How to Make Breaded Chicken

Prepare the Chicken

Preparing the chicken is an important step in making breaded chicken. First, you need to select the type of chicken you want to use – boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders work well for breaded chicken. Next, rinse the chicken with water and pat dry with paper towels.

To ensure that the breading adheres properly to the chicken, you can tenderize the meat by using a meat mallet to pound the chicken until it is an even thickness. This also helps the chicken cook more evenly.

Once the chicken is prepared, season it with salt and pepper or other desired spices to add flavor. Now the chicken is ready to be coated in breadcrumbs and cooked.

Coat the Chicken in Breadcrumbs

Coating the chicken in breadcrumbs is the next step in making breaded chicken. To do this, you will need a shallow dish or bowl to hold the breadcrumbs. You can use either plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs, depending on your preference.

First, dip the prepared chicken in flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into beaten eggs, making sure the chicken is fully coated. Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumbs, pressing firmly to ensure the breadcrumbs stick to the chicken.

If you want a thicker breading, you can repeat the process by dipping the chicken back into the beaten eggs and breadcrumbs. Once the chicken is fully coated, place it on a baking sheet or plate and let it rest for a few minutes before cooking. This allows the breading to set and stick to the chicken.

Cook the Chicken

Cooking the breaded chicken is the final step in the process. There are several methods you can use to cook breaded chicken, including baking, frying, or air frying.

To bake breaded chicken, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and place the chicken on a greased baking sheet. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

To fry breaded chicken, heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).

For a healthier option, you can use an air fryer to cook breaded chicken. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the chicken in the basket. Cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking.

No matter which method you choose, be sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to distribute evenly throughout the meat.

Serve and Enjoy Your Delicious Breaded Chicken

Once the breaded chicken is cooked and rested, it is ready to be served and enjoyed. You can serve it as is or with your favorite dipping sauce, such as honey mustard, BBQ sauce, or ranch dressing.

Breaded chicken is a versatile dish that can be paired with a variety of side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a salad. It also makes a great sandwich when served on a bun with lettuce, tomato, and mayonnaise.

Leftover breaded chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

With its crispy and flavorful breading, breaded chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to satisfy. Whether served as a main course or as part of a sandwich, it is a delicious and easy-to-make meal that is perfect for any occasion.

Gather Ingredients and Supplies

Before making breaded chicken, it is important to gather all the necessary ingredients and supplies. Here is a list of what you will need:

• Chicken (boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders)
• Flour
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• Salt and pepper (or other desired spices)
• Vegetable oil (for frying, if using)
• Dipping sauce (optional)
• Shallow dish or bowl (for holding the breadcrumbs)
• Meat mallet (optional, for tenderizing the chicken)
• Baking sheet or plate (for holding the breaded chicken)
• Skillet or pot (for frying, if using)
• Deep fryer or air fryer (optional, for frying)

Make sure to check your pantry and fridge to ensure you have all the necessary ingredients before starting to make breaded chicken. Once you have everything you need, you can begin preparing the chicken and coating it in breadcrumbs.