If you love the perfect marriage of sweet, spicy, and crunchy textures, you are going to adore this Baked Crunchy Maple Dijon Chicken Recipe. It’s the kind of dish that transforms everyday chicken tenderloins into a show-stopping meal with its irresistible golden crust made from crispy cornflakes and a luscious, tangy maple Dijon sauce that hits all the right flavor notes. Easy to prepare yet impressive enough for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, this recipe brings together simple ingredients with a burst of bold personality that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this Baked Crunchy Maple Dijon Chicken Recipe. Each item plays a vital role—from the crunch and flavor of the cornflakes to the warmth of smoked paprika and chipotle powder, plus the magic of a homemade sauce that brings everything together beautifully.
- Cornflakes: 6 cups, crushed finely to create the irresistible crunchy coating that seals in moisture.
- Parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup grated; adds a salty depth and enhances the crispiness of the crust.
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon, for a smoky warmth that complements the savory flavors.
- Onion powder: 1/2 teaspoon; adds subtle savory undertones without overpowering.
- Garlic powder: 1/2 teaspoon, for that familiar, comforting depth.
- Large eggs: 2, beaten to help the crispy coating stick perfectly to the chicken.
- Hot sauce: 2 tablespoons in the egg wash and an additional 2-3 tablespoons in the sauce; brings that lively kick you crave.
- Chicken breast tenderloins: 2 pounds, the hero protein that stays juicy inside the crunchy shell.
- Extra virgin olive oil: For drizzling, adding a lovely golden finish and crisp texture when baked.
- Fresh thyme or parsley: For garnish, providing fresh herbal brightness.
- Maple syrup: 1/3 cup, the sweet backbone of the sauce that beautifully balances the heat and tang.
- Dijon mustard: 1/4 cup, lending tang and a slight sharpness to the sauce.
- Chipotle chili powder: 3/4 teaspoon, for a smoky heat that elevates the sauce.
- Sea salt: To taste, enhances all the flavors harmoniously.
- Fresh thyme: 1 tablespoon, chopped finely for the sauce and garnish.
How to Make Baked Crunchy Maple Dijon Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Pan
Start by heating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper. This high heat is essential for that golden, crunchy crust you’re aiming for, while the parchment keeps cleanup a breeze.
Step 2: Create the Crunchy Coating
In a food processor, pulse cornflakes, Parmesan, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. If you don’t have a processor handy, toss everything into a ziplock bag and crush it with a rolling pin or carefully step on it. This mixture is what gives your chicken that signature crunch and savory flavor punch.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Beat the eggs and stir in 2 tablespoons of hot sauce, then dip the chicken tenderloins in this spicy egg wash, making sure they’re fully coated. Next, dredge each piece in the cornflake crumbs, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. For extra crunch, repeat the dip in egg and coating once more. Place your coated chicken on the baking sheet and drizzle lightly with olive oil to encourage crisping as it bakes.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Pop the baking sheet into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes. Keep an eye out for that gorgeous golden color and a crispy texture on the outside. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s perfectly cooked but still juicy inside.
Step 5: Make the Glorious Maple Dijon Sauce
While the chicken bakes, combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, chopped fresh thyme, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring until smooth and heated through. This sauce is the secret weapon that adds a brilliant sweet and spicy glaze to your already luscious chicken.
Step 6: Serve It Up
Once the chicken is out of the oven, drizzle the warm maple Dijon sauce generously over each piece. Garnish with fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. If your sauce thickens too much while waiting, just pop it in the microwave for a few seconds to loosen it right back up.
How to Serve Baked Crunchy Maple Dijon Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh herbs like thyme or parsley isn’t just decorative; their bright, earthy notes contrast beautifully against the sweet-spicy glaze and crunchy coating, making every bite more balanced and vibrant.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs brilliantly with creamy mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. The variety of textures and temperatures creates a full, satisfying meal that complements the rich, crunchy main dish perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, slice the chicken and serve it on a platter with dipping bowls of extra maple Dijon sauce and a sprinkle of crushed cornflakes for that extra crunch factor. You can also pile it into soft sandwich rolls with some crisp lettuce and slaw for a casual yet unforgettable meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays delicious and crunchy for up to 3 days when stored properly.
Freezing
If you want to save time later, you can freeze cooked coated chicken in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To revive that wonderful crunch when reheating, pop the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving alone or your crust may become soggy, but a quick zap to warm the sauce works great.
FAQs
Can I use other types of chicken cuts for this recipe?
Absolutely! While chicken tenderloins work great because they’re tender and cook quickly, you can also use chicken breasts cut into strips or even thighs if you prefer. Just adjust bake times accordingly.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be! Make sure to use gluten-free cornflakes and check that your hot sauce and all other seasonings do not contain gluten. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
How spicy is this dish?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the hot sauce and chipotle chili powder, but it’s balanced by the sweetness from the maple syrup. You can always adjust the amount of hot sauce to suit your taste buds.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, just omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute with a dairy-free alternative. The coating may be slightly different but will still be delicious and crunchy.
What if I don’t have a food processor for the cornflake crumbs?
No worries! Just place the cornflakes and dry seasonings in a sturdy ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin or even your hands until you get fine crumbs. It’s a simple hack that works perfectly.
Final Thoughts
There’s something wonderfully satisfying about the Baked Crunchy Maple Dijon Chicken Recipe that makes it a standout favorite in my recipe collection. The crunchy, flavorful crust paired with the sweet and tangy sauce creates an unforgettable bite every time. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your go-to for busy weeknights or special dinners with friends and family. Trust me, once you taste it, this recipe will find a permanent spot in your heart and kitchen.
Print
Baked Crunchy Maple Dijon Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Baked Crunchy Maple Dijon Chicken recipe features tender chicken breast tenderloins coated in a crispy cornflake and Parmesan crust, baked to golden perfection, and served with a flavorful maple Dijon sauce. The combination of smoky paprika, chipotle chili, and a hint of hot sauce offers a spicy kick balanced by the sweetness of maple syrup, making it a delicious and easy meal perfect for weeknights or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Coating
- 6 cups cornflakes (use gluten-free if needed)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Sea salt, to taste
Chicken
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 2 pounds chicken breast tenderloins
- Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Maple Dijon Sauce
- 1/3 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
- 2–3 tablespoons hot sauce
- 3/4 teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme
- Sea salt, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh thyme or parsley, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure the chicken doesn’t stick and cooks evenly.
- Prepare Coating: In a food processor, pulse cornflakes, Parmesan cheese, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt until fine crumbs form. Alternatively, place these ingredients in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin or by stepping on the bag. Transfer the crumbs to a shallow bowl for coating the chicken.
- Coat the Chicken: In a bowl, beat the eggs and mix in hot sauce. Add the chicken breast tenderloins and toss them to coat evenly with the egg mixture.
- Dredge Chicken in Coating: Dip each chicken piece into the cornflake mixture, pressing firmly to ensure an even and thick crust. For extra crunch, dip the chicken back into the egg mixture and then again in the crumbs.
- Arrange for Baking: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil to help them crisp up during baking.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is golden, crispy, and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Make the Maple Dijon Sauce: While the chicken bakes, combine maple syrup, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, chipotle chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, fresh thyme, and a pinch of salt in a small saucepan. Warm over low heat, stirring until smooth and heated through.
- Serve: Drizzle the warm maple Dijon sauce over the baked chicken and garnish with fresh thyme or parsley. If the sauce thickens, microwave it for a few seconds to loosen before serving.
Notes
- Use gluten-free cornflakes to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the amount of hot sauce in the coating and sauce to suit your preferred spice level.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
- For a thicker crunchy crust, double dip the chicken in egg and crumbs as directed.
- The sauce can be made ahead and gently rewarmed before serving.
