How to Make Breaded Chicken: A Comprehensive Guide

Introduction

Breaded chicken is a popular and delicious dish that has been enjoyed for generations. Whether it’s fried or baked, breaded chicken is a family favorite that is easy to make and customize to fit any taste. However, many people worry about the extra calories that come with using bread crumbs in the breading process. In this article, we’ll take a look at how to make breaded chicken from scratch, as well as provide some tips for making it a little healthier.

A Step-by-Step Guide

The first step in making breaded chicken is to prep your ingredients. You will need chicken, flour, eggs, and bread crumbs. You can use any type of chicken you like – breasts, tenderloins, or thighs. Start by rinsing your chicken in cool water and patting it dry with paper towels. Cut it into the desired size and shape, then season it with salt and pepper.

Next, prepare your breading station. Put some flour in a shallow dish, beat some eggs in another shallow dish, and put the bread crumbs in a third shallow dish. You can season the bread crumbs with herbs, spices, or grated Parmesan cheese. Dip each piece of chicken in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dip it in the eggs, and finally coat it with the bread crumbs.

To ensure the bread crumbs stick to the chicken, press them firmly onto the surface, and let the chicken sit for a few minutes before frying or baking it. This will allow the breading to set, preventing it from falling off during cooking.

A Healthier Version

If you’re concerned about the extra calories in breaded chicken, there are a few things you can do to make it a little healthier. One option is to use a healthier type of breading. Traditional bread crumbs are made from white bread, which has a high glycemic index and can cause blood sugar spikes. Instead, try using almond flour or oats, which are lower in carbs and higher in fiber. You can also add some ground flaxseed to the breading for a boost of omega-3s.

Here’s a recipe for a healthier version of breaded chicken:

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup almond flour
1 tablespoon dried parsley
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1/4 cup unsweetened almond milk

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Mix together the almond flour, parsley, garlic powder, paprika, and salt in a bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and almond milk.
Dip each chicken breast in the egg mixture, then coat it with the almond flour mixture. Place the chicken on the prepared baking sheet.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the coating is golden brown.

A Recipe Variation

Breaded chicken is a versatile dish that can be customized in many different ways. Here’s a recipe for a delicious chicken parmigiana variation:

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten
1 cup Italian-seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups marinara sauce
2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Dredge the chicken breasts in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip them in the beaten eggs, then coat them in the bread crumbs mixed with the Parmesan cheese.
Place the chicken in the prepared baking dish and pour the marinara sauce over the top. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Garnish the chicken with fresh basil before serving.

A Frying Comparison

When it comes to preparing breaded chicken, there are two main methods: deep frying and air frying. Both methods have their pros and cons, so it’s up to you to decide which one works best for you.

Deep frying is the traditional method for preparing breaded chicken. It results in a crispy, golden brown crust and juicy, tender meat. However, deep frying can be messy and requires a lot of oil, which can make it a less healthy option.

Air frying, on the other hand, is a newer method that has become very popular in recent years. It uses hot air to mimic the effects of deep frying, resulting in crispy, golden brown chicken without the need for excess oil. Air frying is also a healthier option, as it reduces the amount of oil and calories required to make the dish.

Here are the steps for both methods:

Deep Frying

Heat 2-3 inches of oil to 350-375 degrees F in a deep pot or fryer.
Carefully place the breaded chicken in the hot oil, a few pieces at a time, and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes depending on the size of the pieces.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and drain on paper towels before serving.

Air Frying

Preheat your air fryer to 400 degrees F.
Place the breaded chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Spray the top of the chicken with cooking spray.
Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through, until golden brown and cooked through.

A Global Cuisine Comparison

Breaded chicken is a popular dish in many different cultures, each with its own unique take on the recipe. Here are a few examples:

In Japan, breaded chicken is called katsu and is typically served with a sweet and savory sauce called tonkatsu sauce.
In Italy, breaded chicken is often served as part of a chicken parmigiana dish, which includes tomato sauce and melted cheese.
In the Southern United States, breaded chicken is often served as part of a fried chicken dish, which includes a variety of spices and seasonings in the breading.

Katsu Recipe

Ingredients:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup Japanese-style bread crumbs (panko)
1/2 cup flour
2 eggs, beaten with 2 tablespoons water
Oil for frying
Tonkatsu sauce for serving

Instructions:

Pound the chicken breasts until they are an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick.
Set up a breading station with flour, eggs, and bread crumbs in separate shallow dishes.
Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, shaking off any excess. Dip them in the egg mixture, then coat them in the bread crumbs, pressing the crumbs firmly onto the surface.
Heat about 1 inch of oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350 degrees F. Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 minutes per side depending on the size of the pieces.
Drain the chicken on paper towels and serve with tonkatsu sauce.

Conclusion

Breaded chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized in many different ways. Whether you prefer it fried or baked, spicy or mild, there’s a breaded chicken recipe out there for you.