Crispy Oven-Baked Cornflake Chicken Strips
Indulge in the delightful crunch of these homemade crispy cornflake chicken strips, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This easy freezer-friendly recipe allows you to prepare a batch in advance, so they're ready to bake straight from the freezer whenever you need a quick meal or snack. The flavorful coating of crushed cornflakes, fresh parsley, and a kick from optional hot sauce combines to create a family favorite that’s both satisfying and delicious. With versatile dipping options like creamy ranch or tangy blue cheese dressing, these chicken strips are sure to please everyone at the table, including the kids! Make multiple batches and store them in convenient freezer bags to always have a tasty treat on hand.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
corn flakes cereal
1 cup (crushed (measure after crushing))
fresh parsley
1 tablespoon (finely chopped)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (none)
boneless skinless chicken breast
1 lb (cut into strips)
blue cheese dressing or ranch salad dressing
1/3 cup (prepared)
water
2 teaspoons (none)
hot pepper sauce
1-2 teaspoons (optional, to taste)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your freezer: Line a cookie sheet that fits in your freezer with aluminum foil and set aside.
2
In a shallow dish, combine the crushed cornflakes, finely chopped parsley, and salt.
3
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the ranch or blue cheese dressing with water and optional hot pepper sauce until well blended.
4
Take each chicken breast half and slice it into several long, even strips, ensuring to trim away any excess fat.
5
Carefully drop the chicken strips into the wet mixture, stirring gently to ensure each piece is well coated.
6
One at a time, roll each coated chicken strip in the cornflake mixture until thoroughly covered.
7
Place each coated strip onto the prepared foil-lined cookie sheet, making sure to leave space between each for even cooking.
8
Once all strips are coated, place the cookie sheet in the freezer and allow the chicken fingers to freeze until firm, about 2 hours.
9
After they have frozen solid, transfer the chicken fingers to airtight freezer bags or containers. They can be kept frozen for up to one month.
10
When you are ready to enjoy, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
11
Arrange the frozen chicken fingers in a single layer on a lightly greased foil-lined jelly roll pan or a large cookie sheet with sides.
12
Bake for 18-20 minutes directly from the freezer, or until the chicken is fully cooked (no longer pink inside) and the outside is golden brown.
13
Serve warm with your choice of additional dressing for dipping.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What provides the crunch in this chicken recipe?
The delightful crunch comes from a coating of crushed cornflakes cereal.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
Boneless skinless chicken breasts are used, sliced into long, even strips.
Can I use ranch dressing instead of blue cheese?
Yes, you can use either prepared ranch or blue cheese salad dressing for the wet coating.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, these chicken strips are specifically designed to be frozen and baked straight from the freezer.
How long do I need to flash freeze the chicken?
Place the coated strips in the freezer for about 2 hours until they are firm before transferring to bags.
How long can I store these chicken strips in the freezer?
They can be kept in airtight freezer bags or containers for up to one month.
What temperature should the oven be for baking?
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for the best results.
Do I need to thaw the chicken before baking?
No, you should bake them directly from the freezer for 18-20 minutes.
How do I know when the chicken strips are fully cooked?
The chicken is done when the outside is golden brown and the inside is no longer pink.
Should I grease the baking pan?
Yes, use a lightly greased foil-lined jelly roll pan or cookie sheet with sides.
Can I make these spicy?
Yes, you can add 1-2 teaspoons of optional hot pepper sauce to the dressing mixture.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 7 main ingredients: cornflakes, parsley, salt, chicken, dressing, water, and optional hot sauce.
Should I measure the cornflakes before or after crushing?
You should measure the 1 cup of cornflakes cereal after they have been crushed.
What size should the chicken strips be?
Slice the chicken breasts into several long, even strips, trimming away any excess fat.
Why is water added to the dressing?
Two teaspoons of water are whisked into the dressing to help create the right consistency for coating.
Is fresh parsley necessary?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh parsley to add flavor to the cornflake coating.
How do I prevent the chicken from sticking to the freezer tray?
Line your cookie sheet with aluminum foil and leave space between each strip.
Can kids help make this?
Yes, it is a kid-friendly recipe and they can help with the rolling and coating process.
What should I serve with these chicken strips?
They are great with creamy ranch, tangy blue cheese dressing, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Can I use a flat baking sheet?
A jelly roll pan or a sheet with sides is recommended for even baking and safety.
What is the total baking time from frozen?
They typically take 18 to 20 minutes to bake at 425°F.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Absolutely, you can make multiple batches to store in the freezer for quick weeknight meals.
How much salt is used in the coating?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of salt mixed with the cornflakes and parsley.
What is the best way to crush the cornflakes?
You can crush them by hand in a bag or use a food processor for a fine, even crumb.
Can I use chicken thighs instead?
While the recipe calls for breasts, you can use thighs if sliced into similar strip sizes, though cooking times may vary.
Do I need a special dish for coating?
A shallow dish is best for the cornflake mixture to make rolling the chicken easier.
How do I ensure even coating?
Drop the strips into the wet mixture first, stir gently, and then roll individually in the cornflakes.
Is this recipe healthy?
Since these are oven-baked rather than fried, they are a lighter alternative to traditional fried chicken strips.
Can I add other spices to the coating?
Yes, you can customize the cornflake mix with garlic powder or paprika if desired.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover cooked strips in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven to maintain crispness.