You’ve probably had a killer chicken Parmesan at your favorite Italian restaurant. It brings together two of the best textures: creamy and crunchy. The softness from the cheese and red sauce with the crunch of the breaded chicken breast is like what a beautiful Italian opera might taste like.
Chicken breasts, like the ones usually used to make chicken Parmesan, however, can handle a lot when it comes to breading. While bread crumbs give a familiar crunch, there are a number of different ingredients out there that make for a great texture that’s just as satisfying. Don’t be shy. Experiment with some of the ingredients below:
1. Saltines
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Aside from being a perfect complement to your chicken noodle soup, saltines make for a great breading on chicken breasts. When crushed and added with your favorite seasoning, saltines give baked chicken breasts a unique crunch.
2. Potato Chips
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That’s right, your go-to junk food of choice also doubles as a salty breading for chicken. Since potato chips come in so many different delicious flavors (Cheddar & Sour Cream, amirite?), you don’t have to add too many additional seasonings. Also, adding in more seasonings to already-flavored chips may make your chicken a little too salty, so just stick with the crunch.
3. Plantain Chips
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Similar to potato chips, plantain chips have a unique crunch that makes them the perfect choice for breading chicken. Since plantain chips come from plantains (duh), they sometimes have a slight sweetness you might not find in potato chips. Give your chicken breasts a Caribbean twist with these.
4. Cereal
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No wonder people say breakfast is the most important meal of the day. There are so many different directions to go here. You may have seen chicken breaded with cornflakes, but why stop there? Crush a cup of Chex or, hell, even Apple Jacks to give your chicken a sweetness reminiscent of the morning.
5. Tortilla Chips
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Put a hold on the chips and guac for now. Tortilla chips not only give breaded chicken a distinct crunch, but they also give it a subtle corn taste in addition to any flavors you might like. Hint of Lime is amaze.