Name: Crispy Cornflake Chicken Nuggets Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 500 g chicken breast (skinless, boneless); 2 cups cornflakes; 1/3 cup breadcrumbs; 2 medium eggs (beaten); 4-5 tbsp flour; Sea salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for frying (3-4 tbsp per batch)

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These quick and easy homemade cornflake chicken nuggets are shallow fried to crispy perfection. Made using a handful of ingredients they are fantastic for entertaining as well as a family meal idea.

These cornflake chicken nuggets are crispy on the outside, with tender juicy meat on the inside. They are super easy to make and do not require marinating, freezing or any other time consuming preparation method. Just season, coat in flour, egg and cornflake crumb mixtures and fry!

Can I oven bake cornflake chicken nuggets

Baking can be a great alternative to frying but it doesn’t work in this recipe. The cornflake mixture does not contain any fat so your chicken would come out of the oven dry instead of crispy. You could perhaps add oil or butter or cheese into the cornflake crumb mixture but it’s much quicker to simply fry the nuggets in a little oil.

How to prepare the cornflake mixture

The easiest and quickest way of turning cornflakes into crumbs is by whizzing them up in a blender for a few seconds.

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

The cornflake crumbs should have the texture of very coarse breadcrumbs so be careful not to turn them into powder. I used a small amount of regular breadcrumbs in the mixture as they add a bit of softness to the crispy coating.

1.Pulse the cornflakes until crumbly.

2. Combine with the breadcrumbs and stir well.

Recipe instructions

1. Prepare 3 separate mixtures for coating the nuggets: flour, the egg mixture, plus the cornflake/breadcrumb mixture.

2. Start by cutting the chicken breast into similar size chunks.

3. Season and coat each nugget first in flour, then in egg mixture, and finally in the cornflake mixture. In that order!

How to fry cornflake chicken nuggets

Use approximately 3 tablespoons of oil per batch. Make sure the oil is hot before putting the chicken pieces in the pan. 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.

Add a bit more oil after you’ve turned them over.

When the nuggets are done place them on top of a plate lined with a paper towel (to get rid of excess oil). After 1 minute discard the towel and enjoy your homemade chicken nuggets!

What seasoning to use

I only used sea salt and pepper but you cold sprinkle the chicken with any seasoning you like. Make it spicy by using cayenne pepper or hot paprika (you could use a bit of smoked paprika too). Add some dried herbs if you like. The choice is yours.

Can you taste the cornflakes in this recipe

Another reason for adding a bit of regular breadcrumbs into the mixture is to tone down the cornflake taste. I didn’t want it to overpower the chicken. And it doesn’t! The crispy coating tastes pretty neutral.

Top tips

Cut the chicken into similar size chunks.
Use large bowls rather than plates for the mixtures – the chicken gets coated quicker and more evenly if you immerse, rather than roll it, in the mixtures.
You can prepare the chicken nuggets ahead, arrange on a plate and refrigerate for a few hours before frying.
Season the chicken with your favourite spices or dried herbs before coating. Or simply use salt and pepper.
Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
Best served immediately.

Serving suggestions

These crispy cornflake chicken nuggets are delicious with a huge range of dips and sauces, including easy healthy barbecue dip, healthy ranch dip, red pepper tomato dip and lots more.

If you want to serve these chicken bites as part of a meal they are delicious with spiced baked potato wedges or hasselback sweet potatoes.

You may also like this collection of 13 easy one pot chicken recipes.

Keep in touch!

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

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