Fried Chicken > Can you make fried chicken without eggs

Can You Make Fried Chicken Without Eggs?

Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food for many, with its crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior. The typical fried chicken recipe calls for dredging chicken pieces in a flour-egg mixture before frying. However, if you find yourself without eggs, you can still make delicious fried chicken. Here’s what you need to know.

Can You Make Fried Chicken Without Eggs?

Yes, it is absolutely possible to make delicious fried chicken without using eggs! Eggs are commonly used in fried chicken recipes to help the flour coating stick to the meat, acting as a binder or “glue” between the chicken and breading.

Related post: Can you make fried chicken without cornstarch?

Do I need eggs to make fried chicken?

No, you do not need eggs to make delicious fried chicken. While eggs are commonly used in fried chicken recipes to help bind the breading to the meat, there are several easy substitutions you can use in place of eggs when breading fried chicken:

• • Buttermilk – Soaking chicken pieces in tangy buttermilk before dredging in flour gives a great coating. The thickness helps the flour adhere.
  • Milk – Milk contains just the right balance of fat and protein to bind the breading to the chicken. Dip pieces in milk before flour.
  • Yogurt – Plain yogurt works the same way as eggs, with proteins to help bind the coating. Greek yogurt is especially thick.
  • Cornstarch Slurry – Make a smooth slurry by mixing cornstarch and cold water. Use this to dip chicken before flouring.
  • Baking Powder – Simply add 1-2 teaspoons of baking powder to your seasoned flour mixture. This helps crisp the coating.
  • Mayonnaise – You can also coat chicken pieces in a thin layer of mayo before dredging in flour.

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When frying chicken without eggs, it’s helpful to refrigerate the floured chicken for 20-30 minutes before frying to help the coating “set”. Frying at the proper oil temperature of 325-350°F ensures the chicken gets crispy and fully cooked. Letting the chicken drain on a wire rack or paper towels afterwards also helps maintain that signature crunch.

While eggs provide an extra layer of adhesion, they are not required for getting deliciously crispy, juicy fried chicken. With the right substitutions and frying technique, you can make tasty fried chicken any night of the week, with or without eggs.

Why Do Recipes Use Eggs for Fried Chicken?

The main purpose of eggs in fried chicken is to help the flour coating adhere to the chicken. Eggs work as a binder or “glue” between the meat and the breading. When dipped in the egg wash, the flour sticks to the chicken better and forms a thicker crust when fried.

Tips for Crispy Fried Chicken Without Eggs

• • Use chicken thighs and drumsticks. The extra skin and fat help keep the meat juicy and tender.
  • Refrigerate coated chicken for 20-30 minutes before frying. This helps “set” the coating.
  • Use a thermometer and fry at 350°F for even cooking.
  • Let chicken rest for 5 minutes after frying to allow juices to redistribute.
  • Double dredge for extra crunch. Dip chicken in flour, then buttermilk, then back into the flour.

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While fried chicken is best with an egg wash, you can still achieve tender, flavorful fried chicken without eggs. With the right technique and a good binding agent like buttermilk or yogurt, you can make tasty fried chicken any night of the week.

So, Do I need eggs for fried chicken?

Eggs are not essential for making crispy, juicy fried chicken. The main purpose of egg is to act as a “glue” between the flour coating and the chicken. However, other dairy products like buttermilk or milk contain the right proteins and fat to properly adhere to chicken. You can bread and fry chicken without using any egg at all and still achieve great results.

FAQs
What can I use in place of eggs for fried chicken?

Some easy substitutions for eggs when making fried chicken include buttermilk, milk, plain yogurt, mayonnaise, a cornstarch slurry, and adding baking powder to the flour mixture. All of these options contain proteins and moisture that help bind the flour to the chicken similar to eggs. Dip or coat the chicken in one of these before dredging in flour.

Is it okay to fry chicken without eggs?

Yes, it is absolutely okay to fry chicken without using eggs! Eggs simply help the coating stick better, but they are not essential for getting crispy fried chicken. As long as you use an alternate binder like buttermilk and fry at the proper oil temperature, you can make delicious fried chicken without eggs.

Can I use milk instead of egg to coat chicken?

Milk makes an excellent substitute for eggs when breading fried chicken. The proteins and fat in milk act similarly to eggs to help the flour adhere properly. Simply dip chicken pieces in milk before coating with flour to get a crispy fried crust without needing eggs.

Why do you need eggs for fried chicken?

Eggs are typically used in fried chicken recipes because the proteins help bind the flour coating tightly to the meat, which results in a thicker, crispier crust when fried. Eggs also promote browning and crisping. However, while eggs provide great adhesion for the coating, they are not actually required to make fried chicken.

 

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