This Copycat Chicken Ring is like a hug in food form! It wraps tender chicken and cheesy goodness in a flaky crust, making it a perfect shareable treat.
You can have fun decorating it with your favorite toppings. Every slice is sure to make everyone smile—who wouldn’t love this tasty, homemade version?
I love serving it with some dipping sauce on the side. It’s super easy to whip up and great for family gatherings or just a fun dinner at home!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Using boneless, skinless chicken breasts is key for quick cooking. If you like, substitute with turkey breasts for a lighter option.
Cornflakes: Cornflakes give a great crunch! If you’re gluten-free, try crushed rice cereal or gluten-free breadcrumbs for the coating instead.
Cheeses: Cheddar is perfect for its melty texture. You can swap it with Monterrey Jack or even pepper jack for some spice. Parmesan adds a nice flavor, but if you don’t have it, a sprinkle of nutritional yeast can work!
Spices: The garlic and onion powders elevate the flavor. Feel free to add more spices, like Italian seasoning or chili powder, based on your taste preferences!
How Do You Get a Perfectly Crunchy Coating?
The crunch is all about the coating method. Make sure to follow the dredging steps closely. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with dry hands for coating: Dredge chicken in flour first. Shake off excess.
- Dip into beaten eggs to help the cornflakes stick, ensuring you’re coating evenly.
- Press firmly into the crushed cornflakes, really getting them to adhere. The more the merrier for crunch!
Brushing with oil or melted butter before baking is a game-changer for achieving a golden, crispy top.
How to Make a Tasty Copycat Chicken Ring
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Ring:
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or cornflake cereal
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Seasoning:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Finishing Touches:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter (for brushing)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lettuce or kale leaves (for serving)
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
- Sweet chili dipping sauce or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)
Estimated Time:
This recipe will take you about 15 minutes to prepare and about 30 minutes to bake. So, you’ll have a delicious Copycat Chicken Ring ready in just about 45 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a bundt pan or a ring mold to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Coating:
In three separate bowls, set up your coating stations. Place the flour in the first bowl, the beaten eggs in the second, and in the third bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will give your chicken a flavorful crunch!
3. Slice the Chicken:
Take the chicken breasts and cut them into 1-inch thick strips or medallions, making them easy to coat and arrange.
4. Coat the Chicken:
Now it’s time to coat the chicken! First, dredge each piece in the flour, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Next, dip it into the egg mixture to help the cornflakes stick. Finally, roll the chicken in the cornflake mixture, pressing gently to ensure a good covering.
5. Arrange the Chicken in the Pan:
Position the coated chicken strips vertically around the inside edge of the greased bundt pan, forming a lovely ring. Make it look neat—it’ll be impressive when you flip it over!
6. Add Cheese:
Sprinkle both shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the chicken pieces and in between any gaps for that cheesy goodness as it bakes.
7. Brush with Oil:
Using a pastry brush, lightly brush the top of the chicken and cheese layer with olive oil or melted butter. This step is crucial for achieving a golden, crispy coating.
8. Bake Your Chicken Ring:
Slide the bundt pan into the oven and let it bake for 25–30 minutes. It’s ready when the chicken is cooked through (make sure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the coating looks golden brown and delicious.
9. Cool and Serve:
Once baked, remove the pan from the oven carefully and let it sit for about 5 minutes. Then, gently invert it onto a serving plate. It should come out smoothly, revealing that beautiful chicken ring!
10. Garnish:
Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top as a garnish and serve it on a bed of lettuce or kale leaves. You can also add lime wedges for a zesty touch.
11. Dipping Sauce:
Don’t forget to serve the chicken ring warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like sweet chili sauce or ranch. Enjoy your delightful Copycat Chicken Ring, perfect for sharing!
Can I Use Other Types of Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended, you can also use chicken thighs for a juicier option. Just make sure they are deboned and skinless for best results.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
To make your Copycat Chicken Ring gluten-free, simply substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free cornflakes or crushed rice cereal for the coating. It will still be delicious!
Can I Prepare This Dish in Advance?
Yes, you can prep everything ahead of time! Coat the chicken and arrange it in the bundt pan, then cover and refrigerate for up to a day. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven right from the fridge—no need to thaw!
What Should I Do with Leftovers?
Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10–15 minutes or until warmed through to maintain its crispy texture!