Tips on Crusting Chicken
Coating chicken with a layer of delicious crust is easy! Tired of the same chicken dishes? Add flavor and texture with these simple Tips on Crusting Chicken.
The Crumbs
Crumbs are essential for texture. There are endless types of ways to create good crumbs! Here are a few examples:
- Ciabbata bread – soft and chewy yet has as hearty crust (See note below)
- Panko bread crumbs
- Nut crusts – almond, hazelnut, walnut, and pecan are great examples
- Hard cheeses such as parmesan and parmeggiano reggiano
Coating
A good coating creates moisture and acts like an edible glue. The correct coating helps ingredients stick to the protein without overly thickening.
- Egg white or whole egg (egg whites create a lighter coating and ingredients still stick to the protein)
- Buttermilk, milk, almond milk mixed with egg white (a small amount of buttermilk will do)
- Starch such as cornstarch, cornmeal, or various types of flour (gluten free flour works great here!)
- Lemon juice for added flavor (See recipe – PECAN CRUSTED CHICKEN WITH HONEY MUSTARD DRESSING)
Crusting
- Make sure bread crumbs or nuts are finely chopped
- Don’t worry if not all crumbs adhere to the protein. Feel free to scoop crumbs and pat onto the protein after the first dipping
- For first dipping, place dipping mixture into a spacious bowl or pie pan
- Place crusting mixture into a separate flat dish or pie pan
- Coat each side of chicken with the dipping or coating mixture
- Roll the “wet” chicken in the crumb mixture
- Transfer to a heated skillet that is ovenproof, gently laying in to help crumbs adhere
- Allow chicken to cook about 3 minutes per side which helps crumbs to adhere; then, transfer the skillet to the oven so as not to disturb the crumbs more than needed
- Serve chicken halves whole or slice against the grain to create a “fan” of chicken
Flavor
Don’t be afraid to season the crumb mixture! A variety of seasonings include:
- Spices – dry mustard, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, lemon pepper, and turmeric come to mind
- Dried herbs – tarragon, oregano, basil, thyme, and marjoram are some of my favorites
- Dried onion, garlic powder are other options
Enjoy more Recipes, Cookbooks, Real Estate and Lifestyle Tips:
- For more metabolism boosting guidelines and recipes, buy a copy of the Boost Your Metabolism cookbook
- Enjoy Susan Irby’s Home Chat for Real Estate, Home Decor, and Lifestyle tips.
- Subscribe to my bi-weekly newsletter at Susan Irby’s Newsletter
- Need help Buying or Selling a home? Irby Real Estate Group is ready to help you!
