Description

If you’re looking for a dinner that makes everyone at the table do a double take (in the best way), these Frosted Flake Chicken Tenders are it. They’re golden, ultra-crispy, lightly sweet, and totally irresistible. Paired with a tangy apricot dipping sauce, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between playful and downright delicious. It’s quick enough for a weeknight, fun enough for kids, and nostalgic enough for adults to keep reaching for “just one more.”

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Tenders

1½ lb chicken tenders
(or boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips)
2 cups Frosted Flakes, lightly crushed
½ cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs, beaten
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
Oil spray or neutral oil (for baking or frying)

For the Apricot Dipping Sauce

½ cup apricot preserves
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tsp apple cider vinegar (or lemon juice)
Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Prep the Oven & Breading Station

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray with oil.
Set up three shallow bowls:
1. Flour mixed with garlic powder, salt, and pepper
2. Beaten eggs
3. Crushed Frosted Flakes

2. Bread the Chicken

Pat chicken completely dry.
Coat in seasoned flour (shake off excess).
Dip into egg, letting extra drip off.
Press firmly into Frosted Flakes until well coated.
Place on prepared baking sheet, leaving space between pieces.

3. Bake (or Fry)

To Bake (recommended):

Spray tops of chicken lightly with oil.
Bake 12–15 minutes, flip, spray again, then bake 5–10 minutes more until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp).

To Pan-Fry (extra crispy):

Heat ¼ inch oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Fry 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
Drain on a wire rack.

4. Make the Apricot Sauce

Whisk together apricot preserves, Dijon mustard, vinegar, and salt until smooth.
Taste and adjust—more mustard for tang, more preserves for sweetness.

Serving Ideas

Serve hot with dipping sauce front and center
Pair with:
- Sweet potato fries
- Simple green salad
- Mac & cheese
- Steamed green beans or corn

Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or fun weekend meals.

Notes

Press the cereal on firmly—this keeps the coating from falling off
Don’t over-crush the cereal—texture = crunch
Use one hand for wet, one for dry to avoid messy fingers
For extra crispiness when baking, use a wire rack on the baking sheet