The Ultimate Fried Chicken Recipe: Crispy, Crunchy, And Packed With Flavor Using Corn Flakes

Are you looking for a crispy and flavorful fried chicken recipe that’s sure to impress your taste buds? Look no further than this unique Corn Flake-Crusted Fried Chicken recipe! This creative twist on the classic dish combines the crunch of corn flakes with juicy and tender chicken for a truly unforgettable meal. So, grab your aprons and get ready to indulge in this delectable culinary experience.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 1 cup corn flakes, crushed
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Rinse the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• In a large bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful seasoning blend.

2. Coat the Chicken:

• In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the buttermilk and vegetable oil until well combined.
• Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk mixture, then coat it evenly with the seasoned flour mixture.
• Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack or baking sheet.

3. Chill the Chicken:

• Cover the chicken pieces with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the coating adhere to the chicken better and results in a crispier crust.

4. Fry the Chicken:

• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, carefully add the chicken pieces.
• Fry the chicken for 8-10 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F.

5. Drain and Serve:

• Transfer the fried chicken pieces to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
• Serve hot with lemon wedges and your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Corn Flake-Crusted Fried Chicken:

• Use Fresh Corn Flakes: Fresh corn flakes provide a crispier coating than stale ones.
• Crush the Corn Flakes Finely: Use a food processor or rolling pin to crush the corn flakes into fine crumbs. This helps create a more uniform coating on the chicken.
• Season the Flour Mixture Generously: Don’t be shy with the seasonings in the flour mixture. This is where most of the flavor comes from.
• Chill the Chicken before Frying: Chilling the chicken helps the coating adhere better and results in a crispier crust.
• Fry the Chicken in Hot Oil: The oil should be hot enough to sizzle when the chicken is added. This helps create a crispy crust.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Avoid overcrowding the skillet with chicken pieces. This prevents the chicken from cooking evenly and becoming soggy.
• Use a Meat Thermometer: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through before serving.

Variations:

• Spicy Corn Flake-Crusted Fried Chicken: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
• Cheesy Corn Flake-Crusted Fried Chicken: Add 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese to the corn flake crumbs for a cheesy twist.
• Herbed Corn Flake-Crusted Fried Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, to the corn flake crumbs for a flavorful variation.

Serving Suggestions:

• Mashed Potatoes: Serve the corn flake-crusted fried chicken with creamy mashed potatoes for a classic comfort food meal.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw is a great side dish to balance the richness of the fried chicken.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, or zucchini, add a healthy and colorful touch to the meal.
• Honey Mustard Sauce: Serve honey mustard sauce on the side for dipping the fried chicken.

The Final Touch:

Corn Flake-Crusted Fried Chicken is a delightful dish that combines the flavors of crispy corn flakes with tender and juicy chicken. Whether you’re serving it for a special occasion or a casual family dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. So, put on your apron, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a memorable meal that will tantalize your taste buds!

Q&A:

Q: Can I use panko breadcrumbs instead of corn flakes?

A: Yes, you can use panko breadcrumbs as a substitute for corn flakes. Panko breadcrumbs will give the chicken a similar crispy coating, but with a slightly different texture.

Q: How do I make sure the chicken is cooked through?

A: Always use a meat thermometer to ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F before serving. This is the safest way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.

Q: Can I bake the corn flake-crusted chicken instead of frying it?

A: Yes, you can bake the corn flake-crusted chicken in the oven at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. However, frying the chicken will result in a crispier crust.