I came across a recipe for oven-fried chicken somewhere that called for mixing crushed cereal squares with panko crumbs that looked kinda tasty.
By happy coincidence, I came across a packet of chicken drumsticks and an old packet of Rice Krispies (left over, I think, from the last tie I made bacon chocolate) in my freezer, and took that as a sign that I should make this chicken.
Good sign; tasty chicken.
INGREDIENTS
•1-1/2 cup crushed Rice Krispies
•1-1/2 cup panko crumbs
•1 tbsp canola oil
•2 tsp seasoned salt
•1/2 tsp paprika
•1/2 tsp black pepper
•1/4 cup spicy Russian dressing
•1/4 cup mayonnaise
•1 tsp ginger curry mustard
•Bone-in chicken pieces
Heat your oven to 400º. Line a baking pan with foil, place a rack in the pan, and lightly apply cooking spray.
Crush the Rice Krispies in a food processor, then measure out 1-1/2 cup and combine in a large zipper bag with the panko, canola oil, seasoned salt, paprika, and black pepper.
Combine the Russian dressing with the mayonnaise and mustard in a large, flat bottomed bowl.
Rinse the chicken and pat dry, then roll in the mayonnaise mixture to coat well.
Drop the coated chicken pieces, one or two at a time, in the Rice Krispies/panko bag and shake to cover with the mixture – pressing lightly, if needed, to get the breading to stick.
Transfer the breaded chicken pieces to the rack on the baking sheet and repeat with the remaining pieces.
Note: I used five chicken drumsticks, but there was enough of the mayonnaise mixture and the breading to accommodate twice that amount, so if you’re looking to feed a crowd, just add more drumsticks. Obvs, if you’re using bone-in breasts, you may need to adjust quantities.
Pop the chicken into your hot oven and bake for 40 minutes – if you’re using larger pieces, adjust your baking times accordingly – halved bone-in chicken breasts should probably bake for 50 minutes or so.
Remove your now nicely baked and crispity chicken and serve – hot or cold, as dinner, lunch, or a snack – it’s all good.
And now I have another use for that old cereal hanging about my freezer.