Get ready for a crunchy, golden, and downright irresistible twist on a classic favorite: Cereal Crusted Chicken. This recipe takes tender chicken breasts and wraps them in a flavorful, crispy cornflake coating that’s oven-baked to perfection. It’s one of those dishes that both kids and adults light up for, and best of all, it’s a breeze to put together. Whether you’re searching for a weeknight dinner or a fun party platter, cereal crusted chicken will win over every crowd with its unbeatable texture and savory flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this dish is simple, familiar, and essential—each one brings something special to the table, from crunch to color and, most importantly, big flavor. Gather these pantry staples and watch how easily they transform into something extraordinary.
- Chicken breasts: The star of the show—choose boneless, skinless chicken for easiest prep and juiciest results.
- Cornflake cereal: These are the secret to that signature shatteringly crisp crust—crush them just enough for texture, not powder.
- All-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick and gives the chicken an extra layer of crunch.
- Large eggs: Act as the “glue” that holds the crispy coating in place, ensuring every bite is perfectly crusted.
- Milk: Loosens the eggs for smoother coating and helps everything adhere better.
- Garlic powder: Adds an aromatic, savory note that wakes up the flavor in every bite.
- Paprika: Brings color and a subtle, smoky warmth—don’t skip it!
- Salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken and the crust so every layer pops.
- Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Olive oil or melted butter (optional): A light drizzle before baking gives you the crispiest, most golden finish imaginable.
How to Make Cereal Crusted Chicken
Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F, which is just the right temperature to crisp up that cereal crust without drying out the chicken. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up, or give it a light greasing if you prefer a super-crunchy bottom.
Step 2: Crush and Season the Cereal
Grab your cornflake cereal and give it a quick crush in a zip-top bag or with your hands—aim for small, uneven pieces for maximum crunch. Pour them into a shallow bowl and stir in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This is where Cereal Crusted Chicken gets its irresistible flavor and color.
Step 3: Set Up Your Breading Station
Organize three shallow bowls: one with flour, one with your whisked eggs and milk, and the last with your seasoned cereal. This assembly line makes coating the chicken super easy and keeps everything neat.
Step 4: Dredge, Dip, and Coat
Working one piece at a time, dredge the chicken in flour, shake off the excess, dip it into the egg mixture, then press it firmly into the crushed cereal. Make sure every nook and cranny is coated for that signature crunch—this step is where the magic of Cereal Crusted Chicken happens!
Step 5: Arrange and Bake
Lay your coated chicken pieces onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out so they crisp up nicely. For a golden finish, drizzle with a little olive oil or melted butter. Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping once if you like, until the coating is deeply golden and the chicken hits 165°F inside. Serve hot for maximum crunch!
How to Serve Cereal Crusted Chicken
Garnishes
Sprinkle your finished chicken with a pinch of fresh chopped parsley, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dusting of extra paprika. These simple touches add freshness, color, and just a little sparkle to every plate.
Side Dishes
Cereal Crusted Chicken is a natural with crispy baked fries, creamy coleslaw, or a fresh green salad. For a fun twist, serve with macaroni and cheese or roasted vegetables—anything that welcomes a bit of crunch on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your Cereal Crusted Chicken into sliders on mini buns with lettuce and a swipe of honey mustard, or slice it and top a loaded salad. Cut into strips for kid-friendly finger food, or serve as part of a party platter with a trio of dipping sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Cereal Crusted Chicken, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making it perfect for lunchboxes or quick dinners.
Freezing
This recipe freezes surprisingly well! Arrange cooked, cooled chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until firm, then transfer to a zip-top bag. They’ll keep for up to 2 months—just reheat straight from frozen for a speedy meal.
Reheating
To keep the coating crisp, reheat Cereal Crusted Chicken in a hot oven (about 375°F) for 10–15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can soften the crust.
FAQs
Can I use a different cereal for the crust?
Absolutely! While cornflakes are classic, you can try rice cereal, bran flakes, or even a gluten-free alternative for a different texture or flavor. Just be sure to crush them to a similar consistency for the best results.
How can I make Cereal Crusted Chicken gluten-free?
Swap in your favorite gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free cereal. The process and crunch will be just as delicious, and everyone can enjoy it together.
Can I air fry Cereal Crusted Chicken instead of baking?
Definitely! Arrange the coated chicken in a single layer in your air fryer basket, spritz lightly with oil, and cook at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through. You’ll get an extra-crispy finish in less time.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, Cereal Crusted Chicken is a meal-prep superstar. Bake a big batch, cool, and refrigerate for easy salads, wraps, or quick dinners all week long. It reheats beautifully in the oven.
What are the best sauces to serve with Cereal Crusted Chicken?
Cereal Crusted Chicken is a dipper’s dream—try it with honey mustard, ranch, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for a little kick. The crispy coating holds up to any of your favorites!
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dinner that’s easy, fun, and guaranteed to please, Cereal Crusted Chicken is calling your name. The crunch, the flavor, the simplicity—what’s not to love? Give this recipe a try and watch it become an instant favorite at your table. Happy cooking!
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Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and kid-friendly recipe for crispy cereal crusted chicken baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make meal uses cornflake cereal for a crunchy coating and is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips or kept whole)
Breading
- 2 cups cornflake cereal (crushed)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter (optional for drizzling)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
- Season cereal coating: Crush the cornflakes in a shallow bowl and mix in the garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly to season the coating.
- Prepare dredging stations: In a second bowl place the all-purpose flour. In a third bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined.
- Coat the chicken: Take each piece of chicken and dredge it first in the flour, shaking off excess. Then dip into the egg and milk mixture, and finally press into the seasoned crushed cereal to coat thoroughly. Gently press the cereal onto the chicken to help it adhere well.
- Arrange and drizzle: Place the coated chicken pieces on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer. For extra crispiness, lightly drizzle olive oil or melted butter over the chicken pieces.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure safety.
- Serve: Serve the cereal crusted chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauces like honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue sauce for added flavor enjoyment.
Notes
- You can substitute other cereals like rice cereal or bran flakes for a different texture and flavor.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free all-purpose flour and certified gluten-free cereal.
- This recipe is great for kids and adults alike, making it a versatile family-friendly meal.
- Pair the chicken with dipping sauces such as honey mustard, ranch, or barbecue for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
