Making breaded chicken for a crowd can be a straightforward and efficient process with a few key steps. Here's a general recipe for breaded chicken that you can scale up to accommodate a larger group:
### Ingredients:
- Chicken breasts or chicken tenders (quantity based on the number of servings)
- Eggs (1-2 eggs per pound of chicken)
- All-purpose flour
- Breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or other desired seasonings
- Cooking oil (vegetable oil or canola oil)
### Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential if you plan to bake the breaded chicken after the initial coating.
2. **Prepare the Breading Station:**
- Set up a breading station with three shallow dishes:
- Dish 1: All-purpose flour seasoned with salt and pepper.
- Dish 2: Beaten eggs with a pinch of salt.
- Dish 3: Breadcrumbs mixed with additional seasonings if desired.
3. **Coat the Chicken:**
- Dip each piece of chicken into the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Next, dip the chicken into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's well-coated.
- Finally, coat the chicken in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the breadcrumbs onto the chicken to adhere.
4. **Place on Baking Sheets:**
- Arrange the breaded chicken pieces on baking sheets. If baking, use parchment paper or a lightly greased baking sheet.
5. **Bake or Fry:**
- **Baking:** Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- **Frying:** If you prefer frying, heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Fry the breaded chicken until golden brown on both sides, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
6. **Serve:**
- Once cooked, remove the breaded chicken from the oven or skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
### Tips:
- **Prepare in Advance:** You can bread the chicken ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake or fry.
- **Keep Warm:** If preparing a large quantity, keep the cooked chicken warm by placing it in a preheated oven (around 200°F or 93°C) until ready to serve.
- **Serving Suggestions:** Serve with dipping sauces, a side of vegetables, or over a bed of salad.
Adjust quantities based on the number of servings needed. This recipe is versatile and can be adapted based on your preferences and the size of your crowd.