Don’t worry if you don’t have any eggs but still want that golden crunch on your fried chicken. There are several ways to get that end result!
Fried chicken is a classic dish known for its crispy, golden coating and tender meat. Many traditional recipes call for eggs as a binder to help the flour or breadcrumbs stick to the chicken, creating that delicious crunchy crust.
But what if you don’t have any eggs or are on a vegan, egg-free, or allergy-friendly diet? Luckily, there are a lot of great egg-free alternatives that will work just as well. In this post, we’ll explore some of the best egg substitutes for frying chicken and how to use them.
Fried chicken is a delicious classic that everyone loves. It’s a favorite because the outside is crispy and the meat is juicy. Usually, an egg and flour mixture is used to bread fried chicken. But eggs aren’t always available, and people with food allergies may need to use other foods instead. Lucky for us, there are a few simple things you can use instead of eggs to fry chicken that work just as well.
Why Do Recipes Use Eggs for Fried Chicken?
Recipes call for whisking eggs into the flour dredging mixture because the egg proteins help the coating stick to the chicken. Eggs also provide moisture to keep the chicken juicy while frying.
6 Easy Egg Substitutes for Fried Chicken
Here are 6 convenient ingredients to use instead of eggs when breading fried chicken
1. Milk
There are many easy and convenient ways to use milk instead of eggs. Just put the chicken pieces that have been floured into milk and then roll them in breadcrumbs. Any milk will do in a pinch, but whole milk tastes the most like eggs. If you want a thicker coating, add a spoonful of yogurt or mayonnaise to the milk to make it thinner.
2. Buttermilk
Buttermilk gives fried chicken a wonderfully tangy flavor. Real buttermilk can be used, or makesubstitute by mixing 1 tablespoon lemon juice or vinegar per cup of milk. Allow it to sit for 10 minutes to thicken. Dip floured chicken in buttermilk then coat in crumbs.
3. Mayonnaise or Sauce
For sticking the breading together, mayonnaise or another creamy sauce with a texture similar to eggs works well. Avoid sugary sauces that may burn. Thin with milk or water for easier application. Mustard, sour cream, yogurt, and hummus also work well.
4. Milk & Cornstarch Slurry
A simple milk and cornstarch slurry mimics eggs. Whisk 1-2 tablespoons cornstarch into 1 cup milk until smooth. Adjust thickness as needed. Dip floured chicken in slurry then crumbs.
5. Ground Flaxseeds & Water
When combined, flaxseeds and water create a gel reminiscent of whisked eggs. Use 1 tablespoon ground flaxseed whisked with 3 tablespoons water. Allow to rest 5 minutes before using. Provides binding and extra nutrition.
6. Chickpea Liquid (Aquafaba)
The liquid from a can of chickpeas whips up much like raw eggs. Whisk it into foamy peaks for a vegan option. Chickpea liquid works for meringues too. Just drain and whisk before dipping chicken.
Tips for Crispy Fried Chicken Without Eggs
-
For lighter coating, use more watery substitutes like milk or aquafaba. Thicken as needed with cornstarch or small amounts of mayo, yogurt, etc.
-
Let thicker wet ingredients like buttermilk or flaxseed gel drip off well before dredging in crumbs for optimal crispness.
-
For best texture, avoid soggy breading by frying chicken soon after coating.
-
Peanut, vegetable, or canola oils withstand frying heat best. Use a thermometer to maintain even 350°F temperature.
-
Cook chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding. White meat takes 12-15 minutes, dark meat 15-18 minutes.
-
Drain fried chicken on a wire rack before serving.
With a simple substitute on hand, you can still enjoy crunchy, juicy fried chicken for dinner even if you’re out of eggs. Give one of these convenient binder replacements a try for classic flavor without the eggs. Crispy, crunchy fried chicken awaits!
Understanding Egg Substitutes in Fried Chicken Recipes
Egg substitutes are very important in fried chicken recipes, especially for people who are allergic to eggs or want vegan or vegetarian options. Eggs serve as a binder, helping the coating adhere to the chicken, and also provide moisture and richness to the dish. When substituting eggs in fried chicken recipes, it’s essential to choose an ingredient that can replicate these functions.
Some popular egg substitutes for fried chicken include:
- Chia seeds: Chia seeds work like a gel when mixed with water, which can help keep the coating on the chicken. If you want a natural, plant-based egg substitute, these are a great choice.
- Ground Flaxseed Meal: Like chia seeds, ground flaxseed meal can be mixed with water to make a gel-like consistency. This makes it a great ingredient for holding fried chicken together.
- Vegan Egg Substitutes: You can use commercial products like JUST Egg or Ener-G Egg Replacer in place of eggs in your fried chicken recipe because they are made to work like eggs.
When using egg substitutes, it’s crucial to adjust the amount of liquid in the recipe accordingly. Some egg substitutes, like silken tofu, can add more water, while others, like chia seeds, may soak up more than eggs do. Experimenting with these substitutes will help you find the perfect balance for your fried chicken.
Buttermilk is one of the most popular egg substitutes for those looking to fry chicken. It not only helps the coating stick but also tenderizes the chicken, giving it a juicy, flavorful bite. Simply soak your chicken in buttermilk for a few hours before dredging it in your flour or breadcrumb mixture. The tanginess of the buttermilk adds an extra depth of flavor, and it creates a beautifully crispy crust when fried.
How to use it: Submerge the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, then proceed with your regular breading and frying process.
A simple milk and flour mixture can also work wonders as an egg substitute. The flour thickens the milk, helping it bind to the chicken and hold onto the coating. Adding a little baking powder to the milk and flour can help make the coating lighter and fluffier. You can use any type of milk, including dairy-free options like almond or soy milk.
How to use it: Mix equal parts of milk and flour to form a batter, dip the chicken in, then coat it with seasoned flour or breadcrumbs before frying.
Plain yogurt, whether regular or Greek, is another great alternative to eggs. Its thick, creamy texture helps the coating stick to the chicken while adding a tangy flavor. For extra flavor, consider adding garlic powder to the flour or breadcrumb mixture. Yogurt also acts as a tenderizer, making your fried chicken juicy and flavorful.
How to use it: Coat the chicken in a thin layer of yogurt before dipping it in the flour or breadcrumbs for frying. You can thin the yogurt slightly with water if it’s too thick.
For a plant-based option, vegan mayo works well as a versatile vegan egg substitute for frying chicken. Its creamy consistency allows the breading to stick while adding a rich flavor.
How to use it: Spread a thin layer of vegan mayo over the chicken, then dredge in flour or breadcrumbs before frying. It’s perfect for creating a crispy crust without the need for eggs.
Aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, is an excellent egg replacement that mimics the binding properties of eggs. Aquafaba can be whipped to create a texture similar to that of whipped egg whites, making it an effective replacement. It’s a great choice for those following a vegan or egg-free diet and works surprisingly well in fried dishes. Aquafaba is light and easy to work with, helping the coating stick while producing a crispy finish.
How to use it: Whisk the aquafaba until it’s frothy, dip your chicken pieces into it, then coat with flour or breadcrumbs and fry as usual.
Which Substitutes Result In Crispiest Chicken
The egg substitutes that result in the crispiest coating for fried chicken are:
- Buttermilk: Its acidity makes the chicken tender and gives it a crisp, stick-to-the-chicken coating when it’s fried.
- Cornstarch and Water Slurry: This mixture is a great alternative to eggs because cornstarch makes things light and crispy.
- Aquafaba, or chickpea liquid, makes a foamy texture when whisked that sticks well to the coating and makes a crunchy crust.
- Mixture of Milk and Flour: The flour makes the milk thicker and helps make a crunchy, crispy layer.
How to make CHEAP and EASY Egg Substitute / Best Egg Replacer Recipe
FAQ
What is a good substitute for fried chicken?
There are several substitutes for eggs when making fried chicken. Butter or heavy cream are good options. Other recommended substitutes include gelatin, egg replacer, and honey. Heavy cream works well because it is thicker than milk, which makes it better at coating and achieving a crunch. Egg replacer is another effective substitute.
What can I use instead of eggs for fried chicken?
Instead of eggs for coating fried chicken, you can use: 1. Yogurt (plain). 2. Milk. Eggs are used to help the flour and breading adhere to the chicken. These alternatives will serve the same purpose.
Are there alternatives to eggs for breading chicken?
There are several alternatives to eggs that can be used for breading chicken. These alternatives provide similar binding properties and help to achieve that coveted crispy texture. One of the most popular egg substitutes is a mixture of milk and flour. This simple combination can work wonders and is readily available in most kitchens.
Can you substitute heavy cream for fried chicken?
Heavy cream can be a suitable substitute if you don’t have to follow a dairy-free diet. In a traditional fried chicken recipe, you make the egg wash with eggs and buttermilk or even cow’s milk. Heavy cream is very similar to the consistency of the combined mixture of eggs and milk.
What is the best egg substitute for frying?
Here’s the short answer. The best egg substitute for frying is a flour and water slurry. Mix equal parts flour and water in a small bowl and whisk thoroughly. For a lighter consistency, opt for a 2:1 ratio of water to flour. Heavy cream, milk, and ground flaxseed mixed with water are also great options.
Can I use yogurt instead of eggs for breading chicken?
To avoid this, cancel and sign in to YouTube on your computer. Yes, yogurt can be used instead of eggs to bread chicken because it helps the breading stick together and gives it a tangy taste. 4. Can I use mayonnaise as an alternative to eggs for breading chicken?.
What can I use instead of eggs for frying chicken?
This article explores the various ingredients that can be used as egg alternatives. Applesauce. Applesauce is a purée made from cooked apples. Mashed banana. Ground flaxseeds or chia seeds. Commercial egg replacer. Silken tofu. Vinegar and baking soda. Yogurt or buttermilk. Arrowroot powder.
How do you get batter to stick to chicken without eggs?
Plain Regular Yogurt & Milk: These two keep the chicken moist and juicy while helping the flour and breadcrumbs adhere. Breadcrumbs: The star of the crispy coating. You can use panko for extra crunch, regular breadcrumbs for a finer texture, or a combination of both.
Is it possible to fry chicken without eggs?
No eggs, no boiling—just flour, spices, and perfectly crispy fried chicken. Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken Without Eggs. Discover how to make perfectly crispy fried chicken using just flour and spices. No eggs or boiling required!.
What can I use to make breaded chicken if I don’t have eggs?
- chicken breast.
- cornflour (corn starch)
- water.
- Dijon mustard.
- parmesan cheese.
- panko bread crumbs.
- paprika.
- thyme.