Crispy Cinnamon Baked Chicken
Crispy baked chicken coated with cinnamon, orange zest, and sweet spices offers a flavorful, crunchy crust perfect for a comforting family dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine corn flake crumbs, cinnamon, salt, brown sugar, and grated orange peel in a blender.
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Dip chicken in buttermilk, then in the crumb mixture.
- Place coated chicken in a greased pan.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier coating, consider adding a tablespoon of panko breadcrumbs to the corn flake mixture. If you don't have buttermilk, you can substitute with regular milk mixed with a teaspoon of vinegar or lemon juice. For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken in buttermilk for a few hours. This recipe is a great way to enjoy crispy chicken without deep frying.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Crispy Cinnamon Baked Chicken with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with American recipes like mashed potatoes or coleslaw. Consider drizzling a light citrus dressing over the salad to complement the orange peel in the chicken.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the coating soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crispy Cinnamon Baked Chicken contains roughly 172 calories, with 1g protein, 3g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (28% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1680mg per serving (73% 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 use skinless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skinless chicken pieces for this recipe. Just keep in mind that the coating may not adhere as well without the skin, so ensure you coat it thoroughly in the buttermilk and crumb mixture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this dish gluten-free, substitute the corn flake crumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free cereal. Check that all other ingredients, particularly the buttermilk and spices, are gluten-free as well.
What other spices can I add to the crumb mixture?
Feel free to experiment with other spices such as paprika, garlic powder, or even a pinch of cayenne for some heat. Adding herbs like dried thyme or oregano can also enhance the flavor profile of your Crispy Cinnamon Baked Chicken.
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).