Are you craving a delicious, crispy dinner that's surprisingly easy to make? Then look no further! This Original Kellogg's Cornflake Chicken recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, perfect for a weeknight meal or a fun family gathering. Forget takeout – this homemade version is healthier, tastier, and surprisingly simple to whip up. Get ready to experience the ultimate crispy, crunchy chicken that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup Kellogg's Corn Flakes, crushed (you can pulse them in a food processor for a finer crumb)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra color and flavor)
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This helps the breading adhere better. Season generously with salt and pepper.
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Set up your Breading Station: Create three shallow dishes. In the first, place the flour. In the second, place the beaten eggs. In the third, place the crushed cornflakes mixed with paprika (if using).
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Bread the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the cornflake mixture, making sure it's completely covered.
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Fry the Chicken: Heat about ½ inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (a pinch of flour dropped in should sizzle immediately), carefully place the breaded chicken breasts in the skillet. Avoid overcrowding the pan; work in batches if necessary.
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Cook to Perfection: Fry the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
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Drain and Serve: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Cornflake Chicken:
- Crush those Cornflakes: For the crispiest results, crush the cornflakes finely. A food processor is your best friend here!
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches for even cooking.
- Maintain oil temperature: Keep a close eye on the oil temperature. If it gets too low, the chicken will absorb more oil. If it's too high, the chicken will burn before cooking through.
- Let it rest: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Variations:
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili flakes to the cornflake mixture for a spicy kick.
- Herbs and Spices: Experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile. Garlic powder, onion powder, or Italian seasoning all work well.
- Cheese Please: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese into the cornflake mixture for an extra cheesy flavor.
- Baked Cornflake Chicken: For a healthier option, bake the breaded chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 30g
- Fat: Approximately 20g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 20g
This easy recipe for delicious, crispy chicken is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The crunchy cornflake coating adds a delightful textural contrast to the juicy chicken, creating a truly satisfying and memorable meal. Enjoy!