Chicken on a Stick

Why I Love This Recipe

• Kid Friendly Fun: Don’t ask me why, but kids LOVE anything on a stick! Or so I’ve found. From popsicles, corn dogs, shrimp kabobs….put it on a stick and watch what happens! It just makes eating so much more enjoyable for them.
• Crispy & Crunchy Without Frying – The cornflake coating gives the perfect crunch while baking (like in my Easy Chicken Nuggets recipe) keeps these chicken fingers light and healthier version than fried.
• Freezer Friendly: Chicken on a stick freezes beautifully so you can have a quick meal ready to go!
• Great for Parties & Lunchboxes – These skewers so versatile! They make a fun, mess-free appetizer for gatherings or put them in a school lunch for extra fun!

The Ingredients

• Cornflakes: This recipe uses cornflakes to get the crispiest breading ever! You can also use whole wheat flakes or any other savory flakey cereal.
• Chicken Tenders: Make sure you remove the stringy tendon before breading.
• Buttermilk: This ingredient tenderizes the chicken, keeping it moist and delicious.
• Popsicle sticks: This recipe still works without the stick, but it’s so much fun to eat food on a stick!

* See recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.*

How to Make Chicken on a Stick

Pin

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Spray with cooking oil spray and set aside. Place the cereal and salt in a zip lock bag and crush with a rolling pin OR place in a food processor until the size of breadcrumbs.

Pin

Step 2: Pour the buttermilk in a bowl. In a separate bowl (or large plate) pour the cereal.

Pin

Step 3: Using popsicle sticks, skewer the chicken tenders on to the sticks leaving a 1 inch handle. Sprinkle salt over chicken tenders.

Pin

Step 4: Roll the chicken tenders in the buttermilk and then in the cereal, coating the chicken completely. Press down lightly to adhere the cornflakes to the chicken.

Pin

Step 5: Place the chicken tender sticks on the sheet tray and lightly spray them with oil. Cover stick handles with foil so they do not burn.

Pin

Step 6: Bake the Chicken on a Stick for 16-18 minutes or until cooked through. Remove foil from the ends of the sticks and serve with favorite dipping sauce.

Why Use Cornflakes for Breading?

Using cornflakes (or other plain flakey cereal) instead of breadcrumbs is a popular alternative for making crispy chicken fingers for several reasons!

• Crispiness: Cornflakes tend to be crispier than breadcrumbs, which give you the crunchiest, crispiest chicken fingers ever!
• Gluten-free alternative: For those with gluten sensitivities, using cornflakes instead of breadcrumbs is a great alternative since most cornflakes are gluten-free!
• Simplicity: Some people prefer using cornflakes over breadcrumbs because it’s just down right easier or they already have cornflakes in their pantry for breakfast! You don’t have to worry about buying bread or processing it into breadcrumbs; cornflakes can simply be crushed in a plastic bag.

More Kid-Friendly Recipes on a Stick

• French Toast on a Stick
• Frozen Bananas on a Stick
• Chicken Tikka with Cucumber Mint Raita
• Corn Dog Muffin Bites
• Halibut Pesto Kabobs
• Fruit Caprese Kabobs

FAQs for Chicken on a Stick

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time? YES! Simply prepare your chicken on a stick, store them in the refrigerator, and then pop them into the oven when you’re ready to serve them. This makes them a great option for busy weeknights, as well as for when you’re hosting guests and want to minimize your time spent in the kitchen.
• Can I freeze chicken on a stick? Totally. To freeze, after step 5 (see recipe card below), place chicken tenders on a sheet tray and freeze for 30 minutes. Transfer to a freezer bag, label and freeze up to 4 months. When ready to eat, follow steps 6-9 adding an additional 3-5 minutes to the cooking time. Do not defrost. These are a great alternative to store bought frozen chicken nuggets.
• How do I get the stick in the chicken? I usually am able to just skewer it at the thickest end, but if it’s being stubborn you can cut a small “starter hole” and then place the popsicle stick in the hole. Just be sure to slowly do this so you don’t pierce the stick out of the side of the chicken tender or through the other end!
• Do I have to put these on a stick? Not at all. These are just downright delicious chicken fingers either way. The popsicle just adds a little fun factor for kids and them an easier to hold finger food for parties and events.