3 Ways to Bread Chicken
One of the all-time favorite comfort foods, breaded chicken can easily be prepared at home with different techniques that result in a crispy and delicious meal. In this article, we’ll explore three ways to bread chicken: the traditional flour-egg-breadcrumb method, the cornflake coating, and the Parmesan-crusted technique. Each method has its own unique appeal, allowing you to create an array of mouth-watering breaded chicken dishes in your own kitchen.
1. Traditional Flour-Egg-Breadcrumb Method
The most common way to bread chicken involves using flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs. This process creates a crispy crust that locks in moisture and makes for irresistibly crunchy fried or baked chicken. To use this technique:
a. Prepare three shallow dishes – one with all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and the third with breadcrumbs (you can use plain or seasoned ones).
b. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season them to taste.
c. Dredge each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
d. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
e. Finally, coat the chicken in breadcrumbs, pressing gently for an even coverage.
f. Proceed to pan-fry, deep-fry or bake your breaded chicken until cooked through.
2. Cornflake Coating
For those looking for a gluten-free option or a unique twist on breading chicken, using crushed cornflakes as a coating creates an incredibly crispy texture with added flavor when seasoned appropriately. To use this method:
a. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) if baking your chicken.
b. Place cornflakes in a plastic bag and use a rolling pin or your hands to crush them into smaller pieces.
c. Season the crushed cornflakes with your choice of herbs and spices.
d. In a shallow dish, beat one or two eggs.
e. Dip the chicken pieces into the beaten egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
f. Coat the chicken with seasoned crushed cornflakes, pressing gently for even coverage.
g. Bake or fry your breaded chicken until cooked through and golden brown.
3. Parmesan-Crusted Chicken
For those craving a cheesy twist to their breaded chicken, try using grated Parmesan cheese along with breadcrumbs for an exceptional crust that is packed with flavor. To use this technique:
a. Prepare three shallow dishes – one with all-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper, another with beaten eggs, and the third with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (50/50 ratio works well).
b. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season them to taste.
c. Dredge each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
d. Dip the floured chicken into the beaten egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
e. Coat the chicken in the breadcrumb-Parmesan mixture, pressing gently for even coverage.
f. Pan-fry or bake your breaded chicken until cooked through and golden brown on the outside.
In conclusion, these three methods for breading chicken offer different textures and flavors that cater to various preferences and dietary needs. Whichever way you choose to prepare your breaded chicken, you’ll undoubtedly create a memorable and delicious meal that is sure to impress family and friends alike.