID FRIENDLY DINNER?
Capn’ Crunch Chicken Tenders
Array/5
COOK TIME
20 min
TOTAL TIME
30 min
SERVINGS
8 tenders
Crispy, crunchy, and a little bit sweet—these Cap’n Crunch Chicken Tenders are the ultimate kid-friendly dinner with a fun twist! They’re incredibly easy to make and only require a few pantry staples. Perfect for picky eaters, busy weeknights, or when you just want dinner to feel a little more fun.
I’m always on the hunt for easy meals my daughter will love, and since she’s a chicken nugget fan through and through, we decided to give her favorites a fun upgrade. When I told her we were putting cereal on chicken, her eyes lit up—and she was so excited to help! She even started planning which cereal we should try next. (Fruity Pebbles chicken, anyone?)
This is one of those fast, simple dinners that makes the usual weeknight feel a little more exciting, and it’s 100% kid-approved.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Tenders
Kid-Approved – That little hint of sweetness is a total win with kids (and adults too!)
Crispy without frying – Baked to golden perfection in the oven—no oil splatters here!
Simple Ingredients – Just 5 main ingredients you probably already have.
Customizable – Pair with your kids’ favorite dipping sauces or try them on top of a salad for a fun grown-up version.
Ingredients
8 chicken tenders (or about 1 lb chicken breast cut into strips)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
2 eggs
2 cups Cap’n Crunch cereal, crushed
Vegetable oil (for brushing)
Instructions
Prep the stations:
Grab 3 shallow bowls or plates.Bowl 1: Mix together flour, salt, and pepper.
Bowl 2: Whisk the eggs.
Bowl 3: Add the crushed Cap’n Crunch cereal (Tip: Toss the cereal in a Ziploc and smash with a rolling pin until chunky crumbs form).
Coat the chicken:
Dip each chicken tender first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally coat in the crushed cereal. Place each coated tender on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with nonstick spray.Add oil:
Lightly brush each tender with vegetable oil to help them get nice and crispy in the oven.Bake:
Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes. The cereal will turn a lovely golden brown and the chicken will be cooked through.
Serve and dip:
Remove from the oven and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ are always big hits in our house!
Tips & Variations
Spice it up: Add a little paprika or garlic powder to the flour mixture for a flavor boost.
Make it ahead: You can coat the chicken tenders a few hours ahead and keep them in the fridge until ready to bake.
Air Fryer Friendly: Want them even crispier? Pop them in the air fryer at 375°F for about 10–12 minutes!
- Try Different Cereals: Try out other cereals like Rice Chex, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, or Peanut Butter Cap’n Crunch
What to Serve With Cap’n Crunch Chicken Tenders
These tenders are great on their own, but here are a few easy sidekick ideas:
Waffle fries or sweet potato fries
Apple slices or baby carrots
Mac and cheese (kid dinner dream combo)
Side salad for a grown-up twist
More Kid-Friendly Dinner Ideas
If your crew loves these Cap’n Crunch Chicken Tenders, check out a few more of our faves:
Print
Cap’n Crunch Chicken Tenders
These Cap’n Crunch Chicken Tenders are crispy, easy to make, and totally kid-approved! Just a few simple ingredients for a fun twist on a family favorite.
Ingredients
-
8 chicken tenders (or about 1 lb chicken breast cut into strips)
-
1 cup all-purpose flour
-
1 teaspoon salt
-
1 teaspoon pepper
-
2 eggs
-
2 cups Cap’n Crunch cereal, crushed
-
Vegetable oil (for brushing)
Instructions
-
Prep the stations:
Grab 3 shallow bowls or plates.-
Bowl 1: Mix together flour, salt, and pepper.
-
Bowl 2: Whisk the eggs.
-
Bowl 3: Add the crushed Cap’n Crunch cereal (Tip: Toss the cereal in a Ziploc and smash with a rolling pin until fine crumbs form).
-
-
Coat the chicken:
Dip each chicken tender first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally coat in the crushed cereal. Place each coated tender on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or sprayed with nonstick spray. -
Add oil:
Lightly brush each tender with vegetable oil to help them get nice and crispy in the oven. -
Bake:
Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes. The cereal will turn a lovely golden brown and the chicken will be cooked through.
-
Serve and dip:
Remove from the oven and serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces. Ranch, honey mustard, or BBQ are always big hits in our house!
Notes
EQUIPMENT
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