There’s just something magical about that crunchy exterior coupled with juicy chicken, and that’s exactly what you get with my cornflake baked chicken! It’s a dish that never fails to impress and is a total crowd-pleaser at family dinners. The first time I made it, my kids devoured every bite, and I knew I had struck gold! The cornflakes add such a satisfying crunch, making it feel indulgent yet simple. Plus, it’s so easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress guests without stressing in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a staple in your home too!
Ingredients for Cornflake Baked Chicken
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 2 cups cornflakes (crushed)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Cornflake Baked Chicken
Alright, let’s dive into making this delicious cornflake baked chicken! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a crunchy, flavorful dish that everyone will love.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is super important because starting with a hot oven ensures that the chicken gets that perfect golden crust while keeping the inside juicy. Trust me, you don’t want to skip this part!
Step 2: Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until it’s nice and smooth. This mixture is what gives the chicken its amazing flavor and helps the cornflakes stick like a dream. I always taste a little to ensure the seasoning is just right—don’t be afraid to adjust it to your liking!
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Now comes the fun part! Dip each chicken breast into the buttermilk mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, one by one, transfer the chicken to the crushed cornflakes. Roll them around gently to get an even coating. The cornflakes should stick nicely to the chicken, creating that delightful crunch when baked. It’s a little messy, but hey, that’s part of the cooking charm!
Step 4: Baking the Chicken
Place the coated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pop them in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when they’re golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). It’s always good to check with a meat thermometer to ensure they’re cooked perfectly. Once you pull them out, let them rest for a few minutes before serving—this helps keep them juicy and tender.
Nutritional Information
When it comes to enjoying my cornflake baked chicken, you might be curious about what’s packed into each delicious serving. Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional values based on one chicken breast:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
- Sodium: 600mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But one thing’s for sure—this dish is a fantastic source of protein and has that satisfying crunch you’ll love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Deliciously crunchy texture thanks to the cornflake coating.
- Gluten-free option if you choose gluten-free cornflakes.
- Family-friendly dish that even picky eaters will enjoy.
- Versatile—great for dinner parties or casual meals alike.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully, making it a great meal prep option.
Tips for Success
To really nail this cornflake baked chicken, here are some pro tips that I’ve learned along the way. First, make sure you crush the cornflakes to your desired texture—some like them finely crushed for a delicate crunch, while others prefer larger pieces for more texture. Also, don’t rush the buttermilk coating; let it soak for a few minutes to ensure the chicken is well-flavored and the cornflakes adhere perfectly. When checking for doneness, always use a meat thermometer to confirm that the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). And if you want to amp up the flavor, feel free to experiment with your favorite spices in the buttermilk mixture!
Variations of Cornflake Baked Chicken
One of the best things about my cornflake baked chicken is how adaptable it is! You can easily switch up the spices to match your taste. For a kick, try adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the buttermilk mixture. If you’re feeling adventurous, experiment with different herbs like dried thyme or Italian seasoning for a fresh twist. You can also use other proteins—chicken thighs or drumsticks work beautifully and add more flavor! And don’t forget about the cornflakes; try using flavored ones like honey or ranch for a unique crunch. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it and make it your own!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving my cornflake baked chicken, the options are endless! I love pairing it with a fresh garden salad drizzled with a tangy vinaigrette—it really complements the crunchy chicken perfectly. Roasted vegetables, like carrots and broccoli, add a lovely color and nutrition to the plate. If you’re craving something heartier, fluffy rice or creamy mashed potatoes make for a comforting sidekick. And don’t forget about dipping sauces! A zesty dipping sauce or homemade ranch dressing can take this meal to the next level. Enjoy your meal with a side that makes your taste buds sing!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
To keep your delicious cornflake baked chicken fresh, let it cool completely before storing. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge, where they’ll stay good for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze them! Just wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe bag. They’ll last up to 2 months in the freezer.
When you’re ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheating is key to maintaining that crunch! I recommend popping them back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This way, they’ll regain their crispiness and warmth without drying out. Enjoy every crunchy bite again!
For more delicious chicken recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken or Air Fryer Chicken Tenders. If you’re interested in the nutritional benefits of chicken, you can learn more here.
Print
Cornflake Baked Chicken: 5 Steps to Irresistible Crunch
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A delicious and crunchy chicken dish coated in cornflakes.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 2 cups cornflakes
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix the buttermilk with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast into the buttermilk mixture.
- Crush the cornflakes and coat each chicken breast evenly with them.
- Place the coated chicken on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- You can add your favorite spices to the cornflake mixture.
- Serve with a side of vegetables or salad.
- This dish can be made with thighs or drumsticks as well.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: cornflake baked chicken