If you’re on the lookout for a crispy, flavorful twist to your usual chicken dinner, this Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender chicken strips coated in a golden, crunchy cereal crust that delivers a satisfying snap with every bite. It’s comfort food elevated with playful texture, making mealtime exciting for both kids and adults alike. This recipe is simple, fun to make, and guaranteed to turn ordinary chicken into an irresistible meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These straightforward and pantry-friendly ingredients come together beautifully to create a dish that balances flavor, crunch, and juiciness. Each component plays a critical role in building the perfect crust and tender inside.
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders: The main star that provides tender, juicy meat ready for coating.
- 4 cups cereal (cornflakes, crispy rice, or Chex), crushed: This is the secret to that irresistible crunch and a touch of toasty flavor.
- 2 large eggs: Acts as the glue that holds the cereal coating firmly to the chicken.
- 2 tbsp milk: Helps to thin the egg mixture for easy dipping and coating.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Gives the chicken a dry base so the egg wash and cereal stick perfectly.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a warm, savory flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1 tsp paprika: Provides subtle smokiness and a gentle color boost to the crust.
- 1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors to make every bite pop.
- 1/4 tsp black pepper: Gives just the right amount of mild heat.
- Cooking spray or oil: Helps the crust crisp up perfectly whether baking or air frying.
How to Make Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven or Air Fryer
First, get your cooking appliance preheated to the right temperature — 400°F (200°C) for the oven or 375°F (190°C) for the air fryer. Lining your baking sheet with parchment paper and giving it a quick spray ensures the chicken won’t stick and helps keep everything tidy.
Step 2: Set Up Coating Stations
Organizing your ingredients into separate bowls makes the coating process smooth and efficient: mix the flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and milk in another, and place the crushed cereal in a third. This “assembly line” approach means no messy mixing and a perfectly even crust every time.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Slice the chicken breasts into strips or bite-sized nuggets to ensure even cooking and those perfect crispy edges. Smaller pieces also make it more fun to dip and eat, especially for little hands at the table.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken Thoroughly
Start by dredging each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture. This dry coating helps the liquid egg wash cling better. Next, dip the floured chicken into the egg and milk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off gently. Finally, press each piece firmly into the crushed cereal, making sure every nook and cranny is covered with that lovely crunchy crust.
Step 5: Bake or Air Fry to Golden Perfection
Lay your coated chicken pieces in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet or inside the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd to maintain crispiness. Lightly spray the tops with oil to encourage that gorgeous golden color. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway, or air fry for 12 to 15 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the crust is beautifully crisp.
How to Serve Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few twists of cracked black pepper add a lovely fresh note and a pop of color that makes the dish look just as good as it tastes. A squeeze of lemon or a drizzle of honey mustard sauce can elevate the flavor profile even further.
Side Dishes
This Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe pairs perfectly with crisp green salads, creamy coleslaw, or even a simple baked potato. For a more indulgent experience, try it alongside buttery mashed potatoes or roasted vegetables tossed in fragrant herbs.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not turn these crispy chicken pieces into fun sliders or wrap them in tortillas for crunchy chicken tacos? Another crowd-pleaser is serving them as a crunchy topping over your favorite salad or bowl of mac and cheese for a textural surprise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled to room temperature, place any leftover Cereal Crusted Chicken in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Enjoy within 3 days for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
This recipe freezes beautifully. Arrange the cooked chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container, where they’ll keep for up to 2 months. Avoid stacking before freezing to maintain their crispness.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven or air fryer to restore that delightful crunch. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or air fry for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to soften the crust.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cereal for this recipe?
Absolutely! Cornflakes, crispy rice, or Chex all work wonderfully. Just be sure to crush them to create an even coating that crisps up nicely.
Is it better to bake or air fry the Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe?
Both methods yield excellent results. Baking is easier for larger batches, while air frying gives an extra crispy crust in less time.
Can I prepare this dish gluten-free?
Yes, by choosing gluten-free cereal and flour substitutes, you can adapt this recipe to be gluten-free without sacrificing the crunch or flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C). Using a meat thermometer is the simplest way to ensure perfectly cooked chicken every time.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Definitely! Chicken thighs stay juicy and tender, and the cereal coating works just as well on them. Adjust cooking time slightly to account for the thicker cut.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe and experience how effortlessly it transforms a simple chicken dinner into something exciting and crunchy. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or serving friends, this recipe charms with its crispy texture and juicy bite. Give it a go and watch it become a staple in your kitchen favorites!
Print
Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes (baking) or 15 minutes (air frying)
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Cereal Crusted Chicken is a crunchy, flavorful twist on classic chicken tenders. Coated in a tasty cereal crust made from crushed cornflakes or Chex and baked or air fried to golden perfection, this recipe offers a quick and easy meal with a delightful texture. Perfect for a family dinner or casual gatherings, it pairs wonderfully with a variety of dipping sauces.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
Coating
- 4 cups cereal (e.g., cornflakes, crispy rice, or Chex), crushed
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Cooking spray or oil (for baking or air frying)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly grease it with cooking spray or oil.
- Prepare Coating Stations: In one shallow bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Whisk Eggs and Milk: In a second bowl, beat the eggs together with the milk until fully blended.
- Prepare Cereal Coating: Place the crushed cereal in a third shallow bowl.
- Prepare Chicken: If using whole chicken breasts, cut them into strips or nugget-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy handling.
- Coat Chicken in Flour: Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
- Dip in Egg Mixture: Next, dip the floured chicken pieces into the egg and milk mixture, coating fully.
- Coat with Crushed Cereal: Press each chicken piece into the crushed cereal, coating thoroughly and pressing to adhere the crust well.
- Arrange on Cooking Surface: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or oil to help with browning and crispiness.
- Cook the Chicken: For baking: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking. For air frying: Cook in the air fryer for 12–15 minutes, flipping once halfway through. The chicken should be golden brown and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Serve: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking, then serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
- You can use a variety of cereals such as cornflakes, crispy rice, or Chex to vary the flavor and texture.
- To keep the coating extra crispy, avoid overcrowding the baking sheet or air fryer basket.
- For extra flavor, add herbs like dried thyme or oregano to the flour mixture.
- Double-check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
- If you prefer frying, you can shallow fry the coated chicken in oil for a crispier texture, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
