Cereal Chicken Recipe: A Chinese Twist to Explore

Cereal chicken is a unique and delicious way to enjoy chicken, and it's easy to make at home. With a crispy coating made from Nestum cereal and a spicy curry butter sauce, it's sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

Understanding Cereal Chicken Cereal chicken is a popular dish in Chinese cuisine, often found in dai chow restaurants. It's made by coating chicken pieces in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and Nestum cereal, then deep-frying them until they're crispy and golden brown. The chicken is then tossed in a spicy curry butter sauce, made from a blend of curry leaves, chilli padi, and Planta margarine. The result is a dish that's both crunchy and flavourful, with a unique texture and taste that's sure to please.

Ingredients and Substitutions To make cereal chicken, you'll need boneless chicken thighs, Nestum cereal, curry leaves, and Planta margarine. You'll also need flour, cornstarch, minced garlic, and milk powder, as well as chilli padi and coriander powder for added flavour. If you're looking to mix things up, you can also try using seafood instead of chicken. Prawns or squid work particularly well, and can add a delicious seafood twist to the dish.

Key Takeaways

• Cereal chicken is a unique and delicious Chinese dish that's easy to make at home.
• The dish is made by coating chicken pieces in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and Nestum cereal, then tossing them in a spicy curry butter sauce.
• You can substitute chicken with seafood such as prawns or squid to add a delicious twist to the dish.

Understanding Cereal Chicken

If you haven't tried cereal chicken, you're missing out on one of the most delicious dishes in Singapore and Malaysia. This dish is a perfect blend of crispy chicken and crunchy cereal, and it's a favourite among locals and tourists alike.

Origins of Cereal Chicken

Cereal chicken is believed to have originated in Singapore and Malaysia, where it has become a staple in many households. The dish was created by combining crispy fried chicken with Nestum cereal, a popular brand of cereal in the region. Over time, the recipe has evolved, and many variations of cereal chicken can now be found.

Cereal Chicken Variations

There are many variations of cereal chicken, but the basic recipe involves marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of soy sauce, sugar, and spices. The chicken is then coated in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and cereal before being fried until crispy.

One popular variation of cereal chicken is to add curry leaves and chillies to the recipe, which gives the dish a spicy kick. Another variation is to use seafood instead of chicken, such as prawns or fish. If you decide to use seafood, be sure to choose a firm-fleshed fish like cod or haddock, which will hold up well during frying.

Cereal chicken is a delicious dish that is easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you're cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. So why not give it a try and see for yourself why it's so popular in Singapore and Malaysia?

Ingredients and Substitutions

If you're looking for a delicious and easy-to-make Chinese dish, cereal chicken is a great option. It's a dish that's popular in many Chinese households, and it's easy to see why. The combination of crispy chicken and sweet and savoury cereal is simply irresistible. In this section, we'll take a look at the ingredients you'll need to make this dish, as well as some possible substitutions you can make.

Choosing the Right Chicken

The key to making great cereal chicken is to use the right type of chicken. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best option, as they are more flavourful and tender than chicken breasts. If you prefer, you can also use chicken wings or drumettes for a more snackable version of the dish. If you're looking for a seafood option, you can use peeled and deveined prawns or even squid rings.

Cereal Options

The cereal is the star of the show in this dish, and there are a few different options you can choose from. The most popular cereal option is Nestum cereal, which is a type of malted wheat and rice cereal. Cornflakes and oats can also be used as a substitute, but they will give the dish a different texture and flavour. If you're looking for a gluten-free option, you can use crushed rice crackers or gluten-free cornflakes.

Seasonings and Flavour Enhancers

To give the dish its signature flavour, you'll need to use a few key seasonings and flavour enhancers. Salt and pepper are a must, as they help to bring out the flavours of the chicken and cereal. Turmeric powder can also be used to add a subtle spicy flavour and a vibrant yellow colour to the dish. Chili and curry leaves are optional, but they add a nice kick of heat and a fragrant aroma to the dish. Sugar can be used to balance out the flavours and add a touch of sweetness. Milk powder can also be added to the cereal mixture to give it a creamier texture.

Cereal chicken is a delicious and easy-to-make Chinese dish that's perfect for any occasion. By choosing the right chicken, cereal, and seasonings, you can create a dish that's both flavourful and satisfying. Whether you're making it for a family dinner or a party, cereal chicken is sure to be a hit.

Preparation Before Cooking

Before cooking the delicious cereal chicken, it is important to prepare the ingredients and marinate the chicken properly. Here are some steps to follow:

Marinating the Chicken

Marinating the chicken is crucial to infuse it with flavour and tenderize the meat. You can marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes or overnight in the refrigerator for better results. Here is how to marinate the chicken:

• Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
• Add your preferred marinade, which can be a mixture of soy sauce, oyster sauce, sesame oil, rice wine, and garlic.
• To add seafood flavour to your cereal chicken, you can use prawns or shrimps as a substitute or addition to chicken. Marinate the seafood with a mixture of soy sauce, garlic, and ginger.

Mixing the Cereal Coating

The cereal coating is what gives the chicken its unique texture and flavour. Here is how to mix the cereal coating:

• Crush the cornflakes or Nestum cereal into small pieces and mix them with flour, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• To enhance the flavour of the cereal coating, you can add some curry leaves, shallots, or chili padi to the mixture.
• For a seafood twist, you can use dried shrimp or fish floss as a substitute or addition to the cereal coating.

Once you have marinated the chicken and mixed the cereal coating, you are ready to cook the cereal chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed for a traditional Chinese-style cereal chicken?

To make a traditional Chinese-style cereal chicken, you will need boneless chicken thighs, curry leaves, chili, garlic, margarine, potato starch flour, Nestum cereal, and milk powder. You can also add seafood to the recipe, such as prawns or scallops, to give it a unique flavour.

How can you maintain the crispiness of chicken when cooking it in a cereal batter?

To maintain the crispiness of the chicken when cooking it in a cereal batter, it is important to use fresh cereal and not let it sit for too long in the batter. You should also fry the chicken in hot oil and not overcrowd the pan. It's best to fry the chicken in batches to ensure that each piece is crispy and golden brown.

What makes Singaporean cereal chicken unique compared to other versions?

Singaporean cereal chicken is unique because it incorporates Nestum cereal, a popular breakfast cereal in Singapore, into the recipe. The cereal gives the dish a crunchy texture and slightly sweet taste. Additionally, Singaporean cereal chicken often includes other ingredients such as prawns or scallops, which adds a seafood flavour to the dish.

Can you use cornflakes as a substitute for traditional cereal in Chinese chicken recipes?

Yes, you can use cornflakes as a substitute for traditional cereal in Chinese chicken recipes. However, the texture and taste of the dish will be slightly different. Cornflakes tend to be sweeter and less crispy than traditional cereal, so you may need to adjust the recipe accordingly.

What are the steps to making a crispy cereal chicken dish at home?

To make a crispy cereal chicken dish at home, start by cutting boneless chicken thighs into small pieces. Then, mix the chicken with egg, potato starch flour, and traditional Chinese cereal. Heat up some oil in a frying pan and fry the chicken until it is crispy and golden brown. Serve the chicken with a side of rice or vegetables.

Is there a spicy variant of cereal chicken, and how is it prepared?

Yes, there is a spicy variant of cereal chicken that is often served in Chinese restaurants. To make the spicy version, you can add chili flakes or chili powder to the batter. You can also add chopped chili peppers to the dish for an extra kick of heat. For a seafood twist, you can add prawns or scallops to the dish.