Getting Breading to Stick to Chicken Parmesan
Chicken parmesan is a beloved Italian-American dish that features tender, juicy chicken breasts coated in a crispy, golden-brown breading and topped with tangy tomato sauce and melted cheese. Getting the breading to stick to the chicken is crucial for achieving the perfect chicken parmesan, but it can be a tricky feat to master. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the best techniques and tips to help you get that breading to adhere perfectly every time.
Preparing the Chicken for Optimal Breading Adhesion
The first step to getting great breading adhesion is to properly prepare the chicken. Start by rinsing the chicken breasts under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. This removes any excess moisture that could prevent the breading from sticking.
Next, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This helps the breading adhere evenly and ensures the chicken cooks through properly. You can use a meat mallet, the bottom of a heavy skillet, or even a rolling pin for this task.
Once the chicken is pounded, season it generously with salt, pepper, and any other desired spices. This not only adds flavor but also helps the breading stick better.
Expert Techniques for Coating Chicken Parmesan in Crispy Breading
Now comes the crucial step: breading the chicken. This is where a lot of home cooks go wrong, but with a few simple tricks, you can get that breading to stick like a charm.
Start by setting up a breading station with three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs or panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs). You can also add grated Parmesan cheese, dried herbs, and spices to the breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
Dredge the seasoned chicken breasts in the flour first, coating them completely and shaking off any excess. Next, dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the chicken firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure the entire surface is coated.
The key to getting the breading to stick is to use a gentle, pressing motion rather than just sprinkling the breadcrumbs on top. This helps the breading adhere to the chicken better.
Frying the Breaded Chicken to Golden-Brown Perfection
Once the chicken is breaded, it’s time to fry it to crispy perfection. Heat about 1/2 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, gently add the breaded chicken breasts and fry for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the breading is golden brown and crispy.
Be sure to adjust the heat as needed to prevent the breading from burning. You may also need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lead to steaming and soggy breading.
Baking Chicken Parmesan to Enhance Breading Adhesion
After the chicken is fried, it’s time to assemble the chicken parmesan. Place the fried chicken breasts in a baking dish and top with your favorite marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese.
Bake the chicken parmesan in a preheated 375°F oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This step not only melts the cheese but also helps the breading adhere even more to the chicken.
Top Tips for Achieving the Perfect Breaded Chicken Parmesan
Here are some additional tips to help you achieve the perfect chicken parmesan:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese in the breading for better flavor and texture.
- Let the breaded chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before frying to help the breading set.
- Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature and prevent the breading from getting soggy.
- Use a combination of breadcrumbs and panko for a delightfully crispy texture.
- Serve the chicken parmesan hot, garnished with fresh basil or parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
With these techniques and tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a chicken parmesan masterpiece that will have your family and friends raving.
Conclusion:
how to get breading to stick to chicken parmesan
By following these proven techniques and tips, you’ll be able to consistently achieve a perfectly crispy breading that clings to your chicken parmesan every time. The key is in the careful preparation, the breading process, and the right frying and baking methods. With a little practice, you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality chicken parmesan that will impress your family and friends. So don’t be afraid to get creative with your breading mixtures and enjoy the delicious results!
FAQs
What’s the best way to pound chicken breasts for breading?
The best method is to place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and use a meat mallet, rolling pin, or the bottom of a heavy skillet to gently pound the chicken to an even 1/2-inch thickness. This helps the breading adhere evenly.
Can I use pre-breaded frozen chicken for chicken parmesan?
While it’s possible, using fresh, homemade breaded chicken will always yield the best results for chicken parmesan. The breading on frozen chicken may not stick as well or get as crispy when baked with the sauce and cheese.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off the chicken?
Making sure to thoroughly coat the chicken in the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture is key. Pressing the breading onto the chicken with your hands also helps it adhere better. Letting the breaded chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before frying helps the coating set.
Can I bake the breaded chicken instead of frying it?
Absolutely! Baking the breaded chicken at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway, is a great way to get a crispy coating without frying. Just be sure to use panko or a crispy breadcrumb mixture.