Yes, you can use cornstarch instead of flour to bread chicken. Cornstarch is a common alternative to flour when it comes to breading meats, as it produces a lighter and crispier coating. Here's how you can do it:
Ingredients:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken tenders
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Cornstarch
- Eggs (lightly beaten)
- Breadcrumbs or panko (optional, for added texture)
- Cooking oil (vegetable oil, canola oil, or any oil suitable for frying)
Instructions:
Prep the chicken: Season the chicken with salt and pepper to taste. You can cut the chicken into smaller pieces if desired.
Coat with cornstarch: Place the cornstarch in a shallow dish or a plastic bag. Dredge each piece of chicken in the cornstarch, making sure to coat it evenly.
Dip in beaten eggs: Dip the cornstarch-coated chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring that it is completely covered with the egg mixture. This will help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
Optional: Coat with breadcrumbs: If you prefer a more textured and crunchy coating, you can now dip the chicken in breadcrumbs or panko, pressing the crumbs onto the chicken to adhere.
Heat the oil: In a frying pan or skillet, heat enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan. The oil should be hot but not smoking.
Fry the chicken: Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil. Cook them until they are golden brown and cooked through, turning them halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning.
Drain excess oil: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
Using cornstarch to bread chicken can result in a light and crispy texture, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a less heavy coating. Keep in mind that the cooking time may be shorter when using cornstarch compared to flour, as cornstarch tends to brown faster. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Additionally, you can experiment with adding spices or herbs to the cornstarch or breadcrumbs to enhance the flavor of the chicken. Enjoy your deliciously breaded and fried chicken!