Fried Chicken > Can you use bisquick instead of flour for fried chicken

Can You Use Bisquick Instead of Flour for Fried Chicken?

Bisquick is a popular all-purpose baking mix that can be used to make a variety of baked goods quickly and easily. Its versatility makes it an appealing substitute when you’re missing a common baking ingredient like flour. But can you use Bisquick in place of flour when frying chicken? Let’s take a closer look.

Can You Use Bisquick Instead of Flour for Fried Chicken?

Yes, Bisquick can be substituted for flour when frying chicken, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Bisquick is an all-purpose baking mix containing flour, leavening agents like baking powder, salt, and sometimes shortening or other fats.

The baking powder in Bisquick will make the fried chicken extra crispy and airy. However, the leavening power also means batters and breadings made with Bisquick will puff up more. So you need to account for that by using more buttermilk or other liquid to get the right thick, coatable consistency for your fried chicken batter or dredging mix.

It’s best to use a 1:1 ratio when swapping flour for Bisquick – replace each cup of flour with 1 cup of Bisquick. Because of the salt and baking powder already in Bisquick, you’ll need to reduce or omit any extra salt and baking powder called for in the original recipe.

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Let the Bisquick coating or batter sit for 10-15 minutes before frying to allow the baking powder time to react. This will improve the texture and crisping power. Breading chicken by dredging in Bisquick will give you a thin, crispy crust similar to Shake ‘n Bake. Making a thick batter to coat the chicken before frying will result in a fluffier, cakier coating.

For the juiciest, crunchiest fried chicken, opt for bone-in chicken pieces rather than boneless. Frying at the proper high heat of 350°F ensures the Bisquick coating gets maximally crispy. And be sure to let the fried chicken drain briefly on a rack before serving to let steam escape and maintain crispness.

With a bit of tweaking and proper frying technique, Bisquick can absolutely be used in place of flour to yield delicious, crunchy fried chicken with a flavorful hint of vanilla. The convenience of this popular baking mix makes it an easy substitution for frying up some finger-lickin’ good chicken.

Why Use Bisquick for Fried Chicken?

There are a few reasons why cooks sometimes use Bisquick rather than plain flour when frying chicken:

• • Convenience – Bisquick contains flour plus leavening agents and salt, so it eliminates measuring out multiple ingredients. It’s an easy shortcut when frying chicken.
  • Crispness – The baking powder in Bisquick can help fried foods like chicken get extra crisp. The leavening creates air pockets in the batter coating that become crunchy when fried.
  • Flavor – Some people prefer the subtle sweetness and vanllla notes that Bisquick adds versus plain flour. It can enhance the flavor of the fried chicken.

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How to Substitute Bisquick for Flour?

Making the swap from flour to Bisquick when frying chicken is simple:

• • Use a 1:1 substitution – Replace each cup of flour called for in the recipe with 1 cup of Bisquick.
  • Adjust any seasonings – Since Bisquick contains salt and baking powder, you may want to reduce added salt and omit any baking powder.
  • Add more buttermilk – The high leavening power of Bisquick may require more buttermilk or other liquid to get the right batter consistency for coating chicken. Add a tablespoon or two extra.
  • Let the batter sit – Allow the seasoned Bisquick batter to rest for 10-15 minutes before coating your chicken. This allows the baking powder time to react and improves the batter’s performance.

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Breading vs Batter – What’s Best?

You have two basic options when frying chicken in Bisquick:

Breading – This involves dredging wet chicken pieces in seasoned Bisquick to coat them before frying. It creates a thin, crispy layer akin to Shake N’ Bake.

Batter – Making a thick batter with Bisquick and buttermilk/milk before dunking and frying chicken gives a thicker, cakier coating. It’s similar to fried chicken made with flour-based batter.

Battered chicken tends to be juicier, while breaded chicken is usually crisper. Choose based on your texture preference.

Tips for the Best Results

To achieve optimal flavor, texture and crispy crunch when frying chicken in Bisquick, keep these tips in mind:

• • Use bone-in chicken – The bones help chicken keep its shape and juices during frying. Boneless pieces may fall apart.
  • Brine the chicken first – Soaking chicken in a saltwater brine ensures it stays juicy and seasoned. Rinse and pat dry chicken before coating.
  • Double dip – When batter frying chicken, dip pieces in batter, let excess drip off, then dip again for an extra thick coating.
  • Fry at 350°F – Getting the oil hot enough is crucial for getting a crispy crust without overcooking the chicken.
  • Rest on a rack – Let fried chicken drain on a rack over a baking sheet before serving. This allows the steam to escape so the skin stays crispy.

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So, Can you use Bisquick for fried chicken?

Yes, Bisquick can absolutely be used to make delicious fried chicken with a crispy, crunchy coating. With some simple adjustments, Bisquick can be substituted for flour with delicious results when frying up juicy, crunchy chicken. Its baked-in seasonings and leavening agents make it a quick and tasty alternative.

FAQs
Can you use Bisquick instead of flour for frying?

Yes, Bisquick can substitute for flour when frying foods like chicken. Since Bisquick contains baking powder and salt, you’ll need to adjust the salt and leavening in your recipe. Use a 1:1 ratio of Bisquick to replace flour. The baking powder will make the chicken extra crispy. Let batters/dredges sit 10-15 minutes before frying so the baking powder can react.

Can I use Bisquick Original or Heart Smart?

Both kinds of Bisquick will work well for fried chicken. The Original formula contains shortening for enhanced crispness. Heart Smart has less fat but still fries up tasty and crunchy.

What can you use if you don’t have flour to fry chicken?

If you’re out of flour, Bisquick is a convenient alternative. The leavening agents in it will create a crispy coating on fried chicken. Adjust any seasonings in the recipe since Bisquick has salt and baking powder added. You can also use finely crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or a blend instead of flour. These all create a crunchy crust when frying.

How long does fried chicken last with Bisquick?

Fried chicken made with Bisquick will keep 3-4 days refrigerated. Reheat in a 350°F oven until hot and crispy. For longer storage, freeze uncooked battered chicken for up to 6 months.

Can you use Bisquick in place of self-rising flour?

Yes, the leavening agents in Bisquick allow it to substitute for self-rising flour. Use a 1:1 ratio, swapping each cup of self-rising flour for 1 cup of Bisquick. The formulas are slightly different, so you may need to tweak the liquid or leavening in a recipe when making the switch. Let batters and doughs rest before frying or baking to allow the baking powder time to react.

What’s the best oil for frying with Bisquick?

Choose a high smoke point neutral oil like peanut, vegetable or canola oil. Avoid olive oil as it can oxidize and become bitter when heated to frying temperature.

Can I use baking powder instead of flour for fried chicken?

Baking powder on its own doesn’t provide the absorptive, binding properties that flour does for frying. For a crispy crust, use flour or an alternative like Bisquick as the main coating ingredient. Add a teaspoon or two of baking powder per cup of flour substitute to boost crisping power. Or use self-rising flour which already contains leavening. Don’t use baking powder alone.

 

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