How to Bread an Already Cooked Chicken
Breaded chicken is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed in different ways. It’s easy to prepare, and you can use various techniques to make it your way. Whether you’ve got leftovers in the fridge or want to switch up your regular chicken dinner menu, this article will teach you how to bread already cooked chicken.
Introduction
Before diving into breading techniques, let’s take a closer look at why breaded chicken is so popular. The golden-brown crispy exterior creates an appealing texture compared to plain or roasted chicken. Breading also serves as additional flavoring layers packed with spices, herbs, or cheese blends.
To start, here are the basic ingredients for breading:
- Flour
- Breadcrumbs
- Eggs
- Seasonings
If you are making gluten-free breading or non-fried options mentioned in this guide, require specific substitutes of these core ingredients.
Now let’s get started on our guide on preparing cooked chicken for breading.
Preparing the Chicken
Firstly consider the type of chicken you wish to use in your recipe by selecting either a whole or cut version of fresh or frozen raw meat if opting for preparation from scratch. This guide applies primarily to precooked leftover meats thus sparing some time preparing chicken from scratch but ensure that what you have leftover is fit for consumption: no bad odour, slimy feel nor discolored hue
Step 1: Selecting the Chicken
Depending on preference, any part of cooked chicken can be used which goes beyond offering versatility in terms of time-saving scrumptious delights with varied cuts such as strips from breast ,wings,and drumsticks among others However, leave out bones when using precooked cuts meant for proper breading that we want our delightful coating to cling onto within a quick cooking period.
Step 2: Cleaning the Chicken.
Before handling, sanitization of utensils and surfaces such as cutting boards and cooking equipment is crucial to avoid contamination risks. Clean your hands with warm water and soap before beginning the preparation process, Dry them thoroughly.
Step 3: Cooking the Chicken
Breaded chicken can be baked, pan-fried or deep-fried depending on personal preference. Regardless of the chosen method, ensure that the precooked meat has been adequately heated for eating’s sake; a well-heated chicken will prevent redundancy in frying time that could lead to unneeded overload on your breading yet keep it moist as well-essential when encapsulated in any tasty coating mixture.
Breading Techniques
There are several techniques for breading precooked chicken you can use based on different dietary requirements, preferences or budgets.
Technique 1: Classic Breaded Chicken Recipe
The traditional coating mainly requires flour mixture mixed with eggs and breadcrumbs thus offers it a thick crispy layer after deep frying or pan frying; this technique applies standard ingredients conservatively uses simple methods that less intimated beginners easily understand.
Here are steps to follow:
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 beaten eggs
- 2 cups seasoned bread crumbs
- Cooking oil (for deep frying)
Instructions: Step 1: Mix flour, garlic powder, salt and pepper together in one container then add them in order set-up within reach—flour first followed by equally distributed egg mixtures in a separate bowl containing previously beaten pasteurized eggs lastly evenly spread breadcrumbs onto another similar size dish. Step 2: Using tongs dip cooked chicken into flour beforehand ensuring an ensured light coat covers both sides evenly, Next dip fully coated chicken pieces into beaten egg to ensure complete coverage while turning around using the same tongs. Finally laying it overcoating bowl leaving excess build-up off; use spoon to drizzle dry coating all over before transferring it onto breadcrumbs and coat effectively. Step 3: In a pan or deep fryer, preheat cooking oil to ensureit reaches the right temperature (about 350 degrees F) before placing coated chicken into hot boiling oil. Cook on both sides until golden brown.
Technique 2: Gluten-Free Breading Recipe
Suppose there’s are need for a gluten-free option within your diet amongst priorities ensure that all ingredients used in this mix are gluten-free substitutes. Below is one of the possible alternatives.
Ingredients:
- Ground almond flour for the first step
- Coconut flour and arrowroot powder mixture
- Eggs
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Blend almond flour, salt ,and pepper in an enclosed container until well mixed then place it on a plate. Step 2: Crack eggs into a separate bowl and whisk together with salt ‘n pepper included, Then fill another similarly sized dish with coconut and arrowroot flour mixture alike in bran/ breadcrumbs consistency form. Step 3: Dip precooked chicken pieces first into the nutty mixture before then passing them to egg wash followed by final rolling through coconut-flour arrowroot breadcrumb-like mixture on yet another plate. Step 4:. Preheat oven to about 375°F while heating up your skillet thoroughly coated in oil of choice if pan-frying. In contrast, preheating an oven at that temperature as well can instead be placed prepared breaded chicken strips if any vertically aligned sheet pan . Baked rather than fried version Then generously lay these chicken pieces out onto baking sheet left to cook until crispy light brown hue is achieved approximately between 20 -25 minutes.
Technique 3: Non-Fried Breading Recipe
For individuals who avoid too much fatty grease/oil stuff due to various dietary requirements or personal preferences may opt for this non-fried, palate and result-oriented technique.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups Organic gluten-free cornflake crumbs
- 1 tablespoon dried Oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 eggs
- Garlic Herb seasoning
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat the oven to roughly about 400°F while setting up a large baking sheet coated with either silicone mat or slightly greased parchment paper. Step 2: Combine Cornflake crumbs, sea salt, oregano, black pepper and garlic herb seasoning all mixed in one bowl. Beat two eggs into another separate bowl. Step 3: Cut pre-cooked chicken strips (results better than whole pieces when baked) width-wise, then dip them first into the egg mixture. Gradually coat each strip on either side with the crumb mixture before placing it onto your lined baking sheet next to each other for even-cooking results. Step4: Bake precooked breaded chicken strips for around between18 -20 minutes checking regularly (turning once if required every so often) until crispy outside is achieved.
Meal Ideas and Serving Suggestions for Breaded Fries
Idea 1 – Sandwiches/Wraps:
Breaded chicken fillets sandwiches are an excellent green light all-time classic; fill pretzel rolls and remain versatile with toppings such as double-mayo cream cheese, pickled cucumbers or jalapeño flavored jams.
Idea 2 – Salad Topping :
Adding juicy chunks of chicken cutlets breaded with seasoned Panko or flour-based mixtures creates perfect healthy salad dishes enough to be considered standalone meal comforters.
Idea 3 – Pizza Topping :
A fan of pizza overflowing with flavours ? Adding yummy breaded chicken pieces makes one’s pizza proceedings even more exciting plus won’t look out of place with mushroom toppings,grilled onions or marinated artichokes among other common toppings.
Conclusion
Finally, these breading techniques ensure that your precooked chicken receives a delicious facelift. Regardless of the chosen method, safety remains integral in both preparation and cooking to avoid contamination risks. Whether you enjoy sandwiches, salads or pizzas loaded with delectable golden-brown treats, these reimagined leftovers recipes will please everyone at the dinner table!
Q&A
- Q: Can an already cooked chicken be breaded? A: Absolutely! While traditionally we bread raw chicken, you can definitely bread already cooked chicken for a crispy and delicious result.
- Q: What is the best method for breading an already cooked chicken? A: To achieve the perfect breading on an already cooked chicken, dip it in egg wash or buttermilk and then coat it with breadcrumbs or seasoned flour. You can then bake or fry the chicken for a crisp exterior.
- Q: Will breading an already cooked chicken affect its texture and taste? A: Breading will add a layer of crunch to the outside of your cooked chicken, giving it a different texture than before. Depending on what seasonings you use, it may also add additional flavor to your dish.
- Q: Can I use leftover fried chicken to make a new dish with bread crumbs? A: Absolutely! Using leftover fried chicken is a great way to minimize food waste and create a new dish that feels like a totally new meal. Just remove any remaining bones, skin, or excess grease before proceeding with breading.
