If you’re looking for a fun twist on classic chicken that’s crispy, flavorful, and downright addictive, this Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. Imagine tender chicken pieces enveloped in a crunchy, golden crust made from your favorite cereal—cornflakes, crispy rice, or Chex—giving you a satisfyingly crispy bite every time. It’s simple, quick, and the perfect way to elevate weeknight dinners or impress guests without breaking a sweat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering your ingredients for this Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe is a breeze since they’re straightforward pantry staples. Each one plays a special role: the cereal brings crunch and texture, the eggs and milk help the coating stick perfectly, and the spices add that flavorful kick that will keep you coming back for more.
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders: Tender, lean protein that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- 4 cups cereal (cornflakes, crispy rice, or Chex), crushed: Creates the signature crunchy crust that makes this dish irresistible.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as a binder, helping the coating stick beautifully.
- 2 tbsp milk: Lightens the egg mixture for an even coating.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Provides a dry base layer that locks in moisture.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds savory, aromatic depth to the coating.
- 1 tsp paprika: Lends a warm, mild smokiness and a pop of color.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances the natural flavors throughout the recipe.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Gives a subtle but necessary bite.
- Cooking spray or oil (for baking or air frying): Ensures a golden, crispy finish without excess grease.
How to Make Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven or Air Fryer
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). If baking, line a sheet with parchment paper and give it a light grease to keep the chicken from sticking. This initial prep sets the stage for perfectly cooked, crisp pieces.
Step 2: Set Up Your Coating Stations
Next, prepare three shallow bowls. In the first, mix the flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper—this seasoned flour is the first flavor layer. Whisk together the eggs and milk in the second bowl to make a smooth dipping wash. Finally, place your crushed cereal in the third bowl where the magic crunch happens.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
If you’re using whole breasts, slice them into strips or bite-sized nuggets. This helps the chicken cook evenly and ensures every piece gets that signature crunchy coating.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly
For perfect crunch, dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour, making sure it’s coated well. Then dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off before pressing it into the crushed cereal. Be generous here—press the cereal firmly so it sticks and forms that irresistible crust.
Step 5: Bake or Air Fry to Crispy Perfection
Place the coated chicken in a single layer on your baking sheet or air fryer basket. Lightly spritz with oil to encourage browning. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway to crisp up all sides, or air fry for 12 to 15 minutes, flipping once. The result? Golden, crunchy, juicy chicken with a crust you’ll want to savor.
Step 6: Let It Rest and Serve
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in those juicy juices before serving. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauces to elevate every bite.
How to Serve Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley or chives for a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that balances the crispy, savory coating. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This chicken pairs wonderfully with creamy mashed potatoes, a crisp garden salad, or even some tangy coleslaw. For something lighter, steamed veggies or a colorful quinoa salad make great companions that add a healthy touch.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the cereal crusted chicken in slider buns with lettuce and pickles for a fun twist, or cut into strips and serve with an assortment of dipping sauces like honey mustard, spicy ranch, or classic BBQ. Alternatively, toss the pieces on top of a fresh salad to add crunch and protein.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store your leftover cereal crusted chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the coating crisp can be tricky, so it’s best to reheat carefully.
Freezing
You can freeze the cooked chicken as well, wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and placed in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
To retain crispness when reheating, avoid microwaving if possible. Instead, warm the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until heated through. The air fryer also works brilliantly to refresh the crunch.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cereal for the coating?
Absolutely! Cornflakes, crispy rice, or Chex all work wonderfully. Feel free to experiment with your favorite cereals to find your perfect crunch and flavor combination.
Is this recipe suitable for kids?
Yes, kids generally love the crispy texture and mild seasoning. It’s a great way to get them excited about eating chicken with a twist.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free cereal and substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or almond flour for a delicious gluten-free version.
What dipping sauces pair best with cereal crusted chicken?
Honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, or even a spicy sriracha mayo complement the flavors perfectly and add another layer of yum.
Can I cook this on the stovetop instead of baking or air frying?
While baking or air frying is recommended for the best crispy results and healthier cooking, you can pan-fry the chicken in a shallow layer of oil. Just keep an eye on the heat to prevent burning the cereal crust.
Final Thoughts
This Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe brings the perfect combination of crunch, flavor, and simplicity to your dinner table. It’s one of those dishes that feels special without requiring fuss or fancy ingredients—just a handful of everyday items turned into something truly delicious. Next time you want a cozy, crispy meal, don’t hesitate to give this recipe a try; you’re going to love how easy and satisfying it is!
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Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (baking) or 12-15 minutes (air frying)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful, this Cereal Crusted Chicken recipe turns simple chicken breasts or tenders into a crunchy delight using crushed cereal as a coating. Baked or air fried to golden perfection, it’s a quick and easy meal perfect for families or gatherings, offering a fun twist on traditional breaded chicken.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
Coating
- 4 cups cereal (cornflakes, crispy rice, or Chex), crushed
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Binding Mixture
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
For Cooking
- Cooking spray or oil (for baking or air frying)
Instructions
- Preheat: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing it to prevent sticking.
- Prepare coating stations: In one shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and milk until well combined. In a third bowl, place the crushed cereal, ready for coating.
- Prepare chicken: If using whole chicken breasts, cut them into strips or nugget-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and coating.
- Coat chicken: Dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour mixture to create a dry base.
- Egg wash: Dip the floured chicken pieces into the egg and milk mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
- Cereal coating: Thoroughly coat each dipped piece in the crushed cereal, pressing gently to make the cereal adhere well.
- Arrange for cooking: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or into the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with cooking oil to promote browning.
- Cook: For baking, cook in the oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time, until chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). For air frying, cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping once, until crisp and fully cooked.
- Serve: Allow the chicken to cool for a few minutes before serving. Pair with your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor.
Notes
- Choose your preferred cereal among cornflakes, crispy rice, or Chex for varied flavor and texture.
- For extra crispiness, ensure the chicken pieces are coated evenly and pressed firmly with the cereal.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on oven or air fryer model.
- Lightly spraying with oil helps achieve a golden, crispy crust without deep frying.
