Fried chicken – the ultimate comfort food. Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and full of flavor. But let’s face it, achieving that perfect crunch can be a challenge, especially when it comes to getting the breading to stick. In this article, we’ll dive into the world of fried chicken and explore the secrets to making that breading stick like a pro.
Understanding the Science of Breading
Before we dive into the tips and tricks, it’s essential to understand the science behind breading. Breading is a process of coating food, in this case, chicken, with a mixture of flour, spices, and sometimes eggs or buttermilk. The breading serves several purposes:
- It adds texture and crunch to the chicken
- It helps to seal in moisture and flavor
- It provides a surface for seasonings and spices to adhere to
However, getting the breading to stick can be a challenge. This is because the breading needs to adhere to the chicken’s surface, which can be tricky, especially if the chicken is not prepared correctly.
Preparation is Key
So, how do you prepare your chicken for breading? Here are a few tips:
- Dry the chicken: Pat the chicken dry with paper towels, removing any excess moisture. This helps the breading to adhere to the chicken’s surface.
- Season the chicken: Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. This helps to add flavor to the chicken and creates a surface for the breading to adhere to.
- Use the right cut: Use chicken pieces that are suitable for breading, such as legs, thighs, wings, and breasts. Avoid using chicken tenders or strips, as they can be too thin and may not hold the breading well.
The Breading Process
Now that your chicken is prepared, it’s time to start the breading process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Step 1: Flour: Dip the chicken piece in a shallow dish of flour, coating it evenly. This helps to create a surface for the breading to adhere to.
- Step 2: Egg wash: Dip the floured chicken piece in a shallow dish of beaten eggs, making sure to coat it evenly. This helps to create a sticky surface for the breading to adhere to.
- Step 3: Breading: Dip the egg-coated chicken piece in a shallow dish of breading mixture, pressing the breading onto the chicken to ensure it adheres. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly, but avoid over-breading, as this can lead to a greasy mess.
Tips for Getting the Breading to Stick
Here are a few tips to help you get the breading to stick:
- Use the right breading mixture: Use a breading mixture that is designed for fried chicken, such as a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and spices. Avoid using breadcrumbs, as they can be too dense and may not stick well to the chicken.
- Use the right oil: Use a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut or vegetable oil. Avoid using olive oil, as it can burn easily and may not provide the best flavor.
- Don’t over-bread: Avoid over-breading the chicken, as this can lead to a greasy mess. Instead, coat the chicken evenly, but lightly.
- Press the breading: Press the breading onto the chicken to ensure it adheres. This helps to create a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when trying to get the breading to stick:
- Not drying the chicken: Failing to dry the chicken can lead to a breading that doesn’t stick. Make sure to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before breading.
- Not using the right breading mixture: Using the wrong breading mixture can lead to a breading that doesn’t stick. Make sure to use a breading mixture that is designed for fried chicken.
- Over-breading: Over-breading the chicken can lead to a greasy mess. Instead, coat the chicken evenly, but lightly.
Alternative Breading Methods
If you’re looking for alternative breading methods, here are a few options:
- Panko breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs are a type of Japanese breadcrumb that is lighter and crisper than regular breadcrumbs. They can be used to create a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.
- Cornflake crumbs: Cornflake crumbs can be used to create a crunchy exterior and a juicy interior. Simply crush the cornflakes into fine crumbs and use them as you would regular breadcrumbs.
Conclusion
Getting the breading to stick to fried chicken can be a challenge, but with the right preparation, breading mixture, and techniques, you can achieve that perfect crunch. Remember to dry the chicken, season it with salt, pepper, and spices, and use the right breading mixture. Avoid common mistakes such as not drying the chicken, using the wrong breading mixture, and over-breading. With practice and patience, you’ll be on your way to creating crispy, juicy fried chicken that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
Final Tips
Here are a few final tips to help you achieve that perfect crunch:
- Experiment with different breading mixtures: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different breading mixtures to find the one that works best for you.
- Use a thermometer: Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at the right temperature. This helps to create a crispy exterior and a juicy interior.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot: Don’t overcrowd the pot with too much chicken. This can lead to a greasy mess and may prevent the breading from sticking. Instead, fry the chicken in batches, if necessary.
By following these tips and techniques, you’ll be on your way to creating crispy, juicy fried chicken that’s sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.
What is the secret to getting breading to stick to fried chicken?
The secret to getting breading to stick to fried chicken lies in the preparation of the chicken and the breading mixture. It is essential to pat the chicken dry with paper towels before dredging it in the breading mixture to remove excess moisture. This helps the breading adhere to the chicken evenly.
Additionally, using a combination of all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and spices in the breading mixture can help it stick to the chicken better. The cornstarch helps to create a crispy exterior, while the spices add flavor to the chicken. By following these steps, you can achieve crispy fried chicken with a well-adhered breading.
Why does my breading always fall off when I fry chicken?
There are several reasons why your breading may be falling off when you fry chicken. One common reason is that the chicken is not dry enough before dredging it in the breading mixture. Excess moisture on the chicken can cause the breading to fall off when it comes into contact with the hot oil.
Another reason may be that the breading mixture is not adhering well to the chicken. This can be due to a lack of binding agents in the breading mixture, such as eggs or buttermilk. To solve this problem, try adding a binding agent to the breading mixture or using a combination of flour, cornstarch, and spices.
How do I get my breading to stick to chicken without using eggs?
There are several ways to get breading to stick to chicken without using eggs. One method is to use buttermilk as a binding agent. Simply soak the chicken in buttermilk for about 30 minutes before dredging it in the breading mixture. The acidity in the buttermilk helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, creating a better surface for the breading to adhere to.
Another method is to use a combination of flour, cornstarch, and spices in the breading mixture. The cornstarch helps to create a crispy exterior, while the spices add flavor to the chicken. You can also try using a small amount of mayonnaise or mustard as a binding agent.
Can I use panko breadcrumbs to get crispy fried chicken?
Yes, you can use panko breadcrumbs to get crispy fried chicken. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and crisper than regular breadcrumbs, making them ideal for creating a crunchy exterior on fried chicken. Simply dredge the chicken in the panko breadcrumbs after dipping it in a binding agent, such as buttermilk or mayonnaise.
To get the best results, make sure to press the panko breadcrumbs onto the chicken gently to ensure they adhere evenly. You can also try mixing the panko breadcrumbs with a small amount of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
How do I prevent my fried chicken from becoming greasy?
To prevent your fried chicken from becoming greasy, it is essential to use the right type of oil and to not overcrowd the pot. Use a neutral-tasting oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut or avocado oil, to fry the chicken. This will help to prevent the oil from breaking down and becoming greasy.
Additionally, make sure to not overcrowd the pot when frying the chicken. This can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in greasy fried chicken. Instead, fry the chicken in batches until it is golden brown and crispy.
Can I bake my fried chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, you can bake your fried chicken instead of frying it. Baking is a healthier alternative to frying and can produce similar results. To bake your fried chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Dredge the chicken in the breading mixture and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Drizzle a small amount of oil over the chicken and bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until it is golden brown and crispy. You can also try broiling the chicken for an additional 2-3 minutes to get a crisper exterior.
How do I store leftover fried chicken to keep it crispy?
To store leftover fried chicken and keep it crispy, it is essential to cool it down completely before refrigerating or freezing it. Place the fried chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and let it cool to room temperature. This will help to prevent moisture from building up and making the chicken soggy.
Once the chicken has cooled, you can refrigerate or freeze it. To reheat the chicken, simply place it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until it is crispy and heated through.