Crispy Baked Cereal Chicken: A Family-Friendly Favorite

Chicken is a staple in many households, known for its versatility and affordability. But sometimes, the same old recipes can get a little boring. If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful, and surprisingly healthy way to prepare chicken, look no further than Crispy Baked Cereal Chicken! This recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a crunchy, kid-approved delight that adults will love too. The secret? A coating of crushed cereal, providing a unique texture and flavor that’s far superior to traditional breadcrumbs. It’s an easy meal to prepare and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Kid-Friendly:** The novelty of using cereal as a coating makes this chicken a hit with children. It’s a great way to get them excited about dinner.
* **Crispy Texture:** Baking the chicken instead of frying allows you to get that satisfying crunch without the extra oil and calories.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adapt the cereal coating and seasonings to your family’s preferences. Experiment with different cereals, spices, and herbs to create your own signature version.
* **Easy to Make:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and simple ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Healthier Option:** Compared to fried chicken, baked cereal chicken is a much healthier alternative. Baking minimizes the fat content while still delivering delicious flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Chicken:** Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook quickly and evenly. You can also use chicken tenders or boneless, skinless chicken thighs, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
* **Cereal:** Choose a dry, unsweetened cereal like corn flakes, rice Krispies, or bran flakes. Avoid sugary cereals, as they can burn during baking. Plain cornflakes tend to give the best overall flavor and crispness. Make sure the cereal is very finely crushed.
* **Flour:** All-purpose flour helps the egg wash adhere to the chicken and provides a base for the cereal coating.
* **Eggs:** Eggs act as a binder, helping the cereal coating stick to the chicken.
* **Milk (Optional):** A splash of milk added to the beaten eggs can make the egg wash smoother and easier to work with. You can also use water.
* **Spices and Seasonings:** This is where you can get creative! Consider using garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, dried herbs (such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary), or even a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat. Get creative!
* **Oil:** A light coating of olive oil or cooking spray on the baking sheet prevents the chicken from sticking and helps it crisp up.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a detailed guide to making perfect crispy baked cereal chicken:

**Preparation (Approximately 15 minutes):**

1. **Preheat Oven:** Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it lightly with cooking oil or non-stick cooking spray.
2. **Prepare the Chicken:** If using chicken breasts, you may want to pound them to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch). This helps them cook more evenly. Place the chicken breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them. You can also slice thicker chicken breasts horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This also helps to decrease the cooking time.
3. **Set Up the Dredging Station:** Prepare three shallow dishes or pie plates.
* **Dish 1:** Place the all-purpose flour and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. You can also add garlic powder, onion powder, and any other dry herbs you like at this stage.
* **Dish 2:** In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and a splash of milk (if using). Whisk until the eggs are fully broken and combined with the milk.
* **Dish 3:** In the third dish, place the crushed cereal. Ensure the cereal is finely crushed for the best coating. You can use a food processor or place the cereal in a large zip-top bag and crush it with a rolling pin or meat mallet. Mix in your desired spices and seasonings (garlic powder, paprika, etc.) with the crushed cereal. This is key to infusing flavor into the crispy coating.

**Dredging and Coating the Chicken (Approximately 15 minutes):**

1. **Dredge in Flour:** Take one piece of chicken at a time and dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat all sides. Shake off any excess flour. The flour helps the egg wash adhere better to the chicken.
2. **Dip in Egg Wash:** Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Let any excess egg drip off.
3. **Coat with Cereal:** Transfer the chicken to the dish with the crushed cereal. Press the cereal firmly onto all sides of the chicken to create an even coating. Make sure the chicken is completely covered in the cereal mixture. This is what will give it that signature crunch!
4. **Place on Baking Sheet:** Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring there is a little space between each piece to allow for even cooking and browning.

**Baking the Chicken (Approximately 20-25 minutes):**

1. **Bake:** Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cereal coating is golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the chicken.
2. **Check for Doneness:** To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of a chicken breast. If it reads 165°F (74°C), the chicken is safe to eat. If not, continue baking for a few more minutes and check again.
3. **Optional: Broil for Extra Crispiness:** For an extra crispy coating, you can broil the chicken for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Watch it closely to prevent burning.
4. **Rest:** Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Cereal Chicken

* **Use Finely Crushed Cereal:** Ensure the cereal is finely crushed for the best coating. Large pieces of cereal may not adhere well and can result in an uneven texture.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:** Leave enough space between the chicken pieces on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can cause the chicken to steam instead of bake, resulting in a less crispy coating.
* **Pound the Chicken:** Pounding the chicken breasts to an even thickness ensures that they cook evenly and quickly.
* **Season Generously:** Don’t be afraid to season the flour, egg wash, and cereal coating. This is where you can add layers of flavor to your chicken.
* **Use a Meat Thermometer:** A meat thermometer is the best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
* **Preheat the Oven:** A preheated oven is essential for achieving a crispy coating. Make sure the oven is fully heated before placing the chicken inside.
* **Don’t Overbake:** Overbaking can dry out the chicken. Bake until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
* **Use a Wire Rack (Optional):** Placing the chicken on a wire rack on top of the baking sheet can help the air circulate around the chicken, resulting in a crispier bottom.
* **Adjust Seasonings to Taste:** Feel free to adjust the seasonings to suit your preferences. Experiment with different spices and herbs to create your own unique flavor combinations.

Variations and Adaptations

* **Different Cereals:** Experiment with different types of unsweetened cereals. Rice Krispies, Special K, and even crushed pretzels can be used for a unique flavor and texture.
* **Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free cereal to make this recipe gluten-free. Many brands offer gluten-free cornflakes or rice cereals.
* **Spice It Up:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the egg wash or cereal coating for a spicy kick.
* **Cheese It Up:** Add grated Parmesan cheese to the cereal coating for a cheesy flavor.
* **Herb It Up:** Mix in some dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the cereal coating for an herbaceous twist.
* **Garlic Lover’s Chicken:** Increase the amount of garlic powder in the flour and cereal mixture for an extra garlicky flavor.
* **Honey Mustard Chicken:** Add a tablespoon of honey mustard to the egg wash for a tangy and sweet flavor.
* **Lemon Pepper Chicken:** Add lemon pepper seasoning to the flour and cereal mixture for a zesty flavor.
* **Parmesan Herb Crusted Chicken:** Combine the crushed cereal with grated Parmesan cheese, dried herbs (such as Italian seasoning or parsley), garlic powder, and onion powder for a flavorful coating.
* **BBQ Chicken:** Add BBQ seasoning to the crushed cereal for a smoky BBQ flavor. You can also brush the baked chicken with BBQ sauce during the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions

Crispy Baked Cereal Chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas:

* **Classic Sides:** Mashed potatoes, green beans, corn on the cob, or a simple salad are always great choices.
* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add a healthy and flavorful element to the meal.
* **Fries or Sweet Potato Fries:** A classic pairing for crispy chicken.
* **Mac and Cheese:** A kid-friendly favorite that complements the chicken perfectly.
* **Coleslaw:** A refreshing and crunchy side that balances the richness of the chicken.
* **Dipping Sauces:** Offer a variety of dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ketchup.
* **Rice Pilaf:** A flavorful rice pilaf makes a great side dish.
* **Quinoa Salad:** A healthy and protein-packed side option.

Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can prepare the chicken up to the point of baking and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, cover it tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove the chicken from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking to allow it to come to room temperature.
* **Storage:** Leftover Crispy Baked Cereal Chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until heated through.
* **Reheating:** To reheat the chicken in the oven, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. Reheating in the microwave will result in a softer coating.
* **Freezing:** While freezing is not recommended as it can alter the texture of the cereal coating, you can freeze cooked Crispy Baked Cereal Chicken. Allow the chicken to cool completely, then wrap each piece individually in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Recipe Card

**Crispy Baked Cereal Chicken**

**Prep time:** 15 minutes
**Cook time:** 20-25 minutes
**Total time:** 35-40 minutes
**Servings:** 4-6

**Ingredients:**

* 4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
* 1 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs
* 1/4 cup milk (optional)
* 3 cups unsweetened cereal (such as corn flakes or Rice Krispies), finely crushed
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1 teaspoon paprika
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* Olive oil or cooking spray

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or spray with cooking spray.
2. Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch).
3. Prepare three shallow dishes: one with flour, salt, and pepper; one with whisked eggs and milk (if using); and one with crushed cereal, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
4. Dredge each chicken breast in flour, then dip in egg wash, and finally coat with crushed cereal.
5. Place coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cereal coating is golden brown and crispy. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
7. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your delicious and easy Crispy Baked Cereal Chicken! This recipe is a winner for weeknight dinners and a great way to get kids involved in the kitchen. With endless variations and serving options, you’ll never get tired of this family-friendly favorite.