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    Home » Recipes » Appetizers, Sides, Dips

    Crispy Cornflake Chicken Nuggets (Baked)

    June 22, 2019 By Monika Last Updated March 27, 2024 9 Comments

    Jump to Recipe

    These cornflake chicken nuggets are oven baked so they are juicy and tender on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside. They are low in fat, easy to make and absolutely delicious served with dill mayo!

    Side view of crispy cornflake chicken nuggets on top of rack.

    These cornflake chicken nuggets are crispy on the outside, with tender juicy meat on the inside.  They are made using naturally lean chicken breast cut into chunks and coated in flour, egg and low-fat cornflake crumbs. They are baked rather than fried so they are less calorific and healthier.

    Cornflake chicken nuggets ingredients and substitutions

    • Chicken breast: skinless and boneless.
    • Cornflakes.
    • Breadcrumbs: fine or coarse.
    • Oil: olive or vegetable.
    • Flour.
    • Egg.
    • Fine sea salt and pepper to taste.
    Ingredients for making cornflake chicken nuggets in individual dishes.
    Cornflake chicken nuggets ingredients.

    Is it better to season the chicken or the cornflake mixture

    This is largely down to personal preference. For me, however, seasoning the chicken before coating in the flour works better. If the seasoning sticks to the actual meat there is no chance of it becoming 'lost' in the coating mixture. If, on the other hand, you choose to season the coating layers (i.e., flour, egg and crumb) it's easy to actually use too much seasoning. Alternatively you can season just one of these layers, but how do you choose which one?

    So I like to simply season the meat.

    How to prepare the cornflake mixture

    1.Place the cornflakes in a food processor and pulse until they are the size of coarse breadcrumbs (take care not to overblend and turn them into powder).

    Alternatively place your cornflakes in a large plastic bag (ziplock or similar) and bash with a rolling pin.

    Cornflake crumb in food processor bowl.

    2. Add the breadcrumbs and 2 teaspoons of oil into the cornflakes. 

    Cornflake crumbs and breadcrumbs in food processor.

    3. Pulse briefly just until combined and transfer to a bowl.

    Crumbly cornflake mixture in food processor.

    Why did I use breadcrumbs

    Cornflakes are a good substitute for breadcrumbs and can be used on their own, but I found adding a bit of breadcrumbs produces better results.

    Adding a small amount of breadcrumbs allows to absorb the oil and distribute it evenly throughout the crumb mixture. There is no need to use any cooking spray in this cornflake chicken nugget recipe.

    The breadcrumbs also tone down the cornflake flavour so it doesn't overpower the chicken.

    Assembling the recipe

    1.Preheat the oven to 400 F/ 200 C/190 C fan/ gas mark 6.

    Place the flour and beaten egg in separate dishes.

    Cut the chicken breasts into similar sized chunks. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

    Cutting bite size chicken pieces on white board.

    2. Coat each nugget in the flour (gently shake off excess flour).

    Coating chicken breast pieces in flour on top of plate.

    3. Dip each piece in the egg wash, gently wipe excess egg on the side of the bowl then coat in the crumb mixture lightly pressing into the crumbs for even coverage (do this for each piece individually).

    Coating chicken pieces in cornflake mixture.

    4. Arrange your cornflake nuggets on top of a rack, evenly spaced out, and bake in the centre of the oven for 20 minutes.

    Raw cornflake chicken nuggets on top of rack.

    5. Remove from the oven and serve!

    Baked crispy cornflake nuggets on top of rack.

    How to make cornflake chicken bites super crispy

    • coat them thoroughly in the cornflake mixture,
    • bake them in a preheated oven,
    • bake them on top of a rack, without touching one another, so they crisp up evenly on all sides,
    • do NOT bake them directly on top of a baking sheet or parchment as the bottom of the nuggets will be soggy. Turning them over halfway won't solve that effectively.

    Serving suggestions

    These healthy cornflake chicken nuggets are delicious with a huge range of dips and sauces, including healthy barbecue dip, low-fat ranch, red pepper tomato dip and lots more. You can serve them alongside a simple salad for a light meal idea.

    If you want to serve them as part of a more substantial meal they are delicious with spiced baked potato wedges or potato and spinach mash.

    Can I fry these nuggets

    Yes, you can, but you'll need to use more oil so your nuggets will contain more calories. However, they will be crispy and equally delicious as baked. If you prefer this method follow these steps:

    1. Omit the oil in the cornflake mixture and prepare the nuggets as per Instructions below.
    2. Heat up approx. 2 tablespoons of oil and fry the nuggets on a medium heat for about 2 minutes on each side until golden brown.  It is important not to let them brown too quickly as well as not to overcrowd the pan (try them in batches). Add a bit more oil after turning them over.
    3. Remove the nuggets from the pan and place on top of a plate lined with a paper towel (to get rid of excess oil).  After 1 minute discard the towel and serve your cornflake coated chicken nuggets.
    Side view of baked chicken nuggets with cornflakes on rack.

    How to add flavour to chicken nuggets with cornflakes 

    I only used sea salt and black pepper but you can add more flavour by using different spices and herbs including:

    • smoked/sweet paprika or cayenne pepper
    • herbes de Provence
    • Italian dried herbs
    • spice mixes, such as cajun, harissa, taco, jerk, etc.

    TIP: You can either add the spices into the cornflake mixture or sprinkle them directly over the chicken. If your spice mixture contains salt omit it in the recipe.

    Top tips

    • Cut the chicken into similar size chunks.
    • The cornflake crumbs should have the texture of coarse breadcrumbs so be careful not to turn them into powder. 
    • It's important to coat the chicken in flour first, then egg wash and finally cornflakes.
    • You can prepare your cornflake chicken nuggets ahead, arrange on a plate and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.
    • I recommend seasoning the chicken before coating in the flour.
    • Bake on top of a rack (NOT directly on a baking sheet or parchment), evenly spaced out, so the chicken pieces are crispy on all sides. No need to turn them over.
    • For a gluten free option use gf flour and breadcrumbs.
    • Best served immediately.

    Storing and reheating

    Leftover cornflake breaded chicken nuggets can be refrigerated (once completely cooled), covered, for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in a preheated oven (200 C) for about 10 minutes (though they may not be as crispy as freshly made).

    Related recipes

    • Oven Baked Super Crispy Chicken Fingers
    • How to Make Fish Nuggets
    • Crispy Baked Salmon Fish Fingers
    • Sun Dried Tomato Pesto Chicken Meatballs
    • Spicy Chicken Burgers (Healthy)

    You may also like these other delicious easy meal ideas including this collection of healthy chicken recipes.

    Recipe

    Side view of crispy cornflake chicken nuggets on top of rack.

    Crispy Cornflake Chicken Nuggets (Baked)

    These cornflake chicken nuggets are oven baked so they are juicy and tender on the inside and perfectly crispy on the outside.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dinner
    Cuisine: Low fat
    Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 35 minutes minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 255kcal
    Author: Monika Dabrowski

    Equipment

    • Food processor

    Ingredients

    • 12.35 ounces (350 g) chicken breast approx. 2 chicken breasts, skinless and boneless
    • 2½ cups (70 g) cornflakes 2.47oz
    • 4 tablespoons breadcrumbs
    • 1 large egg lightly beaten
    • 4 tablespoons flour for coating
    • 2 tablespoons olive oil
    • Sea salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions

    • Place the cornflakes in a food processor and pulse until they are the size of coarse breadcrumbs (take care not to overblend and turn them into powder).
      Alternatively place your cornflakes in a large plastic bag (ziplock or similar) and bash with a rolling pin.
      Add the breadcrumbs and 2 teaspoons of oil into the cornflakes and pulse briefly just to combine. Place in a bowl and set aside.
    • Preheat the oven to 400 F/ 200 C/190 C fan/ gas mark 6.
      Place the flour and egg wash in separate dishes.
      Cut the chicken breasts into similar sized chunks. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
    • Coat each nugget in the flour (gently shake off excess flour).
    • Dip each piece in the egg wash, gently wipe excess egg on the side of the bowl and coat in the crumb mixture lightly pressing into the crumb for even coverage (do this for each piece individually).
    • Arrange your cornflake nuggets on top of a rack, evenly spaced out, and bake in the centre of the oven for 20 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven and serve!

    Notes

    • Cut the chicken into similar size chunks.
    • The cornflake crumbs should have the texture of coarse breadcrumbs so be careful not to turn them into powder. 
    • It's important to coat the chicken in flour first, then egg wash and finally cornflakes.
    • You can prepare your cornflake chicken nuggets ahead, arrange on a plate and refrigerate for a few hours before baking.
    • I recommend seasoning the chicken before coating in the flour.
    • Bake on top of a rack (NOT directly on a baking sheet or parchment), evenly spaced out, so the chicken pieces are crispy on all sides. No need to turn them over.
    • For a gluten free option use gf flour and breadcrumbs.
    • Best served immediately.
    • Leftover nuggets can be refrigerated (once completely cooled), covered, for up to 2 days. You can reheat them in a preheated oven (200 C) for about 10 minutes (though they may not be as crispy as freshly made).

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 255kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 97mg | Sodium: 318mg | Potassium: 396mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 398IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 31mg | Iron: 6mg

    *Nutritional information is automatically generated and should be considered as an estimate.

    **A note about baking: If using a fan-assisted oven refer to your appliance's instructions and adjust the temperature accordingly.

    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @Monika8021 or tag #EverydayHealthyRecipes!

    Keep in touch!

    How have your crispy cornflake chicken nuggets turned out for you?  Let me know in the comments below, thanks!

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    Comments

      5 from 5 votes (2 ratings without comment)

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    1. Rebecca - Glutarama says

      June 26, 2019 at 4:30 pm

      5 stars
      Love this recipe Monika and so easy to make the switch and use gluten free cornflakes too. Thank you for sharing with #cookblogshare

      Reply
      • Monika says

        June 29, 2019 at 1:04 pm

        Thank you Rebecca, gluten free cornflakes would work equally well!

        Reply
    2. Eb Gargano | Easy Peasy Foodie says

      June 24, 2019 at 4:30 pm

      5 stars
      These look delicious! I love the idea of using cornflakes for extra crunch 😀 Eb x

      Reply
      • Monika says

        June 25, 2019 at 9:43 am

        Thanks Eb! This is my new favourite way of making crispy chicken, the results are really fantastic!

        Reply
    3. Balvinder says

      June 23, 2019 at 2:38 pm

      Love these I made them too last week but in air fryer.

      Reply
      • Monika says

        June 24, 2019 at 7:35 am

        Sounds great!

        Reply
    4. Monika says

      June 23, 2019 at 2:26 pm

      Thank you Zaza!

      Reply
    5. Donna says

      June 23, 2019 at 8:30 am

      5 stars
      Chicken Nuggets are always a favourtire here! And healthy is definitely a bonus! #CookBlogShare

      Reply
      • Monika says

        June 23, 2019 at 2:30 pm

        They were a hit at my house too!

        Reply

    Hi, I am Monika, welcome to Everyday Healthy Recipes! This blog is all about simple recipes with a healthy twist, old classics with a modern take, and an occasional Polish dish thrown into the mix - all easy to make and delicious, perfect for everyday cooking.

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