Ziploc Ranch Chicken

It never fails. You buy a box of corn flakes for one recipe or because it was on sale. But do you actually eat them? Not us. It sits in the pantry and is overlooked every morning. But did you know that corn flakes are great for baking with? They crush and cook so nicely and add the perfect crunch to anything. 

Like chicken. Tonight I'm taking those cornflakes and using them as a delicious coating for chicken drumsticks. A fried chicken alternative, if you will. Quickly mix up ranch seasoning and "green shaker cheese" (parmesan) and shake onto fresh chicken. Your family will love the flavor. And they'll love eating with their fingers. 

mix directly into ziploc bag, in bowl for picture 

I'm not one to love working with raw chicken, but I'm willing to do it here. The flavor that chicken drumsticks give is well worth it. I have made this coating for chicken tenders and it works just fine. But I urge you to go ahead and take time to trim the skin on and prep the drumsticks. After that it's just a drop in the bag. 

Once your chicken is ready, I like to lay it on in a dish or on a foil lined pan. Drizzle pieces with butter. Butter? Well there's an ingredient you haven't seen me include yet! I do use it sparingly. And a little goes a long ways here so 1/4 cup is all you need! You can roll the pieces around a little in the dish to evenly coat. Plus it provides a buttery, nonstick surface on the pan. 

Sprinkle leftovers from the ziploc bag on to the chicken before baking 

Wash your hands and then mix up the dry ingredients in a handy, dandy...ziploc bag!  Drop each chicken piece into bag one at a time. Give a good shake and coat/crush the cereal using your hands on outside of bag to coat as much of the chicken as possible. Lay each piece in dish.

Once all coated, back uncovered in dish for about 40 minutes, or until golden and internal temp reaches 160 degrees. 

Serve with a simple side.  All the flavor of a bucket of chicken without the grease. Mouthwatering Mondays made easy.

Happy eating, friends!

xo,

Brit

Ziploc Ranch Chicken

Ingredients

2 pounds chicken drumsticks (~ 8 pieces)
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups corn flakes
1 packet dry ranch dressing mix

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line pan with foil, if neccessary
2. Drizzle washed, trimmed and dried chicken with melted butter 
3. Combine cheese, corn flakes and dressing mix in ziploc bag, coat chicken

4. Bake uncovered for 40 minutes or until golden