This crispy polenta crusted chicken is a great choice if you fancy homemade chicken nuggets. Easy to make as well as deliciously crisp and tasty, it's a recipe the whole family will enjoy!
This week l did something I have never done before and something I didn't expect I would ever do. I bought a bag of dried polenta. That may not sound very exciting, and it's probably something I would never have done if I hadn't come across the idea of using polenta in place of breadcrumbs.
You'll love this recipe even if you don't like polenta!
You see, I don't really like polenta. I know some people may be reading and thinking that maybe I just haven't had it cooked well. That may be the case, but I have tried it in restaurants where I loved everything but the polenta. I don't hate it, I just don't really enjoy it. Give me good mashed potato any day!
Easier than a traditional breadcrumb coating
I also have to admit to not coating things in breadcrumbs very often as I find the whole flour, egg, then breadcrumbs process quite messy and so I tend to avoid it. With this polenta coated chicken recipe, you don't need any egg, you don't need any flour and I found far less polenta sticking to my fingers than I do when I use breadcrumbs. In fact, it was quite a revelation to me. I would be very surprised now if I didn't buy polenta again.
What ingredients do you need for polenta crusted chicken?
There are just 4 ingredients in these homemade polenta chicken nuggets. You just need chicken cut into strips, dried polenta, buttermilk and seasoning. That means it's a really simple recipe and easy to prepare. It may take just slightly longer than taking some chicken nuggets out of the freezer but not much longer!
Of course, it's so good to know exactly what is in them too. I know that many of use don't really trust the quality of the chicken nuggets you buy!
How do you cook these polenta chicken strips?
To keep this recipe really healthy I like to bake these chicken strips in the oven. They take about 20 minutes at 200C. However, if you have an air fryer they are also great cooked in that. They also take about 20 minutes. By the way, I do also have a recipe for spicy air fryer chicken nuggets!
If you want a more indulgent crispy chicken meal you could even deep fry them though. I'm sure they would be amazing if you fancy a deep fried chicken fix! Or just shallow fry them in a little oil. I won't judge!
What are these polenta chicken nuggets like?
These polenta crusted chicken strips are mildly spiced. I used a spice mix with salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, coriander and nutmeg. However, you could use any combination of spices that you like, or even none at all. The coating is deliciously crispy too.
How can you adapt this recipe?
As I said you could vary the spices in the polenta coating. At it's simplest you could just add some salt and pepper or you could really spice things up with a hot chilli powder.
If you don't have buttermilk then just use yogurt. It also works well and I've often used it as a substitute in these homemade chicken nuggets.
What else could you coat in this polenta crumb?
I think the polenta coating would be great for homemade fish fingers, which is now one of the next plans on my list. You could also use it on vegetables. It would give a delicious crisp coating to avocado fries, green beans or courgette. It's also great on homemade potato wedges and chips made with either sweet potatoes or normal white potatoes.
Recipe
Polenta Crusted Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 100 ml buttermilk
- 100 g polenta
- ½ teaspoon seasoning I used one I often use for potato wedges
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200C.
- Slice the chicken into strips. Put them in a bowl with the buttermilk and leave in the fridge to marinate for 30 minutes or a little longer.
- Put the polenta in a bowl and mix in the seasoning.
- Roll the strips of chicken in the polenta to thoroughly coat with the crumb mixture.
- Place the chicken strips on a baking tray. Drizzle or spray with oil.
- Bake in the oven at for 20 minutes until crispy
Notes
Nutrition
If you like this polenta crusted chicken why not try one of these recipes?
Pin for later
Keep in touch
Do let me know if you make this polenta chicken nuggets recipe. I love to get feedback from readers.
You can also stay up to date by following on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
Jo @ Jo's Kitchen Larder
I've meant to try polenta instead of breadcrumbs on my chicken nuggets for ages especially that I tend to have a bag on the go from roasting sweet potato wedges. Your photos look so inviting you just want to help yourself and pick a nugget 🙂 Will be trying polenta version soon for sure! x
Corina
I hope you like them with polenta Jo. I now need to test out using polenta on potato wedges! x
Kavey Favelle
Oh what a cunning idea! I've seen polenta used on both roast potatoes and chips to make them super crunchy but never thought of using it for a fried chicken crumb! Love it!
Corina
I think I've heard of it used on chips and roast potatoes too but haven't tried that yet. It's definitely something I'd like to test out soon now!
Catherine Brown
Mmmmm, I love new crispy coating ideas. I bet this would be fabulous with cut up vegetables too!
Corina
Yes, I think it would be great on veggies too! I'd love to try it on avocado next.
Bintu - Recipes From A Pantry
I've never thought of using polenta as a coating but what a brilliant idea, I bet it is crispy and delicious
Corina
Oh it is! It's a really easy recipe too which is always a bonus!
Lauren
What a great idea! I've never thought of using Polenta!
Corina
I'm so pleased you like it Lauren! It works really well on the chicken.
Emily
What a great idea, I've never used polenta in this way before. Love it!
Corina
Oh you should try it on something. It's my favourite way to use polenta now!
ANGELA
Love the idea of polenta as a coating! It certainly gives things a unique flavor and great texture!
Corina
Yes, it does have a lovely crunch. Definitely my favourite way to use polenta!
Jeni @ Biscuits & Booze
Polenta as breading is a wonderful idea! I bet these make excellent chicken tenders.
Corina
Oh they do Jeni! This method is really so easy too.
Grandma Loy
Hi, I have no idea what time it is in England, it is 9:30 p.m. in Washington State, USA. I am writing to let you know that this wonderful recipe is the one I picked for February 2015 Secret Recipe Club. Thanks for sharing a wonderful recipe. Have a great week.
Corina
I'm so glad you enjoyed this. I'm going to make it again now as it's nice to be reminded of an old favourite recipe.
Laura@Baking In Pyjamas
Looks yummy. Thanks for linking up to Sweet and Savoury Sunday, stop by and link up again this weekend!
Corina
I'm glad you like it.
Honest Mum
Oh wow, just scrumptious, thanks for linking!
Corina
Glad you like it.
thereadingresidence
I've never used polenta - I, too, am a mash fan & occasionally do the breadcrumbs thing, but find it a lot of hassle! Thanks for sharing this 🙂
Corina
This was so much less messy than using breadcrumbs. I do like breadcrumbs but I hate the big clumps you get on your fingers as you are doing it.
yummychunklet
Great way to coat chicken!
Corina
Thank you.
jacquigourlay
I do quite often do the whole flour-egg-breadcrumb- thing and it is messy, will need to try this instead!
Joanne
So glad you discovered a delicious use for polenta! I, personally, love the stuff!