Cornflake Chicken Nuggets

Name: Cornflake Chicken Nuggets
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 600g (about 1.3 lbs) skinless chicken breast, cut into 1 inch cubes; 1/3 cup (35g) tapioca flour; 125g (3 cups) cornflakes, crushed; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 medium eggs, whisked; Avocado oil spray

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These healthy baked cornflake chicken nuggets are the ultimate crispy chicken recipe! They are absolutely delicious, easy to make in the oven or in an air fryer, and gluten-free.

Cornflake chicken nuggets served with bbq sauce.

Okay, okay... I don’t mean to toot my own horn, but these crispy oven-baked cornflake chicken nuggets are something else!

For starters, this recipe uses crushed cornflake cereal instead of breadcrumbs. It is ready in 30 minutes, gluten-free as we use tapioca flour instead of regular all-purpose flour, and is so flavourful. Plus, they are BAKED in the oven instead of frying it. It still gets super crispy, and the breading is absolute perfection. They are perfect for anyone who loves chicken nuggets but wants to eat a healthier version (like myself). They are just so good!!

Close up shot of cornflake chicken nuggets dipped into bbq sauce.

Ingredients You'll Need

You only require chicken and a handful of basic pantry items to create these chicken nuggets coated in crispy cornflakes

Chicken Breasts: Cut into large chunks.
Cornflakes: I used certified gluten-free cornflakes, but any brand will work.
Seasonings: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper for spices.
Tapioca Flour: If not gluten-free, use corn flour or regular all-purpose flour to coat your chicken pieces.
Eggs: 2 medium eggs, beaten with a fork.
Oil: I recommend using avocado or olive oil spray to lightly coat the tops for crispiness in the oven.

How to make cornflake chicken nuggets

Prepare Cornflake Coating: Pulse cornflakes with spices in a food processor until they resemble breadcrumbs. Transfer to a bowl.

Flour Station: Add tapioca flour to a separate bowl.

Make Egg Mixture: In a medium bowl, whisk eggs and milk together until well combined.

Prep Your Pan: Place a wire rack on a large baking sheet and spray it well with cooking spray.

Prep Your Chicken: Coat each chicken piece in flour, shaking off any excess. Using tongs, dip each piece in the egg mixture, then into the cornflake mixture until well coated. Place chicken pieces on the wire rack.

chicken nuggets getting coated a dipping stations.

Bake the Chicken: Spray chicken nuggets with cooking spray and bake until crispy.

Serve: Enjoy with tomato ketchup, honey mustard, or ranch dip.

Baked Cornflake chicken nuggets on wire rack.

Top tips

Ensure each chicken piece is thoroughly coated in flour before dipping it in the egg.to ensure the cornflake crumb sticks.
Use chicken thigh meat as a cost-effective alternative to breast meat. Ensuring uniform size for each piece is crucial for even cooking.
Prepare the homemade chicken nuggets in advance by placing them on baking trays and refrigerating until needed. When ready to eat, simply preheat the oven and bake the nuggets straight from the fridge.
Use various seasonings to flavour the cornflake crumb. Experiment with different dried herbs, and consider adding parmesan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. For a spicy kick, you can also include cayenne pepper or chilli flakes.
For a unique twist, substitute the cornflakes with an equal amount of crushed Rice Krispies.

Serving suggestions

I enjoy pairing the cornflake-crumbed chicken with sides like crispy roast potatoes, roast sweet potatoes, or baked carrot fries, along with my homemade apple coleslaw for a healthy and satisfying meal. For a quick and easy option, I sometimes serve them with beans and wedges.

For a unique twist, try making crispy chicken and salad wraps with the baked nuggets. Place a flour tortilla on a board, spread Greek yogurt or mayonnaise, add shredded lettuce, and place two cooked chicken nuggets on top. Roll up and serve for a tasty lunch.

Cornflake chicken nuggets dipped into bbq sauce.

How to Store

Fridge: Store any leftover cornflake chicken nuggets in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and broil on high for a couple of minutes until heated through and crispy.
Freezer: Allow the chicken to cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2-3 months. For reheating, use the oven for a crispy texture.

Recipe FAQ

Can I freeze uncooked chicken nuggets?

Yes! Cornflake chicken nuggets can be frozen uncooked for up to 3 months. After coating the chicken in the cornflake crumb and placing them on trays, freeze for a few hours. Transfer the frozen chicken pieces to freezer-safe bags. Ensure full defrost before use. Bake at 500°C for 30-35 minutes or until crispy.

Is this recipe gluten free?

Yes, the recipe for cornflake chicken nuggets can be gluten-free. I used tapioca flour, a gluten-free alternative, and gluten-free cornflakes. Ensure all ingredients are labeled gluten-free for a completely gluten-free recipe.

Why use cornflakes as breading?

While regular breadcrumbs work well, cornflakes add an extra layer of flavour and provide a crunchier texture than regular breadcrumbs.

Is cornflake breading healthy?

It depends on the preparation! This recipe uses an oven-baked method, offering a healthier alternative to deep-frying. Oven-baked recipes typically use less oil, making them a healthier choice compared to deep-fried alternatives.

Cornflake chicken nuggets with bite shot.

More yummy chicken recipes

Air Fryer Teriyaki Chicken (Sugar-Free)

Dutch Oven Shredded Chicken

Chicken Tikka Salad

Air Fryer Chicken Tacos

If you try this cornflake chicken nuggets recipe or have a question, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.