Breaded grilled chicken combines the best of both worlds: the satisfying crunch of breaded chicken without the excess oil from frying, and the smoky, flavorful goodness of grilling. It’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried chicken but still brings the taste and texture you love. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, a backyard barbecue, or a special meal, breaded grilled chicken can be a hit. The key is balancing the crispy coating with the juicy tenderness of the chicken.
In this blog, we’ll dive into how to make breaded grilled chicken from scratch, share some variations, and offer tips to get the best results every time.
Ingredients You'll Need for Breaded Grilled Chicken
Before you start, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand. Here’s a basic list:
Chicken Breasts: Boneless and skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.
Breadcrumbs: You can use store-bought breadcrumbs or make your own. Panko breadcrumbs work well for extra crunch.
Parmesan Cheese: Adding some grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs gives the chicken a rich, savory flavor.
Flour: For dredging the chicken to help the breadcrumbs stick.
Eggs: The eggs will act as a binder to help the breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken.
Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: Helps keep the chicken moist and adds to the flavor while grilling.
Spices and Seasonings: A mixture of salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs like oregano or thyme will season the chicken perfectly.
Optional: Lemon Wedges: To serve with the chicken for an extra burst of flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
Start by preparing the chicken breasts. If they are too thick, it’s a good idea to butterfly them or pound them out to an even thickness. This ensures that the chicken cooks evenly on the grill. A thickness of about ½ inch is ideal.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station
You’ll need three shallow bowls or plates for breading:
First Bowl (Flour): Fill this with flour and season it lightly with salt and pepper.
Second Bowl (Eggs): Crack a couple of eggs into this bowl and beat them well.
Third Bowl (Breadcrumb Mixture): Mix breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese, and season it with garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and a pinch of oregano.
3. Dredge the Chicken
Dredging the chicken in the proper order ensures the breading sticks to the chicken:
First Step (Flour): Coat each chicken breast lightly in flour, shaking off any excess.
Second Step (Egg Wash): Dip the floured chicken into the beaten eggs, making sure it’s fully coated.
Third Step (Breadcrumbs): Press the chicken into the breadcrumb mixture, making sure each piece is fully covered. You can press down gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
4. Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 375°F to 400°F. Make sure the grill grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent the chicken from sticking.
5. Grill the Chicken
Place the breaded chicken breasts directly on the preheated grill. Close the lid and let them cook for 6-7 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness of the chicken. Use tongs to carefully flip the chicken to avoid disturbing the breading.
One of the keys to successful breaded grilled chicken is to avoid moving it around too much, as that can cause the breading to fall off. Allow it to cook undisturbed until it’s time to flip.
6. Check for Doneness
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. You can check this using a meat thermometer. If you don’t have one, cut into the thickest part of the chicken to ensure there’s no pink and the juices run clear.
7. Serve
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken tender and moist. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zing of flavor, or pair it with your favorite side dishes like a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or grilled corn.
Variations on Breaded Grilled Chicken
1. Herb-Crusted Chicken
For an herb-crusted version, mix fresh chopped herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme into the breadcrumb mixture. This will infuse the chicken with a fragrant and fresh flavor that complements the smokiness from the grill.
2. Spicy Breaded Chicken
If you love a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture. You can also drizzle some hot sauce into the egg wash for extra spice. This variation pairs well with a cooling yogurt dip or ranch dressing.
3. Gluten-Free Option
To make the dish gluten-free, substitute regular flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions. You can use almond flour for dredging and gluten-free breadcrumbs or even crushed gluten-free crackers for the coating. Panko-style gluten-free breadcrumbs are also a great option to maintain that crispy texture.
4. Low-Carb Breaded Chicken
If you’re looking to reduce carbs, you can skip the flour and use crushed pork rinds as a low-carb alternative to breadcrumbs. Another option is to coat the chicken in grated Parmesan cheese mixed with almond flour for a keto-friendly version.
Tips for Perfect Breaded Grilled Chicken
Keep an Eye on the Heat: Grilling at too high a temperature can burn the breading before the chicken is fully cooked. Medium heat is best to ensure even cooking.
Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Make sure the chicken pieces have enough space between them on the grill to allow air to circulate, ensuring even cooking and crispiness.
Use Indirect Heat if Necessary: If the breading starts to brown too quickly, move the chicken to a cooler part of the grill or use indirect heat to finish cooking it.
Oil the Grill Grates: A well-oiled grill helps prevent sticking, which is especially important for breaded chicken. Use a high smoke point oil like vegetable oil or a grill spray.
Don’t Flip Too Early: Let the chicken cook long enough on one side before flipping to ensure the breading sets and doesn’t fall apart.
Serving Suggestions
Breaded grilled chicken is versatile and pairs well with many sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:
Grilled Vegetables: Bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus are great options to grill alongside the chicken.
Salads: A fresh garden salad or a tangy coleslaw adds a refreshing contrast to the crunchy chicken.
Mashed Potatoes or Sweet Potatoes: For a heartier meal, serve the chicken with mashed potatoes or sweet potato fries.
Conclusion
Making breaded grilled chicken is a delicious way to enjoy the crispy texture of breaded chicken without the guilt of deep-frying. It’s simple to prepare and can be customized to suit your taste preferences. By following the steps outlined in this blog, you’ll be able to create a flavorful, juicy, and crispy chicken dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your breaded grilled chicken with your favorite sides and savor the combination of textures and flavors that make this dish a winner!
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