There’s something magical about the crispy, golden crunch of Cereal Crusted Chicken — it’s the sort of dish that brings out big smiles at the dinner table. Imagine tender strips of chicken wrapped in a savory, garlicky crust made from humble cornflakes, then baked (not fried!) until beautifully crisp. It’s a fuss-free recipe that’s equal parts comforting and crowd-pleasing, and it’s easy to see why this has become my go-to when I want to serve up something a little playful and incredibly flavorful. Whether for busy weeknights, family weekends, or even a fun party spread, this is one chicken recipe you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredient list for Cereal Crusted Chicken is incredibly simple, and each element serves a tasty purpose — from savory spices to crunchy cornflakes, these basics come together to create a dish that’s full of color, flavor, and texture.

Chicken tenders or breasts (1.5 lbs): Go for fresh, boneless, and skinless chicken for maximum tenderness and quick cooking.
Cornflake cereal (2 cups, crushed): The star of this recipe — cornflakes give that crave-worthy, shatteringly crisp coating.
All-purpose flour (1/2 cup): Helps the crust stick and adds an extra layer of crunch.
Large eggs (2): Whisked eggs act as the “glue,” ensuring every crumb of cereal stays where it belongs.
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): Adds an irresistible savory note to balance the sweetness of the cereal.
Paprika (1/2 tsp): Brings warmth and gorgeous color to the crust.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
Black pepper (1/4 tsp): Just a hint for a subtle kick.
Nonstick cooking spray or oil: A light mist or drizzle helps every bite come out golden and extra crispy.

How to Make Cereal Crusted Chicken

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Sheet

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) — let it get nice and hot while you line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light coating of oil. This step ensures your Cereal Crusted Chicken gets crisp on the bottom as well as the top, and makes cleanup a breeze.

Step 2: Set Up Your Dredging Stations

Grab three shallow bowls: one for the crushed cornflakes, one for your whisked eggs, and a third for the all-purpose flour shaken up with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Having these stations ready keeps things organized and less messy, and makes assembly feel like a fun kitchen project.

Step 3: Coat the Chicken

Pat your chicken strips dry with paper towels — this is key for maximum crunch! One at a time, dredge each piece in the seasoned flour, tap off any excess, then dip it into the whisked eggs, and finally press it gently into the cornflake mixture, making sure each piece is fully coated and evenly covered.

Step 4: Arrange and Bake

As you coat each piece, lay them out on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between the chicken so the hot air can circulate. Give the tops a quick spray of cooking oil or lightly drizzle with a little oil — this ensures your Cereal Crusted Chicken bakes up beautifully golden and not dry. Bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides get crisp. The chicken should be golden brown and cooked to 165°F inside.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once your chicken is out of the oven, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps lock in all those delicious juices, so every bite of your Cereal Crusted Chicken is impossibly moist and packed with flavor.

How to Serve Cereal Crusted Chicken

Garnishes

Finish your Cereal Crusted Chicken with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt. If you want to add some color and zip, try a squeeze of lemon juice or a dusting of smoked paprika on top. These little additions make each bite pop and turn the plate into something special.

Side Dishes

This chicken pairs perfectly with all kinds of sides: think creamy mashed potatoes, a fresh green salad, or crunchy coleslaw. Roasted veggies or sweet potato fries add sweetness and balance, while corn on the cob or baked beans keep things casual and comforting. Pick whatever you’re craving — everything loves a little crunch on the plate!

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, slice Cereal Crusted Chicken and tuck it into wraps or sandwiches with crisp lettuce and your favorite sauce. Chop it up to top salads, serve with waffles for a playful brunch, or cut mini tenders for kid-friendly lunchbox bites. The crispy crust makes any presentation feel like an instant upgrade.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Cereal Crusted Chicken can be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The coating will stay relatively crisp if kept dry, and it’s just as fabulous cold in salads or wraps.

Freezing

You can absolutely freeze Cereal Crusted Chicken! Arrange cooled pieces on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer them to a freezer bag. They’ll stay tasty for up to two months and are perfect for last-minute meals.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your chicken in a 375°F oven or in the air fryer until warmed through and re-crisped, about 8–10 minutes. Avoid the microwave if you can, since it softens the crunchy coating you worked so hard to achieve!

FAQs

What can I use instead of cornflakes for the coating?

If you don’t have cornflakes, try using panko breadcrumbs, crushed rice cereal, or even crushed crackers for a different but still crispy result. Each will give your Cereal Crusted Chicken its own unique taste and texture.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your cornflakes are labeled gluten-free. It’s an easy adjustment that still delivers all the same crunch and flavor.

Is it possible to cook Cereal Crusted Chicken in an air fryer?

Yes, an air fryer makes the process even speedier — simply air fry at 400°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through. The result is mouthwateringly crispy chicken without turning on the oven.

What dipping sauces go best with this chicken?

Cereal Crusted Chicken shines with classics like honey mustard, barbecue, or ranch, but don’t be afraid to try something bold like sriracha mayo or creamy garlic dip. The crispy crust soaks up sauce beautifully!

Can I prep the chicken ahead of time before baking?

Yes! You can bread the chicken and arrange it on the baking sheet up to a few hours in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake for maximum convenience, especially for entertaining.

Final Thoughts

Whipping up Cereal Crusted Chicken couldn’t be more satisfying — it’s a recipe that delivers big on flavor, crunch, and fun with every bite. Give it a try, and you just might find it’s your new favorite way to serve chicken!

Cereal Crusted Chicken Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Cereal Crusted Chicken recipe is a delightful twist on traditional chicken tenders, featuring a crunchy cornflake coating that bakes up golden and crisp. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken:

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken tenders or breasts, cut into strips

Cornflake Coating:

2 cups cornflake cereal, crushed
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 large eggs
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Additional:

Nonstick cooking spray or oil for baking

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
Prepare coating: Place crushed cornflakes in a shallow bowl. Whisk the eggs in a second bowl. Mix flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in a third bowl.
Coat chicken: Pat chicken dry, dredge in seasoned flour, dip in beaten eggs, and coat with crushed cornflakes, pressing lightly to adhere.
Bake: Place coated chicken on the baking sheet, spray with cooking spray, and bake for 18–22 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and fully cooked.
Rest and serve: Let chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of cayenne to the flour mixture or use flavored cornflakes.
This recipe can also be made in an air fryer at 400°F for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway through cooking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American