Description
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This Cereal Crusted Chicken is crispy, golden, and packed with flavor thanks to a crunchy coating of crushed cereal. Whether you use cornflakes, crispy rice, or even a slightly sweet variety, this recipe delivers juicy chicken with a satisfying crunch—without deep frying. It’s kid-friendly, oven-baked (or air fryer ready!), and perfect for a fun dinner, snack, or party appetizer.
Ingredients
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1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders
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4 cups cereal (e.g., cornflakes, crispy rice, or Chex), crushed
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2 large eggs
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2 tbsp milk
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
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Cooking spray or oil (for baking or air frying)
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), or preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it.
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Prep the coating stations:
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In one shallow bowl, place the flour mixed with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
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In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk together.
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In a third bowl, place the crushed cereal.
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Cut the chicken into strips or nugget-size pieces if using whole breasts.
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Coat the chicken:
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Dredge each piece in seasoned flour,
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Dip into the egg mixture,
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Then coat thoroughly with crushed cereal, pressing to adhere.
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Arrange on baking sheet (or in air fryer basket) in a single layer. Lightly spray the tops with oil.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
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Air fryer: Cook for 12–15 minutes, flipping once.
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Serve: Let cool for a few minutes and serve with your favorite dipping sauces.
Notes
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Use unsweetened cornflakes for a more savory taste or honey-flavored cereal for a subtle sweetness.
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Want spicy? Add cayenne pepper to the flour mix or hot sauce to the egg wash.
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Try crushed cheesy or ranch-flavored chips for variation.
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Great for meal prep—leftovers reheat well in the air fryer!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4–5 strips
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 125mg