Substitute for Eggs When Breading Chicken: Top Alternatives You Should Try

When it comes to breading chicken, eggs are a widely used ingredient to help the breadcrumb mixture adhere to the surface of the meat.

I just love chicken schnitzel if it has been breaded or crumbed well!

However, there are instances when a substitute for eggs may be necessary, such as if a person has an egg allergy, follows a vegan diet, or finds themselves out of eggs in the kitchen. In these cases, finding suitable alternatives is essential for ensuring a successful and delicious breaded chicken dish.

Thankfully, there are several effective substitutes for eggs when breading chicken that maintains binding capabilities and produces satisfying results, similar for other egg free savory items.

Some popular alternatives for breading chicken are include heavy cream, gelatin, egg replacers, milk, and even chia eggs.

Each option has its own unique advantages, and experimentation can lead to surprising discoveries in terms of flavor and texture in breaded chicken recipes.

As one begins to explore these egg substitutes, it’s essential to understand the properties of each alternative and how they compare to the characteristics of eggs in the breading process, This will allow for more informed decision-making and greater success when adjusting recipes to accommodate an egg-free approach to breading chicken.

Why Substitute Eggs in Breading?

Eggs are a common ingredient in breading recipes due to their natural ability to help bind coatings to the surface of foods like chicken. However, there are several reasons why some may opt to use an egg substitute when breading:

• Allergies and dietary restrictions: Individuals with egg allergies or specific dietary preferences (such as vegans) may seek egg substitutes to avoid potential allergens and animal products in their meals.
• Food safety concerns: Raw eggs can sometimes carry pathogens like Salmonella, which may pose a risk of foodborne illness. Using egg substitutes can help reduce this risk.
• Availability: In instances where eggs are unavailable or scarce, egg substitutes can provide a convenient alternative.
• Variety in texture and flavor: Experimenting with egg substitutes can lead to new and exciting flavor profiles and textures in breading.

Several egg substitutes can be used in breading recipes, offering both practical and creative alternatives. These substitutes range from dairy-based products like milk, heavy cream, and mayonnaise to plant-based options such as egg replacers made from tapioca and potato starches. The choice of substitute can depend on factors like personal taste preferences, dietary needs, and the desired outcome of the dish being prepared.

Dairy-Based Substitutes

When looking for egg substitutes in breading chicken, there are a few dairy-based alternatives that can efficiently provide similar results. Some popular options include buttermilk and yogurt.

Buttermilk

Buttermilk is a suitable substitute for eggs in breading due to its acidity and thickness. To use buttermilk as a replacement, mix equal parts of buttermilk and flour. For each egg called for in the recipe, use this mixture instead. This technique works well for fried foods like chicken or fish. The buttermilk not only binds the breading to the chicken but also adds a slightly tangy flavor.

Yogurt

Yogurt is another dairy-based alternative that can be used in place of eggs. Its thick, creamy texture helps hold the breading onto the chicken. To use yogurt as an egg substitute, opt for plain, unsweetened yogurt. It is essential to choose the right type of yogurt to avoid altering the taste of your dish. Greek yogurt is an excellent choice due to its thickness and mild flavor. Use the same amount of yogurt as you would use eggs for the recipe.

Both buttermilk and yogurt not only provide a viable substitution for eggs but also enhance the flavor profile of your dish. When breading chicken, consider these dairy-based alternatives to achieve delicious and well-breaded results.

Non-Dairy Liquid Substitutes

In this section, we will explore non-dairy liquid substitutes for eggs when breading chicken. These alternatives are suitable for those with dairy allergies or dietary restrictions while still providing excellent binding properties for breading.

Aquafaba

Aquafaba is the liquid obtained from cooking chickpeas or other legumes. It has gained popularity as an egg substitute in various recipes due to its unique consistency and binding properties. When used in breading, aquafaba not only serves as a binder but also adds a subtle nutty flavor to your chicken. To use aquafaba as a substitute for eggs in breading:

• Drain the liquid from a can of chickpeas or cook your own legumes and reserve the cooking liquid.
• Whisk the aquafaba to achieve a frothy consistency.
• Dip the chicken pieces in the whisked aquafaba, ensuring they are fully coated before dredging them in the breading mixture.

This method can be used for various types of breading, including breadcrumbs, panko, and even gluten-free alternatives.

This could also be used in patties.

Almond Milk

Another non-dairy liquid substitute for eggs in breading chicken is almond milk. It provides a mild, nutty flavor and works well as a binder without the need for eggs. Whether you use store-bought or homemade almond milk, it can be a reliable option for those seeking a non-dairy alternative. To use almond milk in place of eggs for breading chicken:

• Pour the almond milk into a shallow dish or bowl.
• Dip the chicken pieces in the almond milk, ensuring even coating before dredging in the breading mixture.
• Allow the excess milk to drip off before transferring the chicken to the breadcrumb or coating mix.

It’s crucial to choose unsweetened and unflavored almond milk to avoid altering the taste of your breaded chicken. Additionally, other plant-based milk alternatives such as soy milk, cashew milk, or rice milk can also be used as egg substitutes in a similar manner.

Pantry Staples Substitutes

When it comes to finding an egg substitute for breading chicken, there are several items you may already have in your pantry. This section will discuss three pantry staples that can work well as alternatives to eggs in the breading process.

Applesauce

Applesauce is a popular substitute for eggs in many baking recipes, and it can also act as a binder for breading chicken. It adds moisture and helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken, while also providing a hint of natural sweetness.

To use applesauce as an egg substitute, lightly coat each chicken piece in a thin layer of applesauce before dredging it in breadcrumbs. Keep in mind that the consistency of applesauce may be different than that of beaten eggs, so you might need to adjust the amount used accordingly.

Vinegar and Baking Powder Mix

An unconventional but effective egg substitute for breading is a mixture of vinegar and baking powder. The acidic nature of vinegar combined with the rising action of baking powder creates a thick, slightly foamy consistency that serves as a good binding agent for the breadcrumbs.

To prepare this mixture, combine one tablespoon of vinegar with one teaspoon of baking powder. Adjust the quantities as needed based on the size of your batch. Dip the chicken pieces into the mixture, ensuring they are fully coated before moving on to the breadcrumb step.

Mashed Banana

Similar to applesauce, mashed bananas can provide moisture and binding properties for breading chicken. They also add a natural sweetness and a slightly different flavor profile to the dish.

When using mashed bananas as an egg substitute, aim for a purée-like consistency, which will adhere better to the chicken pieces. A ripe banana should be easy to mash with a fork or blend in a processor. Coat the chicken pieces in a thin layer of mashed banana before applying the breadcrumbs. As with applesauce, you may need to adjust the amount used to account for the difference in consistency compared to beaten eggs.

Breading Techniques Without Eggs

When it comes to breading chicken without the use of eggs, there are several alternatives that can serve as effective substitutes. These include oil, yogurt, and even butter, among others. By employing any of these techniques, you can still achieve a delicious and crispy result without using eggs in the breading process.

Oil: Vegetable or olive oil can be used in place of eggs as a binding agent for bread crumbs. Oils such as olive, peanut, canola, safflower, and sunflower options are not only a healthy choice but also ensure that the breading sticks well to the chicken. To do this, lightly coat the chicken in oil before rolling in breadcrumbs.

Yogurt: Another egg substitute for breading is yogurt, which provides both a tangy flavor and a good adhesive property. To use yogurt as an alternative, first mix it with spices and Parmesan cheese in a shallow bowl, then dip the chicken in flour followed by the yogurt mixture, and finally coat with breadcrumbs. This method is particularly useful for oven-baked breaded chicken.

Butter or Heavy Cream: Using melted butter or heavy cream can also help bind the breadcrumbs to the chicken. Simply dip the chicken in the melted butter or cream, then roll in breadcrumbs. This technique may result in a richer and buttery flavor, which some may find appealing.

In conclusion, no matter which technique you choose to replace eggs in the breading process, it’s important to experiment with these methods to find the one that best suits your taste preferences and dietary restrictions. With these substitutes, you can still enjoy crispy and delicious breaded chicken without relying on eggs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, finding the right substitute for eggs in breading chicken can be a game-changer for those with dietary restrictions, allergies, or simply looking for alternatives. Through careful consideration and experimentation, several viable options have emerged for this purpose.

Some of the most popular and effective substitutes include heavy cream, butter, gelatin, egg replacer, and even honey. While each of these alternatives has its own unique properties and benefits, they generally succeed in providing the necessary binding and consistency needed for breading chicken.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that every recipe and individual taste will vary, so it’s worth trying out different substitutes to find the one that works best for your specific needs. Remember to maintain a balance between taste, texture, and adherence, as well as taking into account any potential allergies or dietary restrictions.

By exploring these various egg substitutes in breading, home cooks and professional chefs alike can create delicious, crispy, and satisfying breaded chicken dishes, irrespective of their egg preferences or requirements. Happy cooking!