Crispy Chicken Sticks
Crispy chicken sticks with crunchy coating and savory flavors, perfect for snacks or appetizers, appealing to all ages and suitable for casual gatherings or family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken fingers.
- Combine crushed cornflakes, cornmeal, Parmesan cheese, and red pepper in a bowl.
- Dip the chicken in flour and sprinkle with water.
- Roll the chicken in the cornmeal mixture to coat evenly.
- Place the coated chicken on a nonstick cookie sheet.
- Bake at 375°F for 20 to 25 minutes until golden and cooked through.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crunch, consider adding a bit of panko breadcrumbs to the cornflake mixture. If you want a spicier kick, increase the red pepper or add cayenne. You can substitute the chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option or use fish sticks for a different take. Make sure to keep an eye on the chicken while baking to ensure it doesn't overcook and dry out.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crispy chicken sticks with a side of homemade ranch or honey mustard for dipping. They pair wonderfully with Stuff Baked Potatoes and a fresh salad for a complete meal. For a fun twist, try serving them alongside Worms In Dirt Dessert for a playful dinner theme.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover crispy chicken sticks in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crispy Chicken Sticks contains roughly 65 calories, with 2g protein, 13g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these chicken sticks ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken sticks, coat them, and place them on the baking sheet. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This allows the flavors to meld, and you can simply pop them in the oven when you're ready to cook.
What can I use instead of cornflakes?
If you don't have cornflakes, you can use crushed rice cereal or even crushed potato chips for a different flavor and texture. Just ensure they are finely crushed for even coating on the chicken sticks.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The chicken is done when its internal temperature reaches 165°F, and the outside is golden brown. You can also cut into a piece to check that the meat is no longer pink and the juices run clear.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).