
Corn starch is a popular ingredient for breading chicken. It is often used to create a crispy texture and is commonly paired with flour to prevent gluten development and absorb moisture. Many recipes for fried chicken recommend coating chicken pieces in corn starch before frying, resulting in a crispy exterior and juicy interior. Some recipes suggest using a mixture of corn starch and flour, while others recommend using corn starch alone or in combination with other ingredients such as eggs and breadcrumbs. While corn starch is a common choice, alternative starches like potato or tapioca can also be used to achieve a crunchy coating.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Texture | Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside |
| Taste | Loaded with mouthwatering flavor |
| Recipe | Combine cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Prepare a bowl with beaten eggs, another with panko bread crumbs and another with corn starch. Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture, dredge in cornstarch, then again in the eggs, and finally in the panko breadcrumbs. |
| Frying | Fry chicken until golden brown and completely cooked. Place chicken pieces, one at a time, in the bag, seal, and shake to coat. Add more flour and cornstarch as necessary, but add them in equal parts. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). |
| Tips | Use a sieve to put about 3 tablespoons of cornstarch and make a nice thick, even coating. |
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What You'll Learn
- Corn starch helps prevent gluten development, making the flour coating crispier
- Corn starch is a thickening agent that absorbs moisture from frying and the chicken
- Corn starch can be replaced with potato or tapioca starch for a crunchier texture
- Corn starch can be mixed with beaten eggs and panko breadcrumbs for a mess-free breading process
- Marinating chicken in Dr Pepper before breading adds tenderness and flavour

Corn starch helps prevent gluten development, making the flour coating crispier
Corn starch is a valuable ingredient when frying chicken. It is primarily used as a thickening or gelling agent, but it also has a crisping effect on fried foods. When used in conjunction with all-purpose flour, corn starch helps prevent gluten development. This makes the flour coating crispier and helps absorb moisture from the frying process and the chicken.
One recipe suggests coating the chicken in a mixture of beaten egg, corn starch, salt, and pepper, before frying until golden brown. Another recommends marinating the chicken in a mixture of salt, soy sauce, Chinese cooking wine, a spice mix, baking soda, and olive oil before coating in corn starch and frying.
Some recipes suggest using corn starch in combination with flour, in equal parts, to coat the chicken before frying. One recipe recommends using three cups of flour to one and a half cups of corn starch. Another suggests replacing a quarter of the flour with corn starch for a crispier texture.
Corn starch can also be used as a gluten-free alternative to flour. Other starches, such as potato or tapioca, can be used in place of corn starch for a crunchier texture.
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Corn starch is a thickening agent that absorbs moisture from frying and the chicken
Corn starch is a versatile ingredient with many uses in cooking. It is often used as a thickening agent in sauces, soups, and puddings, but it can also be used to create a crispy texture when frying foods. In the context of breading chicken, corn starch plays a crucial role in absorbing moisture, which helps to create a crispier coating.
When paired with all-purpose flour, corn starch helps to prevent gluten development, resulting in a crispier flour coating. This is especially useful when frying chicken, as the chicken releases moisture during the cooking process. By absorbing this moisture, the corn starch ensures that the breading remains crispy and golden brown, rather than soggy or oily.
The ratio of flour to corn starch is important to consider when breading chicken. A common recommendation is to replace a quarter of the flour with corn starch. For example, if a recipe calls for 2 cups of flour, you would use 1 and 3/4 cups of flour and 1/2 cup of corn starch. This ratio ensures that the flour still plays a dominant role in the breading process while allowing the corn starch to provide its unique crispy texture.
It's worth noting that corn starch is not the only starch that can be used for this purpose. Some people prefer to use potato or tapioca starch, as they provide a great crunch without making the breading too heavy. However, corn starch is a popular choice due to its effectiveness in absorbing moisture and creating a crispy texture, as well as its affordability and ease of accessibility in most pantries.
When using corn starch to bread chicken, it's important to follow certain techniques to ensure optimal results. One technique is to use a sieve to apply the corn starch evenly over the chicken, shaking off any excess. Another technique is to dip the chicken in a beaten egg mixture before dredging it in corn starch, creating a thicker and more adherent coating. Allowing the breaded chicken to rest before frying can also help the breading set, resulting in a crispier final product.
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Corn starch can be replaced with potato or tapioca starch for a crunchier texture
Cornstarch is a valuable ingredient when frying chicken. It helps any coating stick to the chicken better and gives fried foods a crispier coating. Cornstarch is primarily used as a thickening or gelling agent, but it can also be used to make cookies softer and to hold together fillings for desserts.
When making fried chicken, cornstarch can be used alongside all-purpose flour. The cornstarch helps prevent gluten development, which makes the flour coating crispier, and it also absorbs moisture from the frying and the chicken. This results in a crunchier texture.
If you already have a favourite fried chicken recipe, you can easily adapt it to include cornstarch. Simply replace a quarter of the flour with cornstarch. For example, instead of 2 cups of all-purpose flour, use 1 1/2 cups of flour and 1/2 cup of cornstarch.
Cornstarch can be replaced with potato or tapioca starch, which will result in a similarly crunchier texture. Potato starch and tapioca starch have similar properties to cornstarch and will help to create a crispy coating on fried chicken.
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Corn starch can be mixed with beaten eggs and panko breadcrumbs for a mess-free breading process
Corn starch is a great ingredient to use when breading chicken. It helps to create a crispy coating and is often used in fried chicken recipes. When mixed with beaten eggs and panko breadcrumbs, it creates a mess-free breading process that yields delicious, juicy, and crispy chicken.
To begin the breading process, prepare three bowls. In the first bowl, place your beaten eggs. In the second bowl, mix together corn starch, salt, and pepper. In the third bowl, add your panko breadcrumbs. You can also add spices to your breadcrumbs for extra flavour. For example, paprika, garlic powder, and chili powder are all great options.
Once your bowls are prepared, it's time to bread the chicken. Using one hand for wet ingredients and the other for dry ingredients will help to keep the process mess-free. First, dip your chicken pieces into the bowl of beaten eggs, ensuring they are fully coated. Next, dredge the chicken in the corn starch mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip the chicken into the eggs again, and finally, coat it with the panko breadcrumbs. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to ensure they adhere well.
After breading, let the chicken pieces sit in the fridge for about 20 minutes. This allows the breading to set and helps to create a crispy texture when fried. You can also use this time to prepare a sauce or side dish, such as fried rice or stir-fried vegetables.
When you're ready to cook, heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees Fahrenheit (190 degrees Celsius). Place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry in batches until cooked through and golden brown, typically about 4 to 7 minutes. Drain on paper towels, and your juicy and crispy corn starch-breaded chicken is ready to be enjoyed!
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Marinating chicken in Dr Pepper before breading adds tenderness and flavour
Corn starch is a great ingredient to use when breading chicken. When mixed with all-purpose flour, it helps prevent gluten development, making the flour coating crispier, and absorbing moisture from the frying and the chicken. This results in chicken that is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
Now, let's talk about how to take your fried chicken to the next level by marinating it in Dr Pepper. Dr Pepper has a unique, complex flavour with hints of licorice, mint, allspice, and fruit. This bold flavour adds a sweet, caramelized note to the chicken, resulting in tender and juicy meat. The natural sweetness of Dr Pepper is beautifully balanced with a bit of vinegar or lemon juice, which helps to tenderize the chicken and add complexity to the marinade.
To make a Dr Pepper marinade, simply whisk together Dr Pepper, soy sauce, lime juice, vegetable oil, and hot sauce. You can also experiment with adding minced garlic, chopped onions, ginger, or fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme to enhance the flavour profile. Pour this mixture into a zip-top bag, add the chicken, and refrigerate for 8 to 12 hours. After marinating, remove the chicken and pour the marinade into a saucepan. Boil the marinade for at least 5 minutes to kill any bacteria, then use it to baste the chicken as it cooks, adding even more flavour.
When it comes to cooking your Dr Pepper-marinated chicken, you can bake it in the oven or cook it on a stovetop. For baking, preheat your oven to 400°F and place the marinated chicken on a shallow baking sheet. Cook for 18 to 22 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. If you're short on time, you can bake at 450°F for 15 to 18 minutes. Don't forget to let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before serving and baste it frequently for the best flavour. For stovetop cooking, preheat a skillet over medium-high heat and lightly grease it. Cook the chicken for 8 to 10 minutes on each side or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Again, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving and don't forget to baste!
Once your chicken is cooked to perfection, it's time to bread it. To bread chicken with corn starch, start by mixing together corn starch, flour, and your choice of seasonings in a resealable plastic bag. Place the chicken pieces into the bag, seal, and shake to coat evenly. Add more flour and corn starch in equal parts as needed. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan to 375°F, making sure there is enough oil to cover the chicken pieces. Place the coated chicken on a platter and allow it to sit until the outside becomes doughy, a critical step to ensure crispiness. Test the oil by dropping a piece of coating into it; if it starts to fry immediately, it's ready. Fry the chicken in batches until cooked through and the juices run clear, typically 7 to 10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve while hot!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is ok to bread chicken with corn starch. In fact, it is a great way to get a crispy coating on your chicken.
It is recommended to replace a quarter of the flour in your recipe with corn starch. For instance, if your recipe calls for 2 cups of flour, use 1 and 1/2 cups of flour and 1/2 cup of corn starch.
One popular method is to dip the chicken in a beaten egg, then dredge it in corn starch, and finally coat it with bread crumbs. You can also add other dry ingredients such as garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to the corn starch for extra flavor.
























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