If you fry one thing that’s not donuts or latkes, it’s this fried chicken.
A couple of years ago, I received a photo of a handwritten recipe and the sender called it, “Mike’s Chicken.”
Many of you know that Mikes Chicken Crunchers is a fried chicken takeout located in Lakewood, NJ. And it’s known to make simply the best chicken ever. Every flavor is good, especially when combined with those dips that come with every order. But it’s his Original Chicken Crunchers that were first to become popular and are still the signature item. They really are the best fried chicken with frosted flakes.
Over the years, many similar copycat schnitzel recipes have popped up. A lot of people have thought that they created something “just like Mike’s.” But they never really were as good, until now.
Mike’s Original Crunchers are described this way, “The sweet, savory and crunchy chicken that started it all. Battered and breaded chicken tenders in sweet and crunchy cornflakes.”
Yes, I tried the recipe as soon as I received it. And, yes, they tasted just like Mike’s Original Chicken Crunchers. But who did this recipe belong to? Now I needed to find out. (See more Kopy Kat kosher recipes here.)
I started with Mike directly! Looking at the recipe, he said that it was very close to what he does, but it’s not his recipe and so he’s flattered that someone tried to create a copycat of his Original Crunchers.
I reached out to the person who shared it with me and asked her to try and dig back to who originally sent it to her. She had no luck. We reached a dead end quickly.
Using the power of social media, I posted a screenshot of the recipe, the original handwritten version. Maybe someone would recognize their own handwriting? I wrote, “I like the recipe, it’s awesome, I would like to share it but don’t know who to credit! No one is getting into any trouble, so admit if it was you!”
Someone replied that she had the same screen shot with a phone number on top. Using my least stalkerish skills I messaged a complete stranger. She too replied that she got it from a chat, and looks like someone screenshoted her number when she posted it.
Got a few more leads, messaged more strangers, made some friends but it all came to a dead end.
You see, I worked hard! But I never did share the recipe.
Now, a few years have passed, years in which we’ve been enjoying this recipe. It’s had been passed around a bit, but was still not publicly available. Should we share it on BCP?
I called Mike again for this thoughts. I said, “I still don’t know who the recipe belongs to, but it’s definitely a copycat of yours. Do you mind if I share it on BCP?
Laughing, Mike said, “Sure, go ahead.”
If you are in Lakewood, go ahead and order Original Chicken Crunchers (or Hot Poppers) to go. The rest of you can make your own copycat version and enjoy it at home, wherever your home is!
Marinate the chicken ahead of time with orange juice
and teriyaki sauce.
You can freeze at this point, or continue on.
Add the dry ingredients
to the chicken
and mix well.
Coat in Frosted Flakes.
Now for frying…
Important Frying Tip:
We DO NOT recommend using a pot for frying these. It’s really hard to get consistent results and evenly fried chicken when you can’t control the temperature. For best results, we recommend using the FryDaddy, or the larger version, the Fry GranPappy. They are simple and easy to use and give great, even frying results every time.
We also use the FryDaddy in this post, for the best classic donut!
Variations:
–If you prefer a more savory version, we’ve made this using Corn Flakes instead of Frosted Flakes as well.
–Victoria makes a sweeter “Waffle” version that does not include garlic/paprika and instead includes ½ maple syrup after adding the flour.
Make Ahead/Freezing Instructions:
–If freezing raw, thaw completely before frying.
–You can also freeze after frying if you don’t want to be busy frying on the day of serving. There are detailed freezing instructions in this post, but for quick reference, just bring them to room temperature on the counter or stovetop when the oven is on (i.e. warm spot). You don’t need to warm up! Just take them out far enough ahead.
UPDATE! Baking Instructions:
Thanks to our readers for sharing that they’ve had success baking this recipe instead of frying!
Reader AK shared she below that she sprays well with nonstick cooking spray, then bakes these @ 375F lightly covered for 20 minutes and then 10-15 minutes uncovered. We tried this method and it worked out well!
Reader YF shared below that she baked @ 425F for 20 minutes and it also worked out well.
Use a “real” (i.e. hard) baking sheet lined with parchment paper when baking.
Mike’s Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 lbs chicken tenders
- ½ cup teriyaki sauce
- ½ cup orange juice
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 3 garlic cloves, crushed
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 tsp paprika
- Frosted Flakes, crushed
Instructions
- In a bowl or Ziploc bag, marinate chicken with teriyaki sauce and orange juice for at least 1 hour.
- Add flour, baking powder, garlic, salt, and paprika. The batter may be thick and may need a bit of water. Dip in Frosted Flakes. When ready to fry, heat oil in a deep fryer. Fry until golden brown. Enjoy!
Notes
–If you prefer a more savory version, we’ve made this using Corn Flakes instead of Frosted Flakes as well. –Victoria makes a sweeter “Waffle” version that does not include garlic/paprika and instead includes ½ maple syrup after adding the flour.
Looks interesting if a bit sweet. You didn’t include the Frosted Flakes in the ingredients list. If you fix it, feel free to remove this comment.
I’ve been making this recipe for years. The only difference is that we do half frosted and half regular corn flakes. I freeze all the time and warm up on a cookie sheet straight from the freezer into the oven until just hot.
Also I use a regular large frying pan. I don’t own a deep fryer.
This is a great recipe. I use half corn flakes and half Frosted Flakes. I’ve also baked them and sprayed with Pam
Regarding the deep fryer that you’ve linked here, it seems like it doesn’t have a basket like most deep fryers do, and instead you have to fish for your food with a slotted spoon. I’m looking to buy a deep fryer now and am wondering if this aspect is annoying?
Thanks.
It’s not annoying at all. I own both versions of Fry Daddy’s and I don’t mind using the slotted spoon instead of the basket. Cleanup is easier for sure. Another different between old and new versions is that the old version had a temperature gage. This one, you just plug in, there’s no settings. I sort of like the simplification.
Thanks 🙂
Hi looks yum just wondering what the dip is on the side? can u share a recipe?
I make the dip that is featured on the cover of Dinner Done.
This was a hit – a real deep fried Chanukah treat! I should have bought two boxes of Frosted Flakes, as it used a lot of them. Thank you!
Oh my! Can’t wait to try this one! My kids LOVE Mike’s chicken!! Just wondering – what brand of Teriyaki to you use? There are so many brands out there, with different consistencies. I never know which one to buy. Thanks!
I always use La Choy Teriyaki – Find that it’s the best (the one with the purple cap)
Do they make that anymore? I can’t find it anywhere! Thanks!
You can bake these as well- I’ve done it on 375 for 20 minutes lightly covered and then uncovered for another 10-15 mins. Just spray well with pam. Comes out so good and so crunchy- almost as if they’re fried!
Thanks for this comment. I kind of skipped this recipe bec I don’t like to fry and I’m certainly not buying a other appliance (a deep fryer) just for this. Now I will bl’n make it!
These Kopycat Mike’s chicken fingers were fantastic! I made it exactly as specified and they look exactly like the pictures. I did use a regular pot for frying as I don’t have an electric deep fryer. I made sure the temperature was at 350° so they fried up great. This recipe is definitely a keeper! I used one gloved hand to take the coated raw chicken pieces out of the bag and used another gloved hand to roll in the frosted flakes and I laid them all on a platter so they would be ready to fry, a few at a time. Was not as messy as I thought it would be. The crust was very crispy and only slightly sweet and the chicken was very tender and moist. I did sprinkle a little kosher salt on them as soon as they came out of the oil.
Wow so many comments already! Could I put in a request for a recipe for Mike’s sticky barbecue chicken fingers? They’re my family’s favorite and I would love to know how to make something similar at home
This recipe sounds great. I’m wondering if it will work well with GF flour. I hope to try it out.
Can’t wait to try!
Can you copy Mike’s ranch recipe please?
My family can eat it every day!
Looks so good!!
Anything I can use instead of orange juice?
Lol I was not very prepared. Didn’t have OJ or teriyaki…
I ended up making a concentrated sweet lemon-ade instead of the OJ (it was like the sourness and sweetness of OJ just in lemonade) And I did soy sauce and honey instead of the teriyaki.
It came out great! Thanks!
I can’t wait to try this. Mike’s is my favorite. Would anyone know how I can copy their golden goodness sauce at home?
I find just Mayo, honey, garlic powder mixed together is the exact consistency & taste of their golden goodness! Been making this recipe for years & My kids request it every time
Came out amazing!!! I used just frosted flakes and was soo good! Wasnt crazy sweet. Made dinner done ceasar dressing on the side (without the water) Really added. I plan on making these again for a chanukah party/ siyum! Thanks for the recipe!
I make a dip with it- Mayo bit of honey parsley flakes, paprika, garlic cube or two
Awesome recipe! I sprayed and baked on cookie rack 425 for 20 minutes. Was unbelievably crispy and tasty!
GF flour will be fine. The problem is that I don’t know of any gluten free frosted flakes or corn flakes. Does anyone have any ideas?
You can try any gluten free cereal.
Loved this recipe. Tastes pretty close to the real deal! Any tips for preventing the frosted flakes from falling off before or during frying?
Crush slightly
You said you said
Victoria makes a sweeter “Waffle” version that does not include garlic/paprika and instead includes ½ maple syrup after adding the flour.
1/2 what?
Looking forward to trying this for Chanuka.
Would the cook time be different if dark chicken is used?
Sorry! 1/2 cup. I’ll edit above.
We didn’t note a cook time because when frying, you really need to go by how it looks. Oil can be varying degrees so it’s hard to give exact time. As far as the baking times, they were all provided by our readers (Thank yoU!!)
Enjoy!
–Victoria makes a sweeter “Waffle” version that does not include garlic/paprika and instead includes ½ maple syrup after adding the flour.
1/2 cup maple syrup added to the dry ingredients? Or to the orange juice/ teriyaki?
Came out so amazing I had to comment! I also fried them in a frying pan but will definitely try baking next time like some people wrote in the comments. Thanks for another winner dinner!
I made this and it was unreal! I brought the Fry daddy for this recipe and it was totally worth it. I didn’t marinate for so long though, but I don’t think it made much of a difference
Great Recipe! Thank you for sharing! It was easy and delicous. I used corn chexs instead of frosted flakes and it came our delicious! Thank you!
Has anyone tried this in an air fryer?
I tried this last night in an air fryer and it came out delicious! I did it on 350° for 10 min. Flipped it half way through.
These came out great! ; )
This was the biggest hit in my house. “It’s not like Mikes chicken, its better than Mikes”
We have a new dinner around here.
Does this work in an air fryer as well? If yes, what temperature and for how long?
I find it easier to add the crushed garlic with the marinade. I’d imagine it would be the same for maple syrup
Just a heads up to perhaps not use parchment if baking at 425, it can catch fire. Check what your box says the max temp is for your product. (Learned this the hard way)
Recipe was delicious but tasted a lot like teriyaki (I put in 1/2 c of soy sauce and added brown sugar, garlic and ginger to make teriyaki). Did I do too much? Is it supposed to taste that way?
Thank you for the yummy recipe!
This came out so good!!
Would love a kopykat of Mike’s Ranch dressing!!
Has anyone tried doing it a day before serving? Wanted to make for yt but the day before
This was absolutely devoured by my family. Used a regular frying pan and did half regular cornflakes and half frosted flakes. I 1.5x the recipe and to requires a full box each of large cornflakes. Using a thermometer to maintain the oil at the right temp definitely helped to get that crisp.