Crispylicious Baked Cornflake Chicken: A Healthier & Delicious Delight!

Are you craving the satisfying crunch of fried chicken but want a healthier, less greasy alternative? Look no further! This baked cornflake chicken recipe delivers all the crispy goodness you desire without the guilt. It’s incredibly easy to make, family-friendly, and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.

Forget the deep fryer; we’re achieving that irresistible crunch with a simple cornflake coating baked to golden perfection. This recipe is a game-changer, transforming ordinary chicken into a flavorful and texture-rich masterpiece. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to get the kids involved in the kitchen!

Why Baked Cornflake Chicken?

There are so many reasons to love this recipe! Here’s a breakdown:

* **Healthier:** Baking significantly reduces the fat content compared to frying. You’re skipping the oil bath while still enjoying a crispy exterior.
* **Easy to Make:** The recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort. No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.
* **Kid-Friendly:** The crunchy texture and familiar flavor appeal to kids of all ages. It’s a great way to get them to eat chicken.
* **Delicious:** The cornflake coating creates a delightful crunch that’s incredibly satisfying. The seasonings add a burst of flavor that will leave you wanting more.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize the seasonings and spices to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different flavors and create your own unique version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we dive into the instructions, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe uses simple ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

* **Chicken:** 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs). You can use breasts or thighs, depending on your preference. Breasts are leaner, while thighs are more flavorful and moist.
* **Cornflakes:** 4 cups plain cornflakes. Make sure they are plain and unsweetened. We’ll be adding our own seasonings.
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 1/2 cup. This helps the egg mixture adhere to the chicken.
* **Eggs:** 2 large. The egg wash helps the cornflakes stick to the chicken.
* **Milk:** 1/4 cup. Adding a little milk to the eggs creates a thinner, more even wash.
* **Seasonings:** 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional), 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional). Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking.
* **Cooking Spray:** For greasing the baking sheet.

Equipment

* **Baking Sheet:** A large baking sheet is essential for even cooking.
* **Shallow Dishes or Bowls:** Three shallow dishes or bowls for the flour, egg wash, and cornflake mixture.
* **Meat Mallet (Optional):** To flatten the chicken breasts for even cooking.
* **Plastic Wrap (Optional):** For flattening the chicken breasts.
* **Resealable Bag or Food Processor:** For crushing the cornflakes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Now that we have everything ready, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your own crispy baked cornflake chicken.

**1. Prepare the Chicken:**

* If using chicken breasts, you can flatten them to about 1/2-inch thickness for even cooking. Place each breast between two sheets of plastic wrap and gently pound with a meat mallet or rolling pin.
* Cut the chicken into smaller, bite-sized pieces if desired. This is great for making chicken nuggets or tenders.

**2. Crush the Cornflakes:**

* Place the cornflakes in a large resealable bag or a food processor.
* Crush the cornflakes into coarse crumbs. You don’t want them to be completely pulverized, but rather have some texture.
* Transfer the crushed cornflakes to one of the shallow dishes.

**3. Prepare the Coating Stations:**

* In the first shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour.
* In the second shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and milk.
* In the third shallow dish (already containing the crushed cornflakes), add the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, thyme (if using), and oregano (if using). Mix well to combine the seasonings with the cornflakes.

**4. Coat the Chicken:**

* Take a piece of chicken and dredge it in the flour, making sure to coat all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
* Dip the floured chicken into the egg wash, ensuring it’s completely coated.
* Finally, dredge the chicken in the cornflake mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well. Make sure the entire surface is covered.
* Place the coated chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
* Repeat this process for all the remaining chicken pieces.

**5. Bake the Chicken:**

* Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Lightly spray the coated chicken with cooking spray. This helps the cornflakes brown and crisp up.
* Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the cornflakes are golden brown and crispy. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).

**6. Rest and Serve:**

* Remove the baked cornflake chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken.
* Serve with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

Tips for the Best Baked Cornflake Chicken

* **Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet:** Make sure the chicken pieces are not touching each other on the baking sheet. This will ensure even browning and crisping.
* **Use Fresh Cornflakes:** Stale cornflakes won’t crisp up as well. Use a fresh box of cornflakes for the best results.
* **Don’t Skip the Cooking Spray:** The cooking spray is essential for helping the cornflakes brown and crisp up in the oven.
* **Check the Internal Temperature:** Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
* **Experiment with Seasonings:** Feel free to experiment with different seasonings to create your own unique flavor combinations. Try adding chili powder, cumin, or smoked paprika.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free cornflakes and gluten-free all-purpose flour to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Prepare Ahead:** You can prepare the chicken ahead of time by coating it and storing it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Just add a few minutes to the baking time.

Serving Suggestions

Baked cornflake chicken is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and sauces. Here are some serving suggestions:

* **Dipping Sauces:** Honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, ketchup, sweet chili sauce, or any other sauce you enjoy.
* **Sides:** Mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables (broccoli, carrots, Brussels sprouts), coleslaw, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, salad.
* **Sandwiches:** Use the baked cornflake chicken to make delicious sandwiches or wraps with your favorite toppings.

Variations

This recipe is a great starting point for experimentation. Here are a few variations to try:

* **Spicy Cornflake Chicken:** Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cornflake mixture for a spicy kick.
* **Parmesan Cornflake Chicken:** Add grated Parmesan cheese to the cornflake mixture for a cheesy flavor.
* **Honey Garlic Cornflake Chicken:** Brush the baked chicken with a mixture of honey and garlic sauce during the last few minutes of baking.
* **Lemon Herb Cornflake Chicken:** Add lemon zest and chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley, thyme, or rosemary) to the cornflake mixture.

Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving)

(Note: Nutritional information can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.)

* Calories: 300-350
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 10-15g
* Carbohydrates: 20-25g

Storage Instructions

* **Leftovers:** Store leftover baked cornflake chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheating:** Reheat the chicken in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but the cornflake coating may become soggy.
* **Freezing:** While freezing is possible, the cornflake coating may lose some of its crispness upon thawing. If freezing, wrap the chicken tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Baked Cornflake Chicken Recipe

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

**Ingredients:**

* 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
* 4 cups plain cornflakes
* 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
* 2 large eggs
* 1/4 cup milk
* 2 teaspoons paprika
* 1 teaspoon garlic powder
* 1 teaspoon onion powder
* 1/2 teaspoon salt
* 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
* Cooking spray

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare chicken: Flatten chicken breasts to 1/2-inch thickness (optional). Cut into smaller pieces if desired.
3. Crush cornflakes: Place cornflakes in a resealable bag or food processor and crush into coarse crumbs.
4. Prepare coating stations: In three shallow dishes, place flour, egg wash (eggs and milk whisked together), and crushed cornflakes mixed with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano (if using).
5. Coat chicken: Dredge each piece of chicken in flour, then egg wash, and finally in the cornflake mixture, pressing to adhere.
6. Bake chicken: Place coated chicken on a greased baking sheet. Spray lightly with cooking spray. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cornflakes are golden brown.
7. Rest and serve: Let rest for a few minutes before serving with your favorite dipping sauces and sides.

Enjoy your delicious and crispy baked cornflake chicken!

Conclusion

This baked cornflake chicken recipe is a winner! It’s a healthier, easier, and just as delicious alternative to fried chicken. The crispy cornflake coating and flavorful seasonings make it a family favorite. So, ditch the deep fryer and give this recipe a try. You won’t be disappointed! It’s a fantastic weeknight meal, perfect for picky eaters, and easily customizable to your family’s taste. Happy cooking!