Crispy, crunchy, and oh-so-delicious, Cornflake-Crusted Chicken is a dish that tickles the taste buds and brings smiles to faces. This easy-to-make dish combines the comforting flavors of home-cooked chicken with the whimsical crunch of cornflakes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a special occasion treat.

Whether you’re enjoying it during a cozy family dinner, a summertime barbecue, or a festive gathering, this recipe fits beautifully into any season or celebration. Plus, it’s a great way to introduce kids to the kitchen, allowing them to take part in the fun of cooking.

Why will you love Cornflake-Crusted Chicken? It’s not just about the flavors; it’s about simplicity, affordability, and versatility, making it a dish that every home should have in its recipe book. Let’s dive into why this recipe is a must-try!

Why You Will Love This Cornflake-Crusted Chicken Recipe

Quick and Easy to Make: With minimal prep time, you can have this dish ready to serve in less than an hour—a perfect solution for busy weeknights.
Budget-Friendly: This recipe calls for basic ingredients that are both inexpensive and easy to find at your local grocery store.
A Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike adore the crunchy exterior and juicy chicken. It’s a surefire way to please picky eaters!
Healthy Twist: By baking instead of frying, this Cornflake-Crusted Chicken retains a healthier profile, making it a fantastic option for health-conscious families.
Unique Flavor Profile: The combination of buttermilk and spices with the cornflake crust creates a mouthwatering flavor that’s hard to resist.

Ingredients Needed for Cornflake-Crusted Chicken

To whip up this delightful dish, you’ll need:

4 chicken breasts
2 cups cornflakes, crushed
1 cup buttermilk
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
Cooking spray or oil

Possible Substitutes

Chicken Breasts: You can also use chicken thighs or tenders for a different texture.
Buttermilk: Substitute with a milk-and-vinegar mix (1 cup milk + 1 tablespoon vinegar).
Cornflakes: Use crushed rice cereal or panko bread crumbs if you prefer.

Step-by-Step Directions to Make Cornflake-Crusted Chicken

Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your chicken cooks evenly and the outside gets perfectly crispy.
Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of buttermilk, 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Whisk until well combined.
Coat the Chicken: Take each chicken breast, dip it into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it’s well coated.
Crust the Chicken: Next, roll each chicken breast in the crushed cornflakes, pressing down lightly so they adhere well.
Arrange on a Baking Sheet: Place the coated chicken breasts on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Lightly Spray with Oil: To achieve a golden browning effect, lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or drizzle with a bit of oil.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through, and the coating turns crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Once done, let it cool for a few minutes. Serve this Cornflake-Crusted Chicken hot and enjoy!

Extra Cooking Tips:

Let the buttermilk mixture marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness—it should read 165°F (75°C) for chicken.

Expert Tips for the Perfect Cornflake-Crusted Chicken

Avoiding Mistakes: Ensure that your chicken breasts are evenly coated with buttermilk and cornflakes to promote crispiness.
Baking Hacks: Turn on the broiler for the last couple of minutes to get an extra crunch on the top but watch it closely to avoid burning.
Time-Saving Tricks: You could prepare the cornflake crust and the buttermilk mixture ahead of time, saving you time on busy evenings.

How to Serve Cornflake-Crusted Chicken

When it comes to serving Cornflake-Crusted Chicken, the options are endless! Here are some delightful suggestions:

Occasions: Perfect for casual family dinners, picnics, or even game day.
Pairings: Serve with a side of mashed potatoes, a fresh garden salad, or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Presentation Ideas: Make it visually appealing by garnishing with fresh herbs or serving it with dipping sauces like honey mustard or ranch.

Drink Pairings: A chilled lemonade or iced tea complements this dish beautifully, enhancing its fresh flavors.

How to Store Cornflake-Crusted Chicken

To keep your leftovers tasty, here’s how to store them:

Counter: It’s best to serve Cornflake-Crusted Chicken fresh, but if you have leftovers, let them cool first.
Fridge: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the chicken for up to 2 months—wrap tightly in aluminum foil or plastic wrap.

Reheating Instructions: Reheat in the oven for the best crispiness, or use a microwave for quick results, with a paper towel over the dish to prevent it from drying out.

Variations of Cornflake-Crusted Chicken

Feel free to get creative! Here are a few variations you might like to try:

Flavor Swaps: Add different seasonings like Italian herbs or Cajun spice to the buttermilk for varied flavors.
Ingredient Substitutions: Instead of cornflakes, try crushed tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex twist.
Seasonal Twists: Add seasonal herbs or spices to reflect the time of year, such as rosemary in the winter or fresh basil in the summer.

Cornflake-Crusted Chicken

Crispy, crunchy, and delicious, Cornflake-Crusted Chicken is a quick and easy dish perfect for family dinners and gatherings, combining juicy chicken with a whimsical cornflake crust.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 30

Total Time 45

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

Main ingredients

4 pieces chicken breasts
2 cups cornflakes, crushed
1 cup buttermilk Can substitute with milk and vinegar mix.
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 spray or drizzle cooking spray or oil For browning effect.

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a medium bowl, combine buttermilk, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk until well combined.
Dip each chicken breast into the buttermilk mixture to ensure it’s well coated.
Roll each chicken breast in the crushed cornflakes, pressing down lightly to adhere.
Place the coated chicken breasts on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or drizzle with oil.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through and the coating is crispy.
Let the chicken cool for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

For deeper flavor, let the buttermilk mixture marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight. Use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness at 165°F (75°C).

Keyword baked chicken, chicken recipe, Cornflake-Crusted Chicken, Easy Dinner, family-friendly recipe

FAQs About Cornflake-Crusted Chicken

Can I freeze Cornflake-Crusted Chicken?
Yes, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s sealed tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Can I make Cornflake-Crusted Chicken ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and coat it in advance, but it’s best to bake it just before serving for maximum crispiness.
What can I use instead of buttermilk in Cornflake-Crusted Chicken?
You can substitute buttermilk with a mixture of 1 cup of milk and 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
Can I bake Cornflake-Crusted Chicken without oil?
While oil helps achieve crispness, you can still bake it without it; it may not be as crispy, though.
Should I cover Cornflake-Crusted Chicken while baking to prevent drying out?
It’s recommended to bake it uncovered for the crispiest results.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Cornflake-Crusted Chicken

Not Preheating the Oven: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated for even cooking.
Overcrowding the Pan: Leave enough space between each piece of chicken to allow air circulation, helping to maintain crispiness.
Skipping the Buttermilk Marination: This step adds flavor and moisture—don’t skip it!
Using Non-Crunchy Coatings: Ensure your cornflakes are extremely crushed to guarantee a crunchy coating.

Nutritional Information of Cornflake-Crusted Chicken

While specific values will vary based on portion sizes and added ingredients, each serving of Cornflake-Crusted Chicken generally contains approximately:

Calories: 350
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fats: 15g

Pairing Ideas: What Goes Well With Cornflake-Crusted Chicken

Complete your meal by pairing Cornflake-Crusted Chicken with:

Roasted Vegetables: Brighten your dinner with roasted carrots, broccoli, or asparagus.
Rice Dishes: Fluffy mashed potatoes or rice pilaf make stellar side dishes.
Fresh Salads: A light garden salad balances the dish perfectly.

Related Recipes: Check out our site for more delicious chicken recipes like Baked Lemon Herb Chicken or Crispy Oven-Fried Chicken!

Conclusion

In conclusion, Cornflake-Crusted Chicken is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with crunchy goodness and satisfying flavor. This recipe is easy to make, budget-friendly, and a surefire hit with family and friends.

Try this Cornflake-Crusted Chicken today and share it with those you love. Enjoy cooking, and don’t forget to invite your family into the kitchen to enjoy this delightful dish together!