Cereal Crusted Chicken

If you’ve ever wanted to take your chicken game from “meh” to “mouthwatering,” let me introduce you to Cereal Crusted Chicken—the crispy, crunchy, flavor-packed dinner you didn’t know you were missing. This fun twist on classic breaded chicken uses crushed cereal (yes, cereal!) to create a golden crust that’s slightly sweet, super crunchy, and absolutely irresistible. It’s the kind of meal that feels playful enough for picky eaters but tasty enough to impress anyone at the table. Plus, it’s oven-baked or air-fried for an easy, lighter take on your fried chicken cravings. Trust me—this one’s about to be a regular in your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love Cereal Crusted Chicken

Crispy Without Deep Frying: Thanks to the cereal crust, you get all the crunch with way less oil.
Family-Friendly Favorite: Both kids and adults love the texture and flavor—plus, it’s fun to make!
Customizable Crunch: Use cornflakes for classic vibes, honey cereal for a touch of sweetness, or even spicy chips for heat.
Fast and Easy: Simple steps, everyday ingredients, and no deep-fryer required.
Meal Prep Magic: Reheats like a dream and stays crispy, making it perfect for leftovers.

Ingredients in Cereal Crusted Chicken

This recipe keeps it simple but fun, with a combo of crunch, seasoning, and juicy chicken:

Boneless Chicken Breasts or Tenders: Juicy and lean, they’re the perfect blank canvas for that crispy crust.
Your Favorite Cereal: Cornflakes, crisped rice, or honey oat cereal work great—just crush it up!
Eggs: Help the coating stick and add a little richness.
Flour: Creates a base layer that holds everything together.
Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to bring everything to life.
Garlic Powder & Paprika: Add savory, smoky flavor to the breading mix.
Optional Hot Sauce or Mustard: A little zing in the egg mixture makes a huge difference in flavor.
Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Helps crisp the coating when baking or air frying.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Preheat Your Oven: Set to 400°F (or preheat your air fryer if using). Line a baking sheet with parchment or foil and lightly grease.
Crush the Cereal: Place cereal in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin until it’s coarse and crumbly—not too fine, you want texture.
Season the Chicken: Lightly salt and pepper the chicken on both sides.
Set Up a Breading Station: Place flour in one bowl, whisked eggs (with hot sauce or mustard if using) in another, and crushed cereal mixed with seasonings in the third.
Dredge the Chicken: Dip each piece first in flour, then egg, then cereal—pressing to coat well.
Place on Baking Sheet: Arrange coated chicken on prepared sheet. Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil.
Bake or Air Fry:
– Oven: Bake 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked through.
– Air Fryer: Cook at 375°F for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.
Rest and Serve: Let the chicken sit a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy. Serve warm and crispy!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories: 320 per serving
Total Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 105mg
Sodium: 410mg
Total Carbohydrates: 28g
Dietary Fiber: 1g
Sugars: 5g
Protein: 30g
Calcium: 4% DV
Iron: 10% DV
Potassium: 380mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes

How to Serve Cereal Crusted Chicken

With Dipping Sauces: Ranch, honey mustard, BBQ, or spicy mayo—don’t skip the dip!
On a Salad: Slice and toss over mixed greens with your favorite vinaigrette for a crispy protein boost.
In a Wrap or Sandwich: Layer with lettuce, tomato, and sauce in a tortilla or bun for a handheld meal.
With Sides: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, mac and cheese, or sweet potato fries.
Kid-Friendly Platter: Serve with fruit, carrot sticks, and a dipping trio for a fun and balanced meal.

Additional Tips

Don’t Crush Too Fine: You want bits of cereal left for that perfect crunch.
Let the Chicken Rest: After cooking, give it 5 minutes before slicing to keep all those juices locked in.
Add Cheese to the Coating: A little grated Parmesan in the cereal mix takes things to the next level.
Go Spicy: Mix in cayenne or chili powder for heat-lovers.
Double-Coat for Extra Crunch: Repeat egg and cereal step for an extra-thick, crispy layer.

FAQ Section

Q1: What cereal works best for the crust?
A1: Cornflakes are classic, but try crisped rice, honey nut cereal, or even crushed Chex for fun variations.

Q2: Can I make this gluten-free?
A2: Yes! Use a gluten-free flour and certified gluten-free cereal like Rice Chex.

Q3: Can I prep these in advance?
A3: You can bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking.

Q4: Can I freeze leftovers?
A4: Absolutely. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to keep them crispy.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat?
A5: Air fry or bake at 375°F until hot and re-crisped—avoid the microwave if you want crunch.

Q6: Can I use chicken thighs instead?
A6: Yes! Boneless, skinless thighs work great—just adjust cook time as needed.

Q7: Can I make this dairy-free?
A7: Yep! This recipe doesn’t require any dairy unless you add cheese, so just skip it if needed.

Q8: What dipping sauces go best?
A8: Honey mustard, spicy ketchup, ranch, or a tangy buffalo dip are all fantastic choices.

Q9: Can I add herbs or spices to the cereal mix?
A9: Definitely—try parsley, thyme, smoked paprika, or even a little curry powder for a twist.

Q10: What if I don’t have eggs?
A10: You can sub with a milk + mustard mixture or even a bit of mayo thinned with water for a similar effect.

Conclusion

Cereal Crusted Chicken is the perfect mix of playful and practical—a crispy, satisfying dinner that brings big flavor and even bigger crunch. It’s a fun way to use pantry staples in a new way, and it totally delivers on texture, taste, and that all-important wow factor. Whether you’re making it for the fam, the kids, or just treating yourself to something crave-worthy, this chicken is guaranteed to become a go-to favorite. Give it a try, and get ready to crunch into something seriously delicious!

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