Crunchy Coated Chicken
Crispy coated chicken breasts with a savory crunch, ideal for a quick family dinner or casual gathering, featuring a flavorful cornflake crust and optional mayonnaise coating.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Rinse the chicken breasts under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Melt the butter or margarine in a shallow roasting pan or casserole dish in the oven.
- Coat the chicken breasts with mayonnaise if using, then roll them in crushed cornflakes mixed with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Place the coated chicken breasts in the melted butter in the roasting pan.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra crunch, consider adding grated Parmesan cheese to the cornflake coating. You can substitute the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt for a lighter version. If you don't have cornflakes, crushed potato chips work well too. Ensure the chicken breasts are of uniform thickness for even cooking. Adjust cooking time if using smaller or larger pieces.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crunchy coated chicken alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal. It pairs beautifully with Light And Zesty Chicken for a delightful dinner spread. For an easy side, consider mashed potatoes or a simple coleslaw to complement the dish's flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any 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 (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes until heated through, which will help retain the crunchiness of the coating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Crunchy Coated Chicken contains roughly 855 calories, with 21g protein, 0g carbohydrates, and 86g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 839mg per serving (36% 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 skin-on chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, you can use skin-on chicken breasts if you prefer. The skin will add additional flavor and crispiness. Just be mindful of the cooking time, as skin-on pieces may take a few minutes longer to cook through.
What can I use instead of cornflakes for the coating?
If you don't have cornflakes, you can use crushed breadcrumbs or crushed rice cereal as a substitute. Both will provide a similar crunch. For a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free cornflakes or crushed nuts for a unique flavor.
How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check this. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork, and the coating should be golden brown.
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).