If you’re craving a chicken dish that’s crispy, flavorful, and easy to make, cornflake chicken is your answer. This recipe takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a crunchy, golden masterpiece that tastes like it’s been deep-fried—without the mess or guilt. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner or meal prepping for the week, cornflake chicken offers a delicious twist on classic comfort food.
What Is Cornflake Chicken?
Cornflake chicken is chicken coated in crushed cornflakes mixed with seasonings, then baked or fried until crispy. The cornflakes create a crunchy crust that locks in the juicy tenderness of the chicken inside. This dish is versatile—you can use chicken breasts, tenders, thighs, or drumsticks—and it’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing appetizer.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need to make this crunchy delight:
– Chicken pieces (tenders, breasts, thighs, or drumsticks)
– Cornflakes (plain, crushed)
– Eggs and/or milk (for dipping)
– Mayonnaise (optional, for extra juiciness)
– Flour (optional, for extra coating)
– Seasonings: smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, sugar (optional)
– Cooking spray or oil (for baking or frying)
– Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cornflake Chicken
1. Prepare Your Chicken
Start by choosing your chicken pieces. Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders work great for faster cooking and easy eating. If using breasts, flatten them to an even thickness for uniform cooking. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Crush the Cornflakes
Place cornflakes in a zip-top bag or food processor and crush them until they resemble coarse breadcrumbs. This texture is key to getting that perfect crunch. Mix the crushed cornflakes with your choice of seasonings—smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar add great flavor.
3. Set Up Your Dredging Stations
You’ll need three bowls or plates:
– One with flour mixed with some seasoning (optional, but helps the coating stick)
– One with beaten eggs and a splash of milk or buttermilk
– One with the seasoned crushed cornflakes
4. Coat the Chicken
Dip each piece of chicken first into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally press it firmly into the cornflake crumbs, ensuring a thorough coating. This triple-dip method creates a thick, crunchy crust.
5. Bake or Fry
Baking: Preheat your oven to about 400-425°F (200-220°C). Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray to help crisp the crust. Bake for 15-25 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken pieces, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F).
Frying: Heat oil in a pan to about 350°F (180°C). Fry the chicken in batches for a few minutes on each side until golden and crispy. Drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
6. Serve and Enjoy
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a pop of color and freshness. Cornflake chicken pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes, green beans, a fresh salad, or even as a crispy sandwich filling.
Tips for the Best Cornflake Chicken
– Use mayonnaise for juiciness: Spreading a thin layer of mayo on the chicken before coating it with cornflakes keeps the meat tender and adds flavor.
– Don’t skip seasoning: Season every layer—flour, egg, and cornflakes—for the best taste.
– Spray with oil before baking: This helps the cornflake crust crisp up nicely in the oven without deep frying.
– Try different seasonings: Add cayenne for heat, dried herbs for aroma, or even a bit of parmesan cheese mixed into the cornflakes for extra flavor.
– Make it kid-friendly: Use mild seasonings and serve with dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch.
Variations to Try
– Hot Honey Cornflake Chicken: Drizzle baked cornflake chicken with a homemade hot honey sauce made from honey, hot sauce, and spices for a sweet and spicy kick.
– Fried Cornflake Chicken Tenders: Fry instead of bake for an ultra-crispy treat.
– Cornflake Chicken Thighs or Drumsticks: Use bone-in pieces for a different texture and flavor profile.
– Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cornflakes and flour substitutes to make this recipe allergy-friendly.
Cornflake chicken is a versatile, easy-to-make dish that delivers satisfying crunch and juicy chicken in every bite. It’s a fantastic way to elevate simple chicken into a crowd-pleasing meal with minimal effort. Give it a try tonight and enjoy the crispy goodness!