638582 Wed Jul 22 09:19:47 -0700 2009 13 31 Home Cooking 0 4880707 what works best for making chicken fingers w/crispy coating? i've seen krispies, corn flakes, chex, and a few other ideas. Wed Jul 22 09:19:48 -0700 2009 295462 superfinespot 1 4880786 panko bread crumbs and enough oil of the correct temperature (350 to 375) I use this for cutlets and chx fingers and it seems to work well Wed Jul 22 09:34:06 -0700 2009 4880707 149592 iluvcookies 2 4883431 I agree, a good egg wash and panko bread crumbs lead to a good crunch factor. I also like to add in some regular bread crumbs sometimes for more breading with the crunch and cayenne for a bit of spice. Thu Jul 23 06:08:47 -0700 2009 4880786 429926 CreativeFoodie42 1 4880795 if your frying, AP flour/bread crumb (1:2) and cornmeal work well (maybe 3:1?), if your baking it would still work but i just tried the cornflakes mixed with a little bread crumb last night (the crushed flakes were probably a little larger then they should have been, i was lazy), spice and some grated romano. it turned out pretty crunchy (and tasty). an FYI, parm or romano is good with the bread crumb/cornmeal too but it can burn easily and make the breading almost tough if you use too much. i also find that with the flour/ bread crumb/cornmeal (i havent tried it with the flakes) makes a nice coating if you dip the fingers in the flour, then the eggwash (seasoned) and then in the flour again and let it rest for a few minutes to make sure they arent soggy (if they are, i usually just sprinkle some crumb on top to soak up the extra moisture) Wed Jul 22 09:35:14 -0700 2009 4880707 257352 bflobear 1 4881037 An egg wash....Dip in a mixture of flour and finely crushed saltine crackers...deep fry. Fun! Wed Jul 22 10:33:52 -0700 2009 4880707 65057 Uncle Bob 2 4881425 I use saltines zipped in my food processor mixed with a little cornmeal. Perfect and crispy. Wed Jul 22 12:14:14 -0700 2009 4881037 157661 hollyd 1 4881065 If you're baking, a mix of bread crumbs and potato chips, like kettlechips, or something that will retain the crunch, eg. melba toast. Spray heavily. Wed Jul 22 10:41:05 -0700 2009 4880707 39874 chowser 1 4881171 On the show Cook's Country, they made extra crunchy chicken. Here is their method. First soak the chicken in buttermilk. Combine flour with a little baking powder, and then add buttermilk to make a thick slurry, which clings tightly to the meat. Fry the chicken with the lid on the pot for half the cooking time to contain the spatter-prone oil, and to keep the oil hot. As an added bonus, the lid appears to make the meat moister. Shortening provides the cleanest flavor and least-greasy chicken; peanut oil’s a close second. The slurry was really thick, almost dry-ish. Wed Jul 22 11:09:15 -0700 2009 4880707 1095281 Salty_Loves_Sweet 1 4882034 Panko crumbs, Durkee fried onions (in the can) and dried thyme blended together make a lucious and crunchy coating. Applying the double coating method (above plus egg & flour) will result in a extra thick, crunchy coating Wed Jul 22 15:13:01 -0700 2009 4880707 36312 HillJ 2 4882566 thx all. i actually have panko in my cabinet that i need to use. since these will be baked, i'll likely dredge meat in: flour/herbs or cheese mix -> beaten egg -> panko Wed Jul 22 18:37:16 -0700 2009 4882034 295462 superfinespot 1 4882818 Cap'n Crunch & Panko (2:1 ratio)...laugh if you will, but it makes a damn fine finger. So says Planet Hollywood and so sez this kat! http://chowhound.chow.com/topics/602570#4495199 Wed Jul 22 20:16:34 -0700 2009 4880707 249664 kattyeyes 2 4883363 I second this preparation! It's wonderful . . . crunchy with a bit of sweet. Who needs a honey/mustard dipping sauce when you've got Cap'n Crunch as an ingredient?!! Thu Jul 23 05:38:58 -0700 2009 4882818 44363 sheilal 3 4883937 Yes to Cap'n Crunch. I took it one step further and added finely chopped peanuts. I did try peanut butter cap'n crunch, but they're softer and don't have the same texture. Thu Jul 23 09:15:44 -0700 2009 4883363 174382 hippiechickinsing 1 4883949 Panko or crushed melba are my favorites. But I've also used corn flakes (soggy and sweet), potato chips and cheese its (salty), breadcrumbs (dry and boring). Thu Jul 23 09:20:03 -0700 2009 4880707 43893 C. Hamster