Crunchy Cap'n Chicken Tenders with Creole Dipping Sauce
Experience the fun and flavor of Crunchy Cap'n Chicken Tenders, a delightful dish that both kids and adults will adore. This recipe combines the sweetness of Cap'n Crunch cereal with crispy corn flakes to create a tantalizing crust for tender chicken strips. The addition of a zesty Creole mustard sauce elevates the dish, offering a perfect balance of creaminess and tang. Make this dish for family gatherings or casual weeknight meals, and watch it disappear quickly from the dinner table!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
25
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cap'n Crunch cereal
2 cups (coarsely crushed)
corn flakes
1 1/2 cups (coarsely crushed)
egg
1 (beaten)
milk
1 cup (combined with egg)
all-purpose flour
1 cup (for dredging)
onion powder
1 teaspoon (to season flour)
garlic powder
1 teaspoon (to season flour)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to season flour)
chicken breasts
2 lbs (cut into 1-oz tenders)
vegetable oil
as needed (for frying)
mayonnaise
1 cup (for sauce)
creole mustard
1/4 cup (or Dijon mustard)
yellow mustard
1 teaspoon (for sauce)
horseradish
1 teaspoon (for flavor)
cider vinegar
1/2 teaspoon (for sauce)
Worcestershire sauce
1 dash (for flavor)
red wine vinegar
1 teaspoon (for sauce)
water
1 teaspoon (for sauce)
cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon (for spice)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
green onion
1 teaspoon (sliced for garnish)
crushed garlic
1 teaspoon (for sauce)
green pepper
1 teaspoon (finely chopped for sauce)
celery
1 teaspoon (finely chopped for sauce)
onion
1 teaspoon (finely chopped for sauce)
Instructions
1
Preheat your frying oil in a large heavy skillet to 325°F (160°C).
2
In a food processor or by hand, coarsely crush the Cap'n Crunch cereal and corn flakes. Set aside.
3
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined. Set aside.
4
In another bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
5
Take each chicken tender and first dip it into the seasoned flour, ensuring a thorough coat before shaking off any excess.
6
Next, dip the floured chicken in the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off, and then coat it with the crushed cereal and corn flakes mixture.
7
Carefully place the coated chicken tenders into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
8
Once cooked, transfer the chicken tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
9
Serve warm with the zesty Creole mustard dipping sauce.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crunchy Cap'n Chicken Tenders?
They are chicken breast strips coated in a unique breading of crushed Cap'n Crunch cereal and corn flakes, served with a zesty Creole dipping sauce.
What makes the breading for these chicken tenders special?
The breading uses a blend of sweet Cap'n Crunch cereal and crispy corn flakes to create a crunchy, sweet-and-savory crust.
How should the cereal be prepared for the coating?
The cereal should be coarsely crushed, which can be done either by hand or using a food processor.
What is the recommended frying temperature for this recipe?
The oil should be heated to 325 degrees Fahrenheit (160 degrees Celsius) in a large heavy skillet.
How long do the chicken tenders need to fry?
The tenders should be fried for 3 to 5 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through.
What are the ingredients in the Creole dipping sauce?
The sauce is made from mayonnaise, Creole mustard, yellow mustard, horseradish, vinegars, Worcestershire sauce, cayenne, and finely chopped vegetables.
Can I substitute the Creole mustard in the dipping sauce?
Yes, Dijon mustard can be used as a substitute if Creole mustard is unavailable.
What spices are added to the dredging flour?
The all-purpose flour is seasoned with onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper.
How do I ensure the breading sticks to the chicken?
Follow the three-step process: first dredge in seasoned flour, then dip in an egg and milk wash, and finally coat with the cereal mixture.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless chicken breasts cut into approximately 1-ounce tenders are recommended.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a kid-friendly dish due to the familiar flavor of the cereal coating.
What vegetables are included in the dipping sauce?
The sauce contains finely chopped green pepper, celery, and onion.
How should the chicken be treated after frying?
Transfer the cooked tenders to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
What is the role of the horseradish in the sauce?
The horseradish adds a pungent flavor and a bit of heat to the creamy Creole sauce.
Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?
While the recipe calls for frying, you can air fry these at 375 degrees Fahrenheit until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
This recipe requires a total of 25 ingredients including the chicken, breading, and sauce components.
What kind of oil should I use for frying?
Vegetable oil is recommended for frying the chicken tenders.
What garnish is recommended for the dish?
Sliced green onions are used as a garnish for the finished dish.
Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?
Yes, making the sauce in advance allows the flavors of the mustard, garlic, and vegetables to meld together.
Is the Creole dipping sauce spicy?
It has a zesty kick due to the Creole mustard, horseradish, and cayenne pepper, but it is balanced by the mayonnaise.
What can I use if I don't have a food processor to crush the cereal?
You can place the cereal in a sealed plastic bag and crush it with a rolling pin or a heavy pan.
Does the recipe use both red wine vinegar and cider vinegar?
Yes, both types of vinegar are used in the Creole dipping sauce to provide tanginess.
Should the chicken be seasoned before dredging?
The seasoning is primarily in the flour and the sauce, but you can add salt to the chicken to taste.
How do I prevent the oil temperature from dropping?
Avoid overcrowding the pan; fry the chicken in batches if necessary.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but ensure the chicken is completely thawed and patted dry before starting the breading process.
What is the purpose of the milk in the recipe?
The milk is whisked with the egg to create an egg wash that helps the cereal coating adhere to the chicken.
How do I know the chicken is done?
The chicken is done when the coating is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I substitute Cap'n Crunch with another cereal?
While it changes the flavor profile, other corn-based or sweetened cereals could be used as a substitute.
What is the serving suggestion for this recipe?
Serve the tenders warm accompanied by the zesty Creole mustard dipping sauce.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.