How to Dredge Chicken

Dredging chicken is simple, but necessary for frying.

Dredging chicken in a dry mix is necessary for frying. The breading protects the skin and meat from being overcooked. Many chefs have developed their own dry flour mixes that are carefully guarded secrets. Try a variety of dry ingredients like breadcrumbs, flour, cheese and spices to create your own signature fried chicken. Does this Spark an idea?

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Raw chicken pieces
Paper towels
Flour
Spices (optional)
Egg (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  
  Rinse chicken pieces in lukewarm water. Pat dry with paper towels.
- 2
  
  Mix dry ingredients in a large bowl. Typical dry ingredients include flour and dried spices.
- 3
  
  Drag the pieces of chicken, one at a time, through the bowl, fully coating the pieces with the flour mix.
- 4
  
  Shake extra flour coating from the chicken. Too much coating will make a thick breading, which can fall apart during the frying process.
- 5
  
  Transfer the chicken immediately to a skillet with hot oil and fry. Do not let the coated uncooked chicken sit for too long because you will have soggy pieces when it is cooked.

Tips & Warnings

You can add breadcrumbs and even finely grated Parmesan cheese to your mix.
Some cooks choose to coat the chicken pieces in a raw egg wash before applying the flour mix. The egg is a binding agent for the breading.
Always clean your hands and your kitchen after handling raw chicken.
Frying oil is hot enough to cause skin injury.