Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 chicken fillet (boneless, skinless)
• 1 teaspoon dried garlic
• 1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 small pinch of ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 cup highly carbonated drinking water or 1/2 cup kefir

For the Batter:

• 3 eggs
• 1 pinch sweet paprika
• 1 pinch salt
• 3-4 tablespoons wheat flour (all-purpose)

For the Coating:

• 2 cups unglazed corn flakes (without sugar)
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

How to Make It:

1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
   • Start by preparing the chicken fillet. Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat it dry with paper towels. Slice the chicken fillet into strips or small pieces, depending on your preference.
   • In a mixing bowl, combine the dried garlic, sweet paprika, black pepper, and salt. Add 1/2 cup of carbonated water or kefir to the bowl, and stir well to combine.
   • Place the chicken fillet pieces into the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. If possible, marinate it for up to 2 hours for enhanced flavor.
2. Prepare the Batter:
   • While the chicken is marinating, prepare the batter. In a separate bowl, crack the eggs and whisk them together with a pinch of salt and sweet paprika.
   • Gradually add the wheat flour to the egg mixture, whisking continuously to form a smooth, slightly thick batter. The flour adds body to the batter, helping it cling to the chicken fillet pieces.
3. Crush the Cornflakes:
   • Take 2 cups of unglazed cornflakes and place them in a zip-top bag or between two sheets of wax paper. Use a rolling pin or your hands to crush the cornflakes into coarse crumbs. Don’t pulverize them into fine crumbs—larger flakes provide a crispier texture.
4. Heat the Oil:
   • In a deep frying pan or a large pot, pour 2 cups of vegetable oil and heat it over medium heat. The oil should reach a temperature of around 180°C (350°F) for frying. You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of batter into the oil; if it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
5. Coat the Chicken:
   • Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator. Dip each piece of chicken into the egg batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, press the chicken pieces into the crushed cornflakes, gently pressing down so the cornflakes adhere to the batter.
   • Repeat this process for all the chicken fillet pieces.
6. Fry the Chicken:
   • Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, frying them in small batches. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in less crispy chicken.
   • Fry each piece for about 3-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 75°C (165°F).
   • Once fried, use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and transfer it to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
7. Serve:
   • Serve the crispy chicken fillets immediately, while they’re still hot and crunchy. They pair perfectly with dipping sauces like ketchup, honey mustard, or garlic aioli. You can also serve them with a side salad or fries for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used and portion sizes.

FAQs:

1. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it? Yes! To make a healthier version, you can bake the chicken fillets. Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) and place the coated chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
2. What can I use instead of cornflakes? If you don’t have cornflakes, you can use breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or panko. Each will give a slightly different texture but still provide a crunchy coating.
3. Can I make the batter ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the batter up to 1 day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Give it a quick whisk before using to make sure it’s smooth.
4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of fillet? Yes, boneless chicken thighs work just as well. They are more flavorful and slightly juicier than chicken fillets. Simply adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a few minutes longer to cook through.

Tips for Making the Perfect Crispy Chicken Fillet:

1. Use carbonated water for extra crispiness:
   The carbonation in sparkling water creates tiny air bubbles in the batter, resulting in a lighter and crunchier coating. Kefir also works well for tenderness but won’t give the same crispy texture.
2. Don’t skip the marinating step:
   Marinating the chicken helps infuse it with flavor and ensures the meat stays juicy while frying.
3. Crush the cornflakes coarsely:
   Keeping the cornflakes in larger pieces ensures a crunchier coating. Avoid crushing them too finely, as this will result in a less crispy texture.
4. Fry in small batches:
   Frying in small batches ensures the oil temperature stays consistent, which is key to achieving that perfect golden-brown crust. Overcrowding the pan can lead to soggy chicken.

Storage Tips:

1. Refrigeration:
   If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F) for 10-15 minutes, or until crispy and heated through.
2. Freezing:
   You can freeze the fried chicken fillets by placing them on a baking sheet in the freezer until frozen solid. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen in the oven until crispy and hot.
3. Reheating:
   Avoid microwaving the chicken, as this can make the coating soggy. Instead, reheat in the oven for the best results.

Conclusion:

Crispy Chicken Fillet in Cornflake Batter is a delicious and satisfying dish that offers the perfect balance of crunchy texture and juicy, flavorful chicken. Whether you’re looking for a fun family meal or an easy-to-make snack, this recipe is sure to please. The combination of marinated chicken, seasoned batter, and the crispiness of cornflakes creates a dish that’s both simple and flavorful. Serve it with your favorite dips and sides, and enjoy a comforting meal that will quickly become a favorite in your household!