Need a simple, healthier version of crispy Fried Chicken that is just a bold with flavor? This recipe is for you! Quick to make, crunch on the outside, moist on the inside with great flavors of coconut, pecans and corn flakes!
School is starting again this week and my mind is wandering toward creating some new ‘fast and flavorful’ dishes for my weeknight dinner arsenal. Recently we were taking a walk past a place serving fried chicken and one of my kids commented on missing fried chicken (buying it prepared) since becoming gluten free. We don’t really eat deep fried foods often (though enjoyed some exceptions this year with Black Eyed Pea Fritters with Hot Sauce, Churros and Mini Jalapeno Corn Dogs) and I wanted to create something with the crust of fried chicken but baked instead.
Realistically our school year meal routine has to be easy. Recipes requiring low preparation yielding high reward are what I seek. For this recipe I prepared buttermilk brine with sweet onion, garlic and something I’m mad about, Sweet Chile Sauce.
Soaking chicken in buttermilk before frying is a traditional method of tenderizing the chicken. The chicken is then dredged in a mixture of crushed cornflakes (gluten free for me), unsweetened shredded coconut and pecans and baked!
The chicken is crispy and crunchy on the outside and fabulously moist on the inside. The mixture of the cornflakes, coconut and pecans make a perfect crust with unexpected flavors. It is the perfect substitute for fried chicken, healthier without the oil and completely delicious!
Though it marinates for 24-48 hours, the actual preparation is simple and quick. I prepared the marinade in the afternoon of one day and baked the chicken the following evening. The entire preparation took about 20 minutes leaving lots of time for other things! This is a sure hit for Back-to-School or anytime an unexpected dish is desired and no one has to know how little effort it takes!
Cornflake-Coconut Crusted Baked Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 cups Buttermilk
- 1/2 cup Sweet Onion , chopped
- 3 small Garlic Cloves , chopped
- 3 tablespoons Sweet Chili Sauce
- 4-5 bone-in Chicken Thighs (1 1/4-1 1/2 pounds), rinsed
- 4-5 Chicken Drumsticks , (1 1/4-1 1/2 pounds), rinsed
- 1 egg , lightly beaten
- 2 cups Cornflakes cereal , finely crushed to make 1 cup (gluten-free or regular)
- 1/2 cup Finely Shredded Coconut , unsweetened
- 1/2 cup Pecans , finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Kosher Salt
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper , freshly ground
Instructions
- 24-48 hours before cooking the chicken: Combine the buttermilk, sweet onion, garlic and sweet chile sauce in a gallon zipper plastic bag. Close and shake to combine. Place chicken in the bag, squeeze out air and seal. Note: to ensure no leakage I usually place the bag in a second gallon size zipper plastic bag and seal it. Refrigerate for at least 24 hours.
- When ready to cook the chicken: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
- Spray a large baking dish or baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl combine the cornflakes, coconut and pecans. Mix thoroughly.
- Place the lightly beaten egg in a bowl large enough to place a piece of chicken to coat it.
- Lift a piece of chicken from the buttermilk brine, allow liquid to drain back into the bag. Roll the chicken in the egg to coat. Next roll the piece of chicken in the cornflake-coconut-pecan mixture to fully coat. Place the chicken on the prepared pan.
- Repeat for remaining chicken thighs and drumsticks.
- Place in the oven for 30 minutes. Turn chicken over and bake 15 additional minutes for a total of 45 minutes.
This delicious recipe was originally published in August 2013 and has been updated in 2016.
Dawn McAlexander says
I would have never thought to coat my chicken with coconut. That is so interesting. And it looks really tasty, too. I would love to try this.
Nikki Wayne says
Wow! My son will surely love this dish! I would like to try this so soon!
Jeanine says
This looks to die for! I am going to make this ASAP. The only time I’ve ever really had any thing like this is from Popeyes and this just looks even better! Yum
Amanda Love says
I’m not sure I’ve used cornflakes before instead of bread crumbs! That’s an awesome idea especially if you’re going to bake the chicken. It’s crunchier and definitely more tasty!
Nicole Escat says
Oh Oh my goodness! I’m gonna make this coming weekend, I’m sure my family would love it.
Ora Lee Gurr says
It used to be a treat when my mom would make something special for lunch. I’d open up the bag and share with friends. The chicken sounds yummy.
Toni Dash says
What a lovely memory. Thanks so much for sharing it!
felicia says
I’ve tried something similar to this before and it was delicious. I’ve also had coconut shrimp. Yum!
Liz Mays says
Oh this chicken sound perfect. I’d love to make some like this next time. Those flavors are awesome!
Theresa says
This looks so good and I love how easy and fast it seems to prepare. I always was a fan of the crispy coating on chicken, and I bet the combo of ingredients here gives this dish a super crunch!
Lisa Joy Thompson says
This looks amazing! I bet the coconut adds a great flavor to the meal!
MJ.L says
The chicken looks delicious! I love coconut and chicken so I know I would love this!
Lisa Favre says
We often purchase chicken in bulk so I’m always on the lookout for a good and new chicken recipe. This is one I gotta try out!
Brianne says
I am always looking for new recipes for chicken. My kids love it cooked anyway and think I will def try this recipe for them! So yum!
Veronica Solomon says
You had me at coconut and crusted. Yum! It really looks delicious
Kristi says
We eat a lot of chicken so will be pinning this to try… always need new ways to make it! Wonder how it would be with Chicken Breast… that is the cut I usually buy.
Toni Dash says
I think it would be great! Dark meat has more flavor but it could be used on chicken breasts too.
Kita Bryant says
Wow, this looks and sounds amazing! I’m a sucker for some good chicken!
Annemarie LeBlanc says
Wow. Great alternative to the traditional way of having fried chicken. This would taste way better. I also marinade chicken pieces in buttermilk. It just makes it more tasty!
Brandy says
That looks so good! I’m interested to see how the coconut and the chicken taste together!
Pam says
Fried chicken is one of the things my daughter misses since having to go gluten free too. This sounds like a really yummy substitute.
Stacie @ Divine Lifestyle says
Corn flakes make a great crust for chicken. My grandmother used to make corn flakes crusted chicken all the time. I loved it more than regular fried chicken.
Toni Dash says
I love it too Stacie. That crunch can’t be beat and it’s healthier too (without tasting like it!)
Shilpa Shetty says
Waaw,.. Yumm,.. Thank you for this recipe,..
Chavonne Harvey says
I am loving the ingredients especially the cornflake pecan coconut combinations along with buttermilk, garlic and onion, wow! Gotta be amazing for the taste buds.
Debra says
This sounds so good. I love the flavors and the ease.
Toni Dash says
I do too Debra! ‘Ease’ is my main mission right now but I won’t sacrifice flavor or healthiness either. This recipe was just the ticket. I just need to come up with more now!
Liz says
This recipe for chicken sounds delicious. Thank you.
Toni Dash says
Thanks Liz! Hope you’ll try it!
Meeling says
Sounds & looks delicious! I too am back in the “easy” dinner mode as school is already upon us as of last week. My family will adore this, I am sure!
Toni Dash says
This recipe is a really a winner with my family. I love the crust as you get with fried chicken and the great flavors (and no grease). I’m seeking anything I can make quickly that is packed with filling nutrition!