Looking for a crispy, crunchy, and delicious dinner idea? Cereal Crusted Chicken is the perfect combination of savory and sweet with a fun twist. Coating chicken in cereal not only adds an irresistible crunch but also a unique flavor that will have everyone at the table asking for more. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a weeknight meal, and the kids will love it too!

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links.If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Air Fryer Paper Liners

Buy Now →

Vegetable Chopper

Buy Now →

Magic Bullet Blender

Buy Now →

Why You’ll Love Cereal Crusted Chicken

Crispy Crunch: The cereal coating gives the chicken a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the juicy, tender meat inside.
Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry, which makes this a great last-minute dinner option.
Kid-Friendly: The crunchy cereal coating makes this chicken super fun and appealing for kids. Plus, it’s a great way to get them involved in the kitchen!
Quick and Easy: With just a few steps and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time.
Customizable: Feel free to choose your favorite type of cereal—cornflakes, rice cereal, or even granola. Each variety offers a different crunch and flavor profile, so you can switch things up based on what you’re in the mood for.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Cereal Crusted Chicken:

Chicken breasts or thighs: The main protein. Boneless, skinless breasts or thighs work best for this recipe.
Cereal: Cornflakes or rice cereal are classic options, but you can experiment with other cereals for different textures and flavors.
Flour: This helps the coating adhere to the chicken.
Eggs: Used to create a binding layer between the chicken and the cereal crust.
Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and any other spices you love (garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or dried herbs work great).
Butter or oil: For cooking the chicken and helping the crust become golden and crispy.

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

Instructions

Here’s how to make this Cereal Crusted Chicken:

Prep the Chicken: Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This will help the coating stick better. If the breasts are too thick, you can butterfly them or pound them to an even thickness to ensure they cook evenly.
Prepare the Cereal Crust: In a large plastic bag or shallow bowl, crush your cereal until it’s a fine crumb texture (but not powder). Add seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to the crushed cereal and mix well.
Coat the Chicken: In one shallow dish, place flour. In another, beat the eggs until smooth. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour, dip it in the egg mixture, and then press it into the cereal mixture, making sure each piece is evenly coated.
Cook the Chicken: Heat butter or oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once the pan is hot, add the coated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. Serve with your favorite sides—crispy potatoes, steamed veggies, or a fresh salad.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 330
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Cereal Crusted Chicken

This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

Roasted Vegetables: Try pairing the chicken with roasted carrots, broccoli, or asparagus for a balanced and nutritious meal.
Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are the perfect complement to the crispy chicken.
Fresh Salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can help balance the richness of the cereal-crusted chicken.

Additional Tips

Spicy Kick: For a spicy twist, try adding cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cereal coating.
Oven-Baked Option: If you prefer to bake your chicken, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C).

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking.

Q2: Can I use a different type of cereal?
A2: Absolutely! You can use other cereals like Rice Krispies, frosted flakes, or even granola for different textures and flavors. Just make sure to crush them to the right size for a good coating.

Q3: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A3: Yes, you can use gluten-free cereal and replace the flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or almond flour.

Q4: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A4: Yes, baking is a great alternative! Just follow the oven-baked method mentioned above for a healthier version of the dish.

Q5: Can I add seasoning to the cereal coating?
A5: Yes! Feel free to experiment with your favorite spices. Garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning all make great additions to the coating.

Q6: Can I freeze leftover Cereal Crusted Chicken?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 3 months. Just let it cool, wrap it in foil or plastic wrap, and store it in a freezer-safe bag. Reheat in the oven for best results.

Q7: Can I use bone-in chicken pieces for this recipe?
A7: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces, but the cooking time will be longer. Make sure to cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Q8: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A8: You can prep the chicken by coating it with the cereal mixture and storing it in the fridge for a few hours before cooking. Just cook it fresh when you’re ready to eat.

Q9: Can I make Cereal Crusted Chicken in an air fryer?
A9: Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the chicken for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until it’s golden brown and cooked through.

Q10: What’s the best type of cereal to use for the crust?
A10: Cornflakes are a classic choice for a crunchy and light crust. However, you can experiment with any cereal you like—rice cereal will give a lighter, airier crunch, while granola will add extra texture and flavor.

Cereal Crusted Chicken is a deliciously fun and crunchy meal that brings excitement to your dinner table. With a few simple ingredients, you can create a crispy, flavorful dish that everyone will love. Enjoy this easy recipe for a tasty and satisfying meal!

Cereal Crusted Chicken

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star No reviews

Author: Maria
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Print Recipe

Description

This Cereal Crusted Chicken is a fun and crispy twist on traditional breaded chicken, using your favorite cereal for a crunchy, flavorful coating. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner, served with a refreshing side salad.

Ingredients

Juice of one lime or lemon
1/3 cup olive oil
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
4 chicken breast halves
2 large eggs
3 cups cereal of your choice (suggestion: Honey Bunches of Oats®)
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, turning to coat. Marinate the chicken, covered and chilled for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
Preheat Oven:
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Prepare the Cereal Coating:
Add the cereal to a zip lock bag, and using a rolling pin, crush it into smaller pieces. You can also use a food processor. In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with some salt and pepper until smooth. In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed cereal with red pepper flakes and salt.
Coat the Chicken:
Working with one piece at a time, dip the chicken into the egg mixture, then coat generously with the seasoned cereal, pressing to help it stick. Transfer the coated chicken pieces to a rimmed baking sheet.
Bake:
Bake the chicken for 30 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Serve:
Serve immediately with a side salad and enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 330
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 320mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 70mg