Blog

Who says oven-baked chicken can’t have that satisfying, crave-worthy crunch of fried? This Crispy Cajun Chicken recipe proves it’s possible. The secret lies in a perfectly balanced coating—spicy, savory, and just slightly sweet thanks to crushed cornflakes. Whether you leave the skin on or remove it, each bite delivers a crunch that sings, complemented by juicy, flavorful chicken underneath. It’s a recipe that turns a simple dinner into a show-stopping Cajun-inspired meal.

Serving Size: 4 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 45-50 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh chicken (breasts, thighs, or drumsticks—your choice)
• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp Creole or Cajun spice blend
• 2 cups roughly crushed cornflakes
• Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
• Optional: a squeeze of hot sauce for extra kick

Instructions

1. Prep the Chicken
   Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil. Rinse chicken pieces under cold water, then pat completely dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture ensures your coating sticks perfectly and crisps up in the oven.
   
   
2. Make the Spiced Coating
   In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise with the Cajun or Creole spice blend. This mixture acts as a flavorful binder that keeps the cornflake coating in place while adding a layer of richness and spice. If you like a little extra heat, stir in a dash of hot sauce.
   
   
3. Prepare the Crunchy Crumbs
   Place crushed cornflakes on a shallow plate. Lightly season with salt and pepper. The cornflakes are the key to that signature oven-baked crunch. They toast beautifully in the oven and create a golden, textured exterior.
   
   
4. Coat the Chicken
   Dredge each chicken piece first in the mayonnaise-spice mixture, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then press the chicken into the crushed cornflakes, shaking off any excess. For pieces with skin, place them skin-side up on the prepared baking sheet for maximum crispiness.
   
   
5. Bake to Perfection
   Place the chicken in the oven and bake for 40–50 minutes, or until the coating is deep golden brown and the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 185°F (85°C). The result is a beautifully crisp crust with juicy, tender meat inside.
   
   
6. Serve and Enjoy
   Serve hot, paired with classic Cajun sides like dirty rice, collard greens, or a fresh corn salad. A drizzle of hot sauce or a wedge of lemon adds a finishing touch, enhancing the flavor of the crispy, golden crust.

For extra crunch, try using a mix of cornflakes and panko breadcrumbs. This creates multiple textures in the coating, giving you that deep, audible crunch with every bite.

Bring the Crunchy Cajun Flavor to Your Table

This Crispy Cajun Chicken is the perfect balance of spice, flavor, and texture. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough to bring to a holiday table, or any gathering where friends and family are ready to hear that satisfying crunch.