12 Surprisingly Delicious Substitutes for Bread Crumbs on Chicken

Ever stood in your kitchen, ready to make crispy chicken, only to realize you’re out of bread crumbs? I’ve been there too many times! Nothing’s more frustrating than having to run to the store for just one ingredient. The good news is that your pantry probably contains several items that can work as perfect bread crumb substitutes for your chicken recipes.

Whether you’re looking for a gluten-free option, trying to use up leftover ingredients, or just want to experiment with new flavors I’ve got you covered with these tasty alternatives that’ll make your chicken extra crunchy and delicious.

Why Look for Bread Crumb Alternatives?

Before diving into substitutes, let’s talk about why you might need alternatives:

• You ran out of bread crumbs (happens to the best of us!)
• You’re following a gluten-free or low-carb diet
• You want to try something with more flavor
• You’re looking to use up ingredients in your pantry

Whatever your reason these substitutes will give your chicken that crispy coating you crave.

12 Best Substitutes for Bread Crumbs on Chicken

1. Crushed Crackers

Saltine crackers work wonderfully as a bread crumb substitute. They have a mild flavor and create fine crumbs when crushed. Simply put them in a ziplock bag and crush them with a rolling pin, or give them a quick pulse in your food processor.

Pro tip Saltines are slightly saltier than regular bread crumbs, so adjust your seasoning accordingly.

2. Potato Chips

Yes, potato chips! They add amazing crunch and flavor to chicken. Crush them finely and use them as a coating before baking or frying. The built-in salt and flavors can add an extra dimension to your dish.

Pro tip: Different flavored chips create different flavor profiles—try BBQ chips for a smoky taste or sour cream and onion for a tangy kick!

3. Cornflakes

Cornflakes create an incredibly crispy coating that many people actually prefer over traditional bread crumbs. Crush them up and mix with some savory spices to balance any sweetness.

Pro tip: For extra crunch, don’t crush the cornflakes too finely—leave some bigger pieces.

4. Panko Bread Crumbs

While technically still bread crumbs, panko deserves its own mention because it’s so different from regular bread crumbs. These Japanese-style bread crumbs are lighter, airier, and create an extra-crispy coating.

5. Crushed Pretzels

Pretzels have a nice salty flavor and satisfying crunch. Process them into coarse crumbs and they’ll work great for coating chicken before baking or frying.

6. Oats

For a healthier option, oats work surprisingly well. While they don’t add much flavor on their own, they provide good texture. Quick-cooking oats work better than old-fashioned for this purpose.

Pro tip: Add extra seasoning to compensate for the neutral flavor of oats.

7. Nuts

Ground almonds, walnuts, or pecans create a flavorful, crunchy coating and add healthy fats to your dish. They’re perfect if you’re following a low-carb or keto diet.

Pro tip: Don’t over-process or you’ll end up with nut butter! Pulse just until you get a coarse meal texture.

8. Tortilla Chips

Crushed tortilla chips add a lovely corn flavor and excellent crunch. They’re especially good if you’re making Mexican-inspired chicken dishes.

9. Croutons

Store-bought croutons are basically seasoned bread pieces, making them a perfect substitute. Just process them into fine crumbs and you’ve got pre-seasoned bread crumbs!

10. Parmesan Cheese

For a low-carb option, finely grated Parmesan cheese works wonderfully. It crisps up beautifully when baked and adds amazing flavor.

Pro tip: Mix Parmesan with almond flour for a keto-friendly bread crumb alternative.

11. Coconut Flour or Almond Flour

These gluten-free flours work well for those with dietary restrictions. Coconut flour has a slightly sweet taste, while almond flour has a nutty flavor.

12. Pork Rinds

For a zero-carb option, crushed pork rinds create an incredibly crispy coating with lots of flavor. They’re perfect for keto and low-carb diets.

How to Season Your Bread Crumb Substitutes

No matter which substitute you choose, seasoning is key! Here are some seasoning ideas to mix with your bread crumb alternatives:

• Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and grated Parmesan
• Paprika, onion powder, and dried thyme
• Curry powder, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne
• Lemon zest, black pepper, and dried oregano

Tips for the Crispiest Chicken

1. Double-dip for extra crunch: Dip chicken in egg, then crumbs, then repeat for an extra-thick coating
2. Let it rest: After breading, let the chicken rest for 15-20 minutes before cooking so the coating adheres better
3. Don’t crowd the pan: Whether baking or frying, give pieces space for even cooking
4. For baking: Spray with a little oil to help achieve that golden-brown color

My Favorite Bread Crumb Substitute Recipe

Here’s a quick recipe using one of my favorite bread crumb alternatives:

Crispy Cornflake-Crusted Chicken

Ingredients:

• 4 chicken breasts, pounded to even thickness
• 2 cups cornflakes, crushed
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 2 tablespoons milk
• Cooking spray

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
2. Mix crushed cornflakes with all seasonings in a shallow dish
3. In another dish, whisk eggs with milk
4. Dip each chicken piece in egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with cornflake mixture
5. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
6. Spray lightly with cooking oil
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) internal temperature

The result is amazingly crispy chicken that might make you forget about traditional bread crumbs altogether!

Benefits of Making Your Own Bread Crumbs

If you do have bread on hand but no bread crumbs, making your own is super easy:

1. Tear bread into pieces
2. Let it dry out overnight or toast it lightly
3. Process in a food processor until you reach desired consistency
4. Add your favorite seasonings

Homemade bread crumbs let you control the ingredients, avoid preservatives, and reduce food waste by using stale bread.

Gluten-Free Options Explained

For those with gluten intolerance, several options above work perfectly:

• Almond flour
• Coconut flour
• Crushed rice crackers
• Ground nuts
• Potato chips (check labels to ensure they’re gluten-free)
• Corn-based cereals (like cornflakes – again, check labels)

Wrapping Up

Next time you’re making chicken and realize you’re out of bread crumbs, don’t panic! Your pantry probably holds several alternatives that might even taste better than the real thing. From crushed chips to cereal to nuts, these substitutes can add unique flavors and textures to your chicken dishes.

I’ve tried most of these substitutes in my own kitchen, and sometimes I actually prefer them to regular bread crumbs. My personal favorite is a mix of crushed cornflakes with some grated Parmesan—the combination creates the perfect crunch with amazing flavor.

What’s your favorite bread crumb substitute? Have you tried any of these options before? I’d love to hear about your kitchen experiments!

Remember, cooking is all about creativity and making do with what you have. Sometimes, those last-minute substitutions lead to discovering your new favorite recipe!

Instead of breadcrumbs for chicken, you can use crushed cereals (like corn flakes), crushed crackers or pretzels, ground nuts or seeds, panko, almond flour, cornmeal, coconut flakes, or even finely chopped cooked rice to create a crispy coating.

Common bread crumb substitutes include rolled oats, cereal flakes (like cornflakes or Chex), crackers (like saltines or pretzels), nuts, and seeds. For sweet dishes, you can use crumbled cookies or animal crackers. You can also use Panko breadcrumbs, Pork Rinds, or make your own breadcrumbs from stale bread.