Learn how to make EASY homemade breadcrumbs that you can freeze for up to 3 months and use in meatballs, meatloaf, chicken, stuffing, casseroles, and more!
I realize that time is usually not on our side, especially when it comes to getting dinner on the table. But there are a few things that go a long way when made from scratch. The first is homemade chicken stock. They take any soup and sauce to the next level.
Bread crumbs are an important part of many classic chicken dishes, such as chicken parmesan, schnitzel, and oven-fried chicken. Their rough surface gives them that golden, crispy coating we all want. What if you don’t have any bread crumbs and need something quick to use instead?
Not to worry! With a little creativity you can use a variety of ingredients in place of traditional bread crumbs to achieve that signature crunch. In this article we’ll explore 12 ingenious bread crumb substitutes for chicken along with tips on how to use them. From crackers and cereal to nuts and seeds, you’ll never be without options for crunchy chicken.
Why Use Substitutes for Bread Crumbs on Chicken?
Because of a few main things, you might need something other than bread crumbs when cooking chicken.
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You’re out of bread crumbs – Leftover crumbs can go stale quickly. Substitutes allow you to still make crunchy chicken dishes without running to the store.
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Dietary restrictions – Bread crumbs contain gluten, so you may need a gluten-free sub if following a gluten-free diet. Substitutes offer more versatility.
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Adding new flavors – Alternatives like crushed corn flakes or potato chips lend fun new flavors to chicken. It’s a simple way to spice things up.
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Using what’s on hand – If you have random ingredients like nuts or crackers but no bread crumbs, substitutes let you improvise with what you already have.
12 Creative Substitutes for Bread Crumbs on Chicken
From classics like crackers and cereal to unique options like pork rinds, here are 12 substitutes to give your chicken next-level crunch:
1. Crackers
Crushed crackers like Ritz, Saltines, or even Graham Crackers work great in place of bread crumbs. Their flaky texture mimics traditional crumbs. Use flavorful crackers for added taste.
2. Potato Chips
Crispy potato chips finely crushed create ultra-crunchy chicken with a delicious salty kick. Fritos also work well. Seasoned chips add spice to your dish.
3. Cornflakes
Crush cornflakes into fine crumbs for a sweet crunch and corn flavor. Frosted flakes also work if you want an extra sugary coating.
4. Pork Rinds
Grind plain or spicy pork rinds in a food processor for gluten-free chicken with a crispy, savory crunch.
5. Nuts
Nuts like almonds, pecans, walnuts, or pistachios can be chopped or ground very small to add a nutty flavor and satisfying texture.
6. Seeds
Grind seeds like raw pepitas, sunflower, or flax seeds to add extra crunch and nutrition.
7. Panko Breadcrumbs
Panko provides an extra crispy, flaky texture perfect for frying chicken or fish. It contains gluten though.
8. Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs
Crumbs made from rice, quinoa, or almond flour work for gluten-free diets. Check labels to confirm gluten-free status.
9. Crushed Cereal
Corn flakes, Rice Krispies, Chex cereal, or granola make crunchy, kid-friendly options with subtly sweet flavor.
10. Pretzels
Crush pretzels into fine bits for a salty crunch. Mini twisted pretzels also work well whole for coating chicken tenders.
11. Chickpea Flour
Chickpea flour is naturally gluten-free. Its nutty flavor works perfectly in crispy chicken recipes.
12. Puffed Rice
For lighter, extra crispy chicken, try crushing puffed rice cereal into fine crumbs. Rice Chex also works well here.
Tips for Using Bread Crumb Substitutes on Chicken
To ensure crunchy, flavorful results, follow these tips when using alternate crumbs:
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Grind ingredients into fine, even crumbs for the best texture. Use a food processor if needed.
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Season the crumbs with spices, herbs, salt, and pepper to boost flavor.
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For extra crunch, coat chicken with flour or egg before the crumb coating.
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Press the coating onto the chicken so it adheres. Refrigerate breaded chicken 20 minutes before cooking.
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Bake, pan fry, or air fry chicken between 350-450°F until cooked through and crispy.
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Mix and match different substitutes like crushed crackers with ground nuts or seeds for unique flavors.
With this wide variety of bread crumb alternatives, from crunchy potato chips to gluten-free options, you can still enjoy flavorful crispy chicken even when you’re out of traditional bread crumbs. Get creative with these substitutes and seasonings for chicken that’s even better than the original!
Myth: Stale Bread is Best
Quite the contrary actually. Fresh bread is best for breadcrumbs because it has more flavor to it. And the bread will be baked to make it firmer. The only good thing about stale bread is that it tastes better.
Are breadcrumbs are a convenient way to make use of stale bread? -Absolutely.
Why Make Breadcrumbs From Scratch?
You can buy breadcrumbs at the store, so why would you bother making your own? I’ll tell you why.
1. ) Flavor & Texture. I don’t know about you, but super fine, store-bought Italian breadcrumbs don’t do it for me. There is no comparing the flavor and the crunch that you get from making them at home. (And you can control the texture, size, and seasoning. ).
2.) Hidden Ingredients (Dairy!): You wouldn’t think it, but most packaged Italian breadcrumbs contain dairy. As noted here from The Spruce Eats:
“most prepared breadcrumbs have some kind of dairy in them, like butterfat, casein, dry milk powder, whey, or a mix of these.”
The Standard Breading Process in 3 Easy Steps – Kitchen Conundrums with Thomas Joseph
FAQ
What can I use instead of bread crumbs on chicken?
Sunflower seeds, almonds, and sesame seeds are all great breadcrumb alternatives. Chop larger nuts finely in a food processor. Seeds like sesame are already small enough and can be used as is. Use a variety of nuts as a coating for chicken, fish, or pork; just pulse them finely so they will stick. Apr 12, 2024.
What else can I use if I don’t have breadcrumbs?
Cornflakes are classic breading material, but any grain-based, not-too-sweet cereal works great as a stand-in for traditional breadcrumbs. Corn or rice Chex, Wheaties, and even savory granola and oat-based cereals would make a great crust for your chicken breast or fish filets.
What can you use to make breadcrumbs for chicken?
Grate the dry bread on a box grater into a container. You could also blitz the bread into fine crumbs in a food processor if you have one.
What is the best binder for breading chicken?
Dredging in flour or cornstarch can also help lock in some of the flavor from the oil or butter you choose and will give your chicken more of a golden-brown …Jul 6, 2023.