Name: Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs; 3 cups cornflakes cereal (crushed); ½ cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 2 large eggs; 2 tablespoons milk; nonstick cooking spray or oil for baking

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If you’re on the hunt for a comfort food classic with a playful twist, you are going to fall head over heels for Cereal Crusted Chicken. Imagine juicy, tender chicken coated in a crunchy, golden crust made from cornflakes that deliver more texture and flavor than any breadcrumb could dream of. This dish is simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner, but impressive and kid-friendly enough to steal the show at any table. Whether you’re looking for a lighter alternative to fried chicken or just want something unexpectedly delightful from ingredients you already have on hand, you’re about to discover your new favorite way to enjoy chicken.

Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe proves that a handful of familiar pantry staples can create something exceptional. Each ingredient plays a key role, contributing crunch, savory depth, and irresistible color to your Cereal Crusted Chicken.

Chicken breasts or thighs: Choose boneless, skinless pieces for maximum tenderness and speedy cooking.
Cornflakes cereal: When crushed, these create the ultimate crispy coating—far crunchier than typical breadcrumbs.
All-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick and locks in juices for perfectly moist chicken.
Eggs: Bound with a splash of milk, eggs create the essential glue for the crumbly crust.
Milk: It lightens the egg wash and ensures even coverage on every bite.
Garlic powder: Adds a savory backbone that deepens the flavor profile.
Onion powder: Gives subtle sweetness and extra dimension to each bite.
Paprika: This brings a gentle warmth and beautiful golden hue to the finished crust.
Salt: Seasons every layer, drawing out the best in both chicken and coating.
Black pepper: Balances the flavors with a hint of bite.
Nonstick cooking spray or oil: A light spritz or drizzle ensures maximum crispiness without deep frying.

How to Make Cereal Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Chicken and Coatings

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light brush of oil. Pour your cornflakes into a zip-top bag, then let off some steam with a rolling pin until you’re left with rustic, crunchy crumbs. Now, set up your breading station: one bowl for flour mixed with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper; another for whisked eggs and milk; and the last one with those glorious crushed cornflakes.

Step 2: Dredge, Dip, and Coat

Pat your chicken dry—you want that coating to stick like glue! One by one, dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Next, give it a bath in the egg mixture so it’s nicely slicked, then press it firmly into the cornflakes, turning and packing the crumbs around every bit for ultimate crunch. Arrange the coated chicken pieces on your prepared baking sheet.

Step 3: Bake to Crispy Perfection

Give the finished Cereal Crusted Chicken a quick mist of nonstick spray or a drizzle of oil on top. This step is your secret to a super crispy crust without frying. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes—until the chicken is cooked through, golden, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Let the pieces rest for a few minutes so those juices stay locked in before you serve.

How to Serve Cereal Crusted Chicken

Garnishes

Add a pop of color and extra flavor to your Cereal Crusted Chicken with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or a dash of smoked paprika on top. Lemon wedges add a bright, tangy zip, and a drizzle of honey or spicy hot sauce gives a fun twist at the table.

Side Dishes

This dish shines alongside classic sides like creamy mashed potatoes, crisp coleslaw, or freshly steamed green beans. For a lighter meal, pair with a bright garden salad and tangy vinaigrette. Cereal Crusted Chicken is also incredible tucked into a sandwich with fresh lettuce, tomato, and a swipe of honey mustard or ranch.

Creative Ways to Present

Cut your Cereal Crusted Chicken into strips for the ultimate finger food at parties with a trio of dipping sauces. For a fun family dinner, serve the chicken on a platter with individual bowls of different dressings and let everyone mix and match flavors. Or slice and lay over a crisp Caesar salad for a playful take on the classic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Cereal Crusted Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll keep its flavor and some texture for about three days, making it a great grab-and-go option for busy lunches or quick dinners.

Freezing

To freeze, cool the baked chicken completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag or container, separating layers with parchment to prevent sticking. It’ll stay fresh for up to two months. For the best outcome, freeze the chicken before baking, then bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to cook time.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in a 375°F oven or air fryer until hot and crispy, about 10–12 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy. If you must, microwave in short bursts and finish in a dry skillet for a little crunch.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs stay extra juicy and delicious, and they work perfectly for Cereal Crusted Chicken. Adjust the bake time if the pieces are thicker, and always check they reach 165°F inside.

Do I have to use cornflakes, or can I use other cereals?

Cornflakes are the classic choice for crunch and golden color, but feel free to try rice cereal or even crushed crispy oat cereal if you want a different texture. Just avoid sweetened cereals for a savory result.

How do I make Cereal Crusted Chicken gluten-free?

Simple swap! Use your favorite gluten-free flour and make sure the cornflakes you choose are certified gluten-free. Your chicken will still turn out perfectly crispy.

Can I add cheese or herbs to the coating?

Definitely—mix in a few tablespoons of finely grated Parmesan or a teaspoon of dried Italian herbs with your crushed cornflakes for more flavor. It’s a great way to put your own twist on the recipe.

What’s the best dipping sauce for Cereal Crusted Chicken?

You can’t go wrong with classics like honey mustard, ranch, or BBQ sauce. For a little adventure, try sweet chili sauce, chipotle mayo, or even a drizzle of hot honey. The crisp crust shines with both sweet and savory dips!

Final Thoughts

This Cereal Crusted Chicken is everything you crave—crispy, juicy, easy, and so outrageously satisfying. If you’re looking for a chicken recipe that even picky eaters will ask for again and again, this one is it. Give it a try, share it with family, and enjoy the crunchy, golden goodness coming out of your oven!

Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Enjoy a crunchy twist on classic chicken with this easy and delicious Cereal Crusted Chicken recipe. Coated in crispy cornflakes and baked to perfection, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
3 cups cornflakes cereal (crushed)
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper

For Coating:

2 large eggs
2 tablespoons milk
nonstick cooking spray or oil for baking

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F and prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly.
Crush the Cornflakes: Place cornflakes in a bag and crush into coarse crumbs.
Prepare Coating: In one bowl, mix flour with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk. In a third bowl, place crushed cornflakes.
Coat the Chicken: Pat chicken dry and dredge in seasoned flour, dip in egg mixture, then coat with cornflakes. Place on baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Rest and Serve: Let chicken rest before serving.