These Cornflake Chicken Nuggets offer the perfect balance of crispy, crunchy texture on the outside, while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The golden coating of crushed cornflakes creates a satisfying crunch that will leave you reaching for more.
Perfect for a quick dinner or a snack, these nuggets are both kid-friendly and a crowd-pleaser at any gathering. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, and enjoy a fun and healthy twist on a classic comfort food. Whether you’re preparing a meal for the family or a party appetizer, these baked chicken nuggets will be a hit with everyone.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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2 chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
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1 cup cornflakes, crushed
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1/2 cup all-purpose flour
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2 large eggs, beaten
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1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
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1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Cooking spray or oil for baking
Directions:
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Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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In a shallow bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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Place the flour in another shallow bowl, and the beaten eggs in a third.
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Dip each piece of chicken into the flour, then the egg, and then coat with the cornflake mixture, pressing lightly to adhere.
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Arrange the coated chicken nuggets on the prepared baking sheet.
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Lightly spray with cooking spray or drizzle with oil for crispiness.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
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Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes Kcal: 220 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Why Choose Cornflake Chicken Nuggets?
The primary appeal of these cornflake chicken nuggets is the crispy, golden exterior and juicy, tender interior. The texture achieved through baking with cornflakes is far superior to regular breadcrumbs, offering a satisfying crunch with every bite. But beyond the texture, the flavor is where this recipe truly shines.
The addition of smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder gives the chicken nuggets a savory depth of flavor that’s both bold and comforting. You can easily adjust the seasonings based on your personal preferences, adding a bit of cayenne pepper for heat or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility, as you can customize the seasoning to suit any taste.
Another key benefit of this recipe is its gluten-free nature. By using gluten-free cornflakes and tapioca flour instead of regular flour, this dish becomes suitable for those with gluten sensitivities or those following a gluten-free lifestyle. Even if you’re not gluten intolerant, this recipe is a great way to incorporate a healthier option into your diet without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Simple Ingredients for a Wholesome Meal
One of the best things about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare. You don’t need any fancy ingredients or elaborate steps. All you need are a few pantry staples: chicken breasts, gluten-free cornflakes, tapioca flour, eggs, and some basic seasonings.
The cornflakes serve as the perfect coating, providing the crispy crunch that everyone loves in chicken nuggets. By using avocado or olive oil spray, the nuggets crisp up beautifully in the oven without the excess oil used in deep frying. This not only makes them healthier but also easier to prepare, saving you time and effort in the kitchen.
Baked Not Fried: A Healthier Cooking Method
While deep frying can result in deliciously crispy chicken nuggets, it also significantly increases the fat and calorie content. Baking, on the other hand, allows you to achieve that perfect crispiness without all the excess oil. The key to making the perfect cornflake-coated chicken nugget is to bake them at the right temperature—high enough to crisp up the coating, but not so high that the chicken dries out.
The oven method for this recipe works wonders, and if you prefer, you can also make these nuggets in an air fryer for an even quicker and more convenient option. The result is the same: a perfectly crispy chicken nugget with minimal added fat.
Tips for Perfecting Your Cornflake Chicken Nuggets
For the best results, it’s important to ensure each chicken piece is coated thoroughly. Start by coating the chicken in tapioca flour, making sure to shake off any excess, before dipping it into the egg mixture. This ensures the cornflake coating sticks properly and doesn’t fall off during baking.
Also, be sure to arrange the chicken nuggets on a wire rack placed on a baking sheet. This helps the air circulate around the nuggets, ensuring they cook evenly and become crisp on all sides. It’s a simple trick that ensures your nuggets have that perfect golden-brown coating. Additionally, lightly spraying the chicken nuggets with oil before baking helps enhance the crispiness.
If you want to make your nuggets in advance, you can prepare them and refrigerate them until you’re ready to bake. This makes them an excellent option for meal prepping or for serving at parties. Simply pop them in the oven when you’re ready, and you’ll have a batch of crispy chicken nuggets ready in minutes.
Creative Variations and Serving Suggestions
While these cornflake chicken nuggets are delicious on their own, they can easily be turned into a more substantial meal by adding sides or incorporating them into other dishes. Try pairing them with crispy roast potatoes, sweet potato fries, or even baked carrot fries for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
For a light yet filling meal, consider making crispy chicken and salad wraps. Spread Greek yogurt or mayonnaise on a flour tortilla, add some shredded lettuce, and top with a couple of cornflake chicken nuggets. Roll up the tortilla and you have a quick, delicious, and healthy lunch option that’s packed with protein and flavor.
Alternatively, serve these nuggets with your favorite dipping sauces, like honey mustard, ranch, or tomato ketchup. The savory and slightly smoky flavor of the nuggets pairs perfectly with a tangy dip, adding an extra layer of deliciousness to every bite.
How to Store and Reheat Cornflake Chicken Nuggets
Leftovers? No problem! These cornflake chicken nuggets store well in the fridge for 3-5 days. Simply place them in an airtight container to maintain their freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat the chicken on a baking sheet in the oven or broil them for a couple of minutes to restore their crispy texture.
If you want to make a larger batch and save them for later, these nuggets freeze beautifully. After baking and cooling, store them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat them, bake them directly from the freezer to ensure they remain crispy and delicious.
A Healthier Twist on a Classic Favorite
Cornflake chicken nuggets offer a deliciously crispy and healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried chicken nuggets. By baking them in the oven and using cornflakes as the coating, you can enjoy all the crunch and flavor without the excess fat and calories. Whether you’re making them for a quick dinner or prepping them for a party, these nuggets are sure to be a hit with both kids and adults.
Conclusion
In conclusion, these cornflake chicken nuggets provide a healthier and equally delicious alternative to the traditional deep-fried version. With a crunchy cornflake coating and the right blend of seasonings, they offer a satisfying texture and flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Not only are they gluten-free, but they are also quick and easy to prepare, making them a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or meal prepping. Whether served with your favorite dipping sauces, as part of a meal, or in a wrap, these chicken nuggets are sure to become a new favorite in your household. So, give this recipe a try, and enjoy the crispy goodness of these baked cornflake chicken nuggets!