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Cereal-Crusted Chicken Nuggets Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.8 from 33 reviews
  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Deliciously crispy cereal-crusted chicken that offers a crunchy, flavorful alternative to traditional breaded chicken. Perfect for a quick and easy meal, this recipe uses crushed cereal for a unique crust and can be baked or air fried to a golden perfection.


Ingredients

Chicken

  • 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or tenders

Coating

  • 4 cups cereal (e.g., cornflakes, crispy rice, or Chex), crushed
  • 2 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp milk
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper

Others

  • Cooking spray or oil (for baking or air frying)


Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven or Air Fryer: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C), or preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and lightly greasing it with cooking spray or oil.
  2. Prepare Coating Stations: In a shallow bowl, combine the flour with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create the seasoned flour mixture.
  3. Mix Egg Wash: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until fully combined to create an egg wash.
  4. Prepare Cereal Crust: Place the crushed cereal into a third bowl for the final coating layer.
  5. Cut the Chicken: If using whole chicken breasts, cut them into strips or nugget-sized pieces for even cooking and easy coating.
  6. Coat with Flour: Dredge each chicken piece first in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat evenly on all sides.
  7. Dip in Egg Wash: Next, dip the floured chicken pieces into the egg wash, ensuring a thorough coating that helps the cereal stick.
  8. Coat with Cereal: Finally, press each piece firmly into the crushed cereal bowl so the cereal adheres well, covering all sides for maximum crunch.
  9. Arrange and Spray: Place the coated chicken pieces in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet or air fryer basket. Lightly spray the tops with cooking spray or oil to encourage browning and crispiness.
  10. Cook: For baking, cook in the oven for 20–25 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through to ensure even browning. For air frying, cook at 375°F (190°C) for 12–15 minutes, flipping once midway. Cook until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
  11. Serve: Let the chicken cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with your favorite dipping sauces for a tasty and satisfying meal.

Notes

  • You can use various types of cereal such as cornflakes, crispy rice, or Chex depending on your flavor preference.
  • Ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
  • Lightly spraying the chicken with oil helps achieve a crispier crust when baking or air frying.
  • For an extra spicy twist, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the seasoned flour.
  • Cutting chicken into uniform sizes ensures even cooking and consistent crispness.