Are you looking for a fun and crunchy twist on classic chicken recipes? Look no further than this Rice Krispie Chicken recipe, a delightful dish that combines the savory goodness of tender chicken with the irresistible crunch of Rice Krispies cereal.
Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe offers a playful alternative to the traditional breaded chicken that everyone will love.
The secret lies in the unique coating of crushed Rice Krispies, which gives the chicken a light, crispy texture that stays crunchy even after baking. Unlike heavy breadcrumbs or oily deep-fried chicken, this method uses less oil and creates a perfectly golden crust that’s both flavorful and healthier.
Whether you’re a busy parent seeking an easy weeknight meal or a cooking enthusiast eager to try something new, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Read on for a detailed guide to making this delicious dish from scratch, complete with tips, variations, and nutritional info. Let’s get cooking!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rice Krispie Chicken offers a unique crunch that sets it apart from typical breaded chicken dishes. The cereal coating provides a light texture without the heaviness of traditional breadcrumbs or flour, making it an irresistible choice for kids and adults alike.
Additionally, this recipe is incredibly easy to make. It requires simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry, and it comes together quickly.
No deep frying needed—just a quick bake in the oven for a healthier, less messy meal.
It’s also versatile! You can customize the seasoning in the coating or add your favorite dipping sauces to suit your taste.
Plus, it’s perfect for meal prepping or serving at parties because the chicken stays crispy even after cooling.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
- 3 cups Rice Krispies cereal, crushed
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray or 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Optional: ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper for a spicy kick
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Meat mallet or rolling pin (for flattening chicken breasts)
- Food processor or resealable bag (to crush Rice Krispies)
- Wire rack (optional, for crispier chicken)
- Whisk or fork (to beat eggs)
- Meat thermometer (to check doneness)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
- Prepare the chicken breasts: Using a meat mallet or rolling pin, gently pound the chicken breasts until they are about ½ inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and stay tender.
- Crush the Rice Krispies: Place the cereal in a food processor and pulse until you get coarse crumbs. Alternatively, place the cereal in a resealable plastic bag and crush it with a rolling pin.
- Set up your breading stations: In one shallow bowl, combine the flour with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). In a second bowl, whisk the eggs. In a third bowl, place the crushed Rice Krispies.
- Coat the chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the beaten eggs, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken into the crushed Rice Krispies, ensuring a full, even coating.
- Place the coated chicken breasts on the prepared baking sheet. For extra crispiness, place a wire rack on the baking sheet and arrange the chicken on it so the heat circulates underneath.
- Lightly spray the chicken with cooking spray or drizzle with olive oil. This helps the coating brown beautifully.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the coating is golden and crispy.
- Remove from oven and rest: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This locks in the juices and keeps the chicken moist.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces or sides.
Tips & Variations
“For the crispiest coating, use a wire rack on your baking sheet to allow air to circulate around the chicken.”
- Spice it up: Add chili powder, cumin, or cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a smoky or spicy flavor.
- Cheesy twist: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the crushed Rice Krispies before coating the chicken for an extra savory bite.
- Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free Rice Krispies and substitute the all-purpose flour with almond flour or a gluten-free blend.
- Make it smaller: Use chicken tenders or cut the breasts into strips for a perfect kid-friendly finger food.
- Dipping sauces: Serve with honey mustard, ranch, BBQ sauce, or a spicy aioli for variety.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 chicken breast) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 40 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Carbohydrates | 15 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sodium | 420 mg |
Serving Suggestions
This crunchy and flavorful chicken pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to make a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside:
- Fresh garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the richness.
- Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
- Mashed potatoes or creamy coleslaw for comforting sides.
- Steamed rice or quinoa for a wholesome, filling option.
- Sweet potato fries for a fun, crispy complement.
Don’t forget to add your favorite dipping sauces on the side to amp up the flavor and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Conclusion
Rice Krispie Chicken is a delightful and innovative way to enjoy a classic comfort food with a crunchy twist. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s perfect for cooks of all skill levels who want to impress family and friends without spending hours in the kitchen.
The crispy, golden coating adds a fun texture that pairs perfectly with juicy, tender chicken inside. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight dinner or prepping for a party, this recipe fits the bill.
Plus, it’s versatile enough for customization and sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Give this recipe a try today and enjoy a new favorite chicken dish that’s as tasty as it is fun to eat!
📖 Recipe Card: Rice Krispie Chicken
Description: A crunchy and flavorful baked chicken recipe coated with crushed Rice Krispies cereal. Perfect for a quick and easy dinner with a crispy twist.
Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 cups Rice Krispies cereal, crushed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 eggs
- 2 tablespoons milk
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a shallow bowl, beat eggs with milk.
- In another bowl, combine crushed Rice Krispies, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, then coat with the Rice Krispie mixture.
- Place coated chicken on a greased baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil or melted butter.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken is cooked through and coating is crispy.
Nutrition: Calories: 350 kcal | Protein: 35 g | Fat: 10 g | Carbs: 20 g
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