Plated + Served: Crunchy Oven Baked Chicken
I’m fit to be tied. Mama’s family STILL expects to be fed even though I have A MILLION things to do before my house guests descend and the holidays are here.
Can you imagine???
Seriously, I’m making all of my “throw-it-in-the-oven-and-set-the-timer” recipes because I still have so much to do. This dish is not only easy to prepare because it has only FOUR ingredients, but also because you use leftover cereal to make the crispy crust. Just make sure the cereal isn’t stale!
I used cornflakes this time, but I’ve tried Special K, Mini Shredded Wheat and (true confession time) Cap’n Crunch. I used that sugar-bomb cereal as a crust on chicken legs for one of my kids’ birthday parties. I hate to admit it, but it was surprisingly good. I don’t recommend Raisin Bran, Lucky Charms or any cereal that has “add-ins.”
If you’ve already blown your diet because of the holidays and you want to make this uber-delicious, substitute a creamy dressing, like Ranch, or mayonnaise for the yogurt. Sounds like one of those recipes you’d get off the side of a jar, doesn’t it?
Mama is obviously in need of a little more sleep…
Crunchy Oven Baked Chicken
Crunchy Oven Baked Chicken
prep: 10 minutes
cook: about an hour
serves: 4
you’ll need…
3 lbs. chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, legs… skinless works great)
1 ½ cups breakfast cereal (cornflakes, shredded wheat, or other grain cereal)
4 oz. shredded cheese (Italian blend, cheddar, parmesan or your favorite)
¾ cup plain yogurt (or mayo or a creamy salad dressing like Ranch)
let’s get to it…
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste; set aside.
Place cereal in a re-sealable plastic bag; crush with a rolling pin or a heavy can.
Add shredded cheese to bag; shake to mix.
Brush each chicken piece with yogurt; drop into bag and shake gently to thoroughly coat.
Place in a 13 x 9-inch baking dish.
Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until internal temperature of chicken reaches 165°F.
cooking know how…
For a boost of flavor, add a teaspoon or two of your favorite spice or herb blend to the cereal and cheese mixture.
