What to use instead of eggs for breading chicken – Breading chicken without eggs? It’s possible! Discover a world of alternatives that will give your fried chicken the perfect crispy coating, all without the eggs. From buttermilk to starchy vegetables, we’ve got you covered.
Eggs are a common binder in breading, but they’re not the only option. In this guide, we’ll explore various egg substitutes that will help you achieve a delicious and crispy fried chicken dish.
Alternatives to Eggs for Breading Chicken
Eggs are a traditional ingredient in breading chicken, serving several functions: they act as a binder, holding the breading to the chicken, and they add moisture and richness. However, there are many reasons why you might want to use an alternative to eggs, such as allergies, veganism, or simply running out of eggs.
Fortunately, there are several excellent alternatives to eggs for breading chicken. These substitutes can provide similar binding and moistening properties, and some even offer additional benefits, such as enhanced flavor or texture.
Dairy-Based Substitutes
- Milk:Milk is a simple and effective egg substitute for breading chicken. It provides moisture and some binding ability, although it may not be as effective as eggs in holding the breading in place.
- Buttermilk:Buttermilk is a slightly thicker and more acidic than milk, which gives it better binding properties. It also adds a subtle tangy flavor to the chicken.
- Yogurt:Yogurt is a thick and creamy dairy product that provides excellent binding and moistening properties. It also adds a subtle tangy flavor to the chicken.
Buttermilk and Yogurt
Buttermilk and yogurt are excellent alternatives to eggs for breading chicken. They add moisture, flavor, and a tender texture to the chicken. Buttermilk is a fermented dairy product that has a slightly tangy flavor. It contains lactic acid, which helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender.
Yogurt is also a fermented dairy product, but it has a thicker consistency than buttermilk. It is a good source of protein and calcium, and it adds a creamy flavor to the chicken.
Buttermilk
To use buttermilk as an egg replacement for breading chicken, simply soak the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the buttermilk to penetrate the chicken and tenderize it. After the chicken has soaked, drain off the buttermilk and coat the chicken in your favorite breading mixture.
- Advantages:Buttermilk is a good source of lactic acid, which helps to break down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender. It also adds a slightly tangy flavor to the chicken.
- Disadvantages:Buttermilk can be more expensive than other egg replacements. It can also be difficult to find in some grocery stores.
Milk and Flour Paste: What To Use Instead Of Eggs For Breading Chicken
Milk and flour paste is a simple and effective egg substitute for breading chicken. It creates a thin, crispy coating that adheres well to the chicken and adds a subtle flavor.
To make a milk and flour paste, whisk together equal parts milk and all-purpose flour until a smooth paste forms. The consistency should be similar to pancake batter.
Using Milk and Flour Paste
To use the milk and flour paste as an egg substitute, simply dip the chicken pieces into the paste and then coat them in breadcrumbs. The paste will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken and create a crispy coating.
Milk and flour paste imparts a slightly different flavor to breaded chicken than eggs. The coating is thinner and crispier, with a more subtle flavor. It is a good choice for people who are allergic to eggs or who simply want a lighter coating.
Mayonnaise and Sour Cream
Mayonnaise and sour cream are excellent alternatives to eggs for breading chicken. They add moisture, richness, and flavor to the coating, resulting in a crispy and juicy chicken dish.
Mayonnaise is a thick and creamy condiment made from oil, eggs, and vinegar. It provides a moist and flavorful base for the breading, ensuring that the chicken stays tender and juicy. The oil in the mayonnaise helps to create a crispy exterior, while the eggs and vinegar add richness and depth of flavor.
Sour cream is a fermented dairy product with a tangy and slightly sour flavor. It is similar to mayonnaise in terms of consistency, but it is slightly thinner and has a lower fat content. Sour cream adds moisture and tenderness to the chicken, and its tangy flavor complements the spices and herbs used in the breading.
If you’re out of eggs and need to bread some chicken, don’t fret! There are plenty of other options you can use. For a crispy coating, try using flour, cornstarch, or bread crumbs. Or, for a more flavorful crust, try using crushed crackers or cereal flakes.
Breaded cauliflower is another great option if you’re looking for a vegetarian alternative to chicken. Simply coat the cauliflower florets in your chosen breading and bake until golden brown.
Recipe Example
Ingredients:* 1 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Instructions:
- In a shallow bowl, combine the mayonnaise or sour cream, flour, Parmesan cheese, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Dip the chicken breasts into the mixture, coating them evenly.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breading is golden brown.
5. Starchy Vegetables
Starchy vegetables, such as mashed potatoes or sweet potatoes, can be used as effective egg substitutes in breading chicken. These vegetables contain natural starches that act as binders, helping to hold the breading in place during the cooking process.
To use starchy vegetables as an egg substitute, simply mash them until they reach a smooth consistency. Then, dip the chicken in the mashed vegetable mixture and coat it with your desired breading. The starches in the vegetable will help the breading adhere to the chicken, resulting in a crispy and flavorful crust.
Mashed Potatoes
- Mashed potatoes are a great option for breading chicken because they are starchy and have a neutral flavor that won’t overpower the chicken.
- To make mashed potato breading, simply mash some cooked potatoes until they are smooth and free of lumps.
- Then, dip the chicken in the mashed potatoes and coat it with your desired breading.
- The mashed potatoes will help the breading stick to the chicken and create a crispy crust.
Sweet Potatoes
- Sweet potatoes are another good option for breading chicken because they are also starchy and have a slightly sweet flavor that can complement the chicken.
- To make sweet potato breading, simply mash some cooked sweet potatoes until they are smooth and free of lumps.
- Then, dip the chicken in the mashed sweet potatoes and coat it with your desired breading.
- The mashed sweet potatoes will help the breading stick to the chicken and create a crispy and flavorful crust with a hint of sweetness.
Aquafaba
Aquafaba is the starchy liquid that is found in canned chickpeas. It is a vegan egg replacer that can be used in a variety of recipes, including breaded chicken.
Aquafaba has a similar texture to egg whites, and it can be whipped into stiff peaks. This makes it a good choice for breading chicken, as it will help to create a crispy crust.
If you’re out of eggs but still craving breaded chicken, don’t fret! You can use buttermilk, yogurt, or mayonnaise as a substitute. For frozen breaded chicken, check out this guide on how long to cook frozen breaded chicken in air fryer.
Once you’ve mastered that, you can experiment with different breading options to find your favorite egg-free combo.
Recipes, What to use instead of eggs for breading chicken
- To make aquafaba, simply drain a can of chickpeas and reserve the liquid. You can then whip the aquafaba into stiff peaks using a hand mixer or a stand mixer.
- Once the aquafaba is whipped, you can use it to bread chicken in the same way that you would use egg whites. Simply dip the chicken in the aquafaba, then coat it in bread crumbs.
- Aquafaba can also be used to make vegan mayonnaise and other sauces.
Vinegar and Water
Vinegar and water is a simple yet effective egg substitute for breading chicken. The acidity in the vinegar helps tenderize the chicken, while the water helps create a crispy breading.
Creating a Crispy Breading
To use vinegar and water as an egg substitute, simply combine equal parts vinegar and water in a bowl. Dip the chicken in the mixture, then coat with your desired breading. The vinegar and water will help the breading adhere to the chicken, creating a crispy, flavorful crust.
Recipes, What to use instead of eggs for breading chicken
Here is a simple recipe for using vinegar and water to bread chicken: Ingredients:* 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup vinegar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- In a bowl, combine the vinegar and water. Dip the chicken in the mixture, then coat with flour, salt, and pepper.
- Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Gluten-Free Alternatives
Individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease require gluten-free alternatives to ensure safe and healthy breading for their chicken.
Using gluten-free substitutes poses challenges as gluten acts as a binding agent in traditional breading mixtures. However, with careful consideration and the right ingredients, you can achieve crispy and flavorful gluten-free breaded chicken.
Recommended Gluten-Free Egg Substitutes
- Gluten-Free Flour Blend:A mixture of rice flour, potato starch, tapioca flour, and xanthan gum provides a gluten-free alternative to all-purpose flour.
- Cornstarch:This starch-based ingredient acts as a thickening agent and can be used to create a slurry with water to replace eggs.
- Arrowroot Powder:Similar to cornstarch, arrowroot powder can be mixed with water to create a gluten-free egg substitute.
- Ground Flaxseed:When mixed with water, ground flaxseed forms a gel-like substance that can be used as an egg replacer.
- Chickpea Flour:This gluten-free flour can be used as a direct replacement for eggs in breading mixtures.
Tips for Using Egg Substitutes
Using egg substitutes for breading chicken requires a few adjustments to ensure the coating adheres well and cooks evenly. Here are some tips to help you achieve perfect results:
Adjust Liquid Content:Egg substitutes tend to be thinner than eggs, so you may need to adjust the liquid content in your breading mixture. Add a little more liquid at a time until you reach a consistency that is similar to the consistency of beaten eggs.
Use a Binding Agent:To help the breading adhere to the chicken, consider adding a binding agent to your mixture. This could be a small amount of cornstarch, flour, or breadcrumbs.
Double Dip:For a thicker, more flavorful coating, double dip the chicken in the breading mixture. This will create a more even and substantial coating that will stay on better during cooking.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Coating Not Sticking:If the breading is not sticking to the chicken, try adding more binding agent or adjusting the liquid content. You may also need to press the breading onto the chicken more firmly.
Coating Falling Off:If the breading is falling off during cooking, try using a thicker breading mixture or double dipping the chicken. You may also need to cook the chicken at a lower temperature to prevent the breading from burning.
Coating Too Thick:If the breading is too thick, it can become soggy or greasy. Try using a thinner breading mixture or reducing the amount of breading you apply to the chicken.
FAQ Resource
Can I use milk instead of eggs for breading chicken?
Yes, milk can be used as an egg substitute in breading chicken. It provides a similar binding effect and adds moisture to the chicken.
What is the best egg substitute for gluten-free breading?
Ground flaxseed mixed with water is an excellent egg substitute for gluten-free breading. It provides a sticky texture that helps bind the breading to the chicken.
Can I use mayonnaise as an egg substitute for breading chicken?
Yes, mayonnaise can be used as an egg substitute in breading chicken. It adds richness and flavor to the coating and helps create a crispy texture.
