Breadcrumbs are a versatile ingredient that can add texture and flavor to many chicken dishes. Whether you want to bread chicken for frying, add a crispy topping to a casserole, or bind ingredients in chicken meatballs, homemade breadcrumbs are easy to make and allow you to control the flavor profile. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making the ideal breadcrumbs for chicken recipes.
Why Use Breadcrumbs on Chicken?
Before diving into the process, let’s first understand why breadcrumbs work so well with chicken:
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Texture – Breadcrumbs create a satisfying crunch and textural contrast against the tender, juicy chicken meat. This added texture makes chicken more interesting to eat.
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Flavor – Breadcrumbs absorb surrounding flavors and seasonings well. They carry these tastes into each bite of chicken, enhancing the overall flavor.
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Binding – When mixed into ground chicken, breadcrumbs act as a binder to help meatballs, patties, etc. hold their shape and moisture.
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Coating – As a coating, breadcrumbs seal in juices and provide a crispy exterior when chicken is fried, baked, or air-fried
Types of Breadcrumbs for Chicken
There are a few different forms of breadcrumbs to consider:
Fresh Breadcrumbs
- Made from fresh, soft bread that has not been dried
- Provide a soft, chewy texture
- Ideal when a very light coating is desired
- Absorb liquid and stick well as a binder
Dry Breadcrumbs
- Made from dried, toasted bread
- Crispier texture with more crunch
- Most commonly used for coatings and toppings
- Can use various bread types like sourdough, wheat, rye
Panko Breadcrumbs
- Japanese-style breadcrumbs
- Especially crispy, light, and flaky texture
- Create a delicate crunch on chicken
- Don’t absorb as much oil during frying
Seasoned Breadcrumbs
- Pre-mixed with spices, herbs, cheese, etc.
- Offer built-in flavor
- Convenient for quick dishes
- Great topping for casseroles
How to Make Homemade Breadcrumbs
Making your own fresh breadcrumbs takes just a few minutes. Here is a simple process:
Ingredients
- Bread of your choice (1-2 slices per 1⁄3 cup crumbs)
- Optional seasonings like garlic powder, parsley, lemon zest
Instructions
- Tear bread slices into 1-inch pieces and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake at 300°F for 10-15 minutes until lightly dried but not browned.
- Transfer dried bread to a food processor and pulse to desired crumb size.
- Mix in any extra seasonings (optional).
- Use immediately or store in an airtight container.
For dried breadcrumbs, increase oven temperature to 400°F and bake until bread is completely dried out and crispy, 15-20 minutes
How to Use Breadcrumbs on Chicken
Now let’s discuss how to incorporate those homemade breadcrumbs into delicious chicken dishes
Coating for Crispy Chicken
- Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, spices.
- Dredge chicken in flour, egg wash, then breadcrumbs.
- Press crumbs to adhere evenly.
- Pan fry, bake, or air fry until golden brown.
Binding for Chicken Meatballs
- Season ground chicken and mix with 1⁄4 cup fresh breadcrumbs per pound.
- Form mixture into balls and bake on a sheet pan.
Topping for Casseroles
- Prepare chicken casserole recipe in a baking dish.
- Sprinkle 1⁄2 to 1 cup dried breadcrumbs evenly over top.
- Bake until crumbs are crispy and golden brown.
Storing and Freezing Breadcrumbs
- Store cooled breadcrumbs in an airtight container for 2-3 weeks.
- For longer shelf life, freeze for 3-6 months.
- Bring to room temperature before using frozen crumbs.
Get Creative with Flavor
Some ideas for flavored breadcrumbs:
- Lemon zest
- Grated Parmesan
- Dried herbs like parsley, oregano, thyme
- Spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder
- Chopped fresh herbs
- Toasted nuts
- Lime or lemon juice
With the proper technique and a creative touch of seasoning, it’s easy to make flavorful breadcrumbs that will take your chicken to the next level. Crisp up your chicken dishes with the satisfying crunch of homemade breadcrumbs!
What Kind Of Bread To Use For Breadcrumbs
What is the best kind of bread to use to make breadcrumbs? Preferably use bread that is denser since they will yield more crumbs, but whatever is on hand will do! Keep the end pieces of a loaf of bread (AKA the “heel” ends) or even stale bread. Give it new life and make your own breadcrumbs!
Ways to Flavor Homemade Breadcrumbs
There are all kinds of additions to put in homemade breadcrumbs to change the texture and taste! Mix and match seasoning ingredients to create a new signature recipe for breadcrumbs!
- Add Italian seasoning if desired, or even Parmesan.
- Mix everything bagel seasoning into homemade breadcrumbs- it’s the best!
- Add some corn flakes or bran flakes to the mix. Extra crispy!
- Try using taco seasoning to create Mexican style chicken!
The Standard Breading Process in 3 Easy Steps – Kitchen Conundrums with Thomas Joseph
FAQ
How to make breadcrumbs on chicken?
- Place bread in blender. Once blended add seasoning.
- Crack the egg into a bowl and whisk with a fork.
- Place pain flour into a shallow bowl with seasoning. Coat the chicken in egg and the cover in plain flour.
- Coat in egg again and then cover in breadcrumbs.
How do you make your own bread crumbs?
The Quick and Easy Way to Make Homemade Breadcrumbs
It requires a food processor; a blender will also work in a pinch. To make breadcrumbs, simply tear your stale white bread into roughly 1-inch pieces. Add them to the food processor, and process them until coarsely crumbed. Easy!
How to create a breadcrumb?
To make fresh breadcrumbs, tear the bread into pieces and drop into a food processor fitted with a blade attachment. Pulse until you have breadcrumbs of the size you want. If you want to make very even breadcrumbs, push them through a coarse sieve.
How do you make a breadcrumb topping?
Blitz dried bread in a high-speed blender or grate it by hand and cook the ensuing breadcrumbs in a little garlic-infused fat to make a crunchy topping for …May 16, 2023
How do you make homemade bread crumbs?
This homemade breadcrumb recipe is perfect for coating chicken, fish or as a crispy topping for gratins and bakes. To make dried breadcrumbs, you need dry or stale bread. If you don’t have any, you can slice the bread, spread it out on a board and leave uncovered overnight to go stale and brittle.
What is baked breaded chicken?
Baked breaded chicken is a multi-purpose recipe that can be enjoyed in many ways (ideas below) and is easy enough to put together. Panko bread crumbs add extra crunch, while seasoned bread crumbs give an even coating and lots of flavor. Perfect as is or for dipping into Honey Mustard Sauce or Homemade Ranch Dressing.
Can you use breadcrumbs in oven baked chicken?
When using breadcrumbs in oven-baked chicken recipes: Season: Season chicken pieces and place them in a baking dish. Add Breadcrumbs: Sprinkle a generous layer of breadcrumbs on top for a crispy layer. Optional Topping: Drizzle some melted butter or olive oil over the breadcrumbs for added flavor and crunch.
How do you cook chicken with bread crumb?
Coat chicken by dipping it in the liquid mixture. Then, dip oiled chicken in the bread crumb mixture. Press bread crumbs, so each breast is fully coated. We don’t want to see any of the chicken not have coating on it. Transfer coated chicken onto prepared baking dish and top with any remaining bread crumb mixture and oil.
How do you season chicken with breadcrumbs?
Simply mix these seasonings into your breadcrumbs before breading the chicken. Another method for adding flavor is by toasting the breadcrumbs in olive oil or butter with minced garlic, shallots, or herbs before coating the chicken.
How do you make a chicken sandwich with breadcrumbs?
Bread the chicken – Dip chicken in flour, shake off the excess, dip in egg mixture, & then in the breadcrumbs. Bake – Bake chicken breasts (per recipe below). Be sure to pat the chicken dry so the coating can adhere properly. Press the breadcrumbs into the meat so they’re completely covered.