Why Avoid Eggs in Breaded Chicken?
Some people choose to avoid eggs in their cooking for various reasons. For vegans, it’s because eggs are an animal product and therefore not in line with their ethical choices. Others may have allergies or dietary restrictions that prevent them from enjoying eggs. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives to help you achieve a crispy and flavorful breaded chicken without using eggs.
What Can I Use Instead of Eggs for Coating Chicken?
There are several effective and easily accessible alternatives to eggs when it comes to coating chicken. Here are some common options:
- Non-dairy milk: Plant-based milk such as almond, soy, or oat milk can work as a suitable replacement for eggs in the breading process. They provide moisture and help bind the breading to the chicken.
- Vegetable broth: Lightly dipping the chicken in vegetable broth before breading can add flavor and help as a binding agent.
- Flaxseed or chia seed mixture: Mixing ground flaxseeds or chia seeds with water creates a gel-like consistency that can serve as an excellent egg substitute. Use one tablespoon of ground seeds mixed with three tablespoons of water for each egg.
- Bread crumbs and flour: Coating the chicken with a mixture of bread crumbs and flour is another way to achieve a crispy outer layer without eggs. Simply dip the chicken in your alternative liquid of choice and then coat it with the bread crumb and flour mixture.
What Is the Breading Process Without Eggs?
The breading process without eggs is quite similar to the traditional method. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to coat chicken without using eggs:
- Prep the chicken: Start by cutting your chicken into desired pieces and pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help the breading stick better.
- Choose your alternative: Decide which egg substitute you’ll use, whether it’s non-dairy milk, vegetable broth, or a flaxseed/chia seed mixture.
- Dip in the alternative liquid: Dip each piece of chicken into your chosen liquid, ensuring it’s completely coated.
- Coat with bread crumbs and flour: After dipping in the liquid, transfer the chicken to a mixture of bread crumbs and flour. Press firmly to ensure an even coating.
- Repeat if desired: If you prefer a thicker coating, you can repeat the dipping and coating process once more.
- Cook the breaded chicken: Fry the breaded chicken in a pan with hot oil or bake it in the oven until crispy and golden brown.
Enjoying vegan versions of your favorite dishes doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right egg substitutes and breading technique, you can savor delicious breaded chicken without any animal products. Whether you choose to use non-dairy milk, vegetable broth, or flaxseed mixture, you’ll be able to achieve a crispy and satisfying meal. So, give it a try and enjoy guilt-free vegan breaded chicken!