Pancake mix tends to be a runny batter made from milk, eggs, and flour. It is widely used for preparing breakfast pancakes.
However, if you have prepared too much pancake mix and are wondering if can you substitute pancake mix for flour when frying chicken, we are sharing everything you need to know about it!
Can You Substitute Pancake Mix For Flour When Frying Chicken?
Substituting Pancake Mix For Flour When Frying Chicken – Is It Possible?
Yes, it’s possible to opt for pancake mix for frying chicken rather than using flour. This is because the pancake mix has milk, flour, and eggs, which is the same batter used for deep-frying the chicken.
However, the pancake mix doesn’t have any spices, so it’s recommended that you add some spices and herbs to the pancake mix before using it to coat chicken.
In addition to chicken, the pancake mix can be used for preparing fish and chips. It is recommended that you use the same cooking directions and the cooking or baking time.
You can substitute the pancake mix for regular flour in a 1:1 substitution ratio, especially if the recipe asks to use self-rising flour.
On the other hand, if the fried chicken recipe calls for plain flour or all-purpose flour, it’s recommended that you don’t use a leavening agent (it’s baking powder, in most cases).
The pancake mix usually has salt, sugar, baking powder, flour, and baking soda. Then, you can add more ingredients to change the texture and flavor.
In case you have to use the pancake mix later, we recommend that you store it in an airtight container and put it in the dry and cool part of the pantry (you can also put it in the refrigerator).
On the other hand, if you have to use the pancake mix after a long time, we recommend freezing the pancake mix and using it within 24 months of freezing.
You must remember that frying chicken with pancake mix rather than flour will change the texture slightly, but the flavor will be similar.
The best thing about adding pancake mix is that you don’t have to add more eggs to thicken the texture – all you’ve to do is add water to your pancake mix and dip chicken in it (it is recommended, though).
Also, don’t forget to add salt, salt, and other spices to enhance the flavor of the pancake mix. However, it’s important to add that pancake mix has a finer texture, so the chicken might have a cake-like layer.
On top of everything, it’s gluten-friendly because there is xanthan gum, which improves the structure of chicken.
Tips To Utilize Pancake Mix In Place Of Flour For Frying Chicken
- To replace one cup of regular flour, you should use half a cup of pancake mix
- The texture of fried chicken will be different because the mix has a finer texture
- Always add an extra egg to the mix to add moisture, juiciness, and structure
Other Alternatives For Flour To Fry Chicken
It’s clear that pancake mix can be used to replace flour when frying chicken. This is because it adds similar crispness and crunchiness to the chicken. However, if you want to know other substitutes, here’s the list;
- Bisquick
It’s made of flour, oil, salt, and a leavening agent. However, you have to adjust the ingredients in the recipe to make sure the texture and flavor aren’t impacted.
For instance, if the recipe calls for oil, baking powder, flour, and salt, we recommend that you don’t add oil, baking powder, and salt. Then, just use Bisquick in the 1:1 substitution ratio.
- Whole Wheat Flour
This is another substitute that you can try to replace flour to coat fried chicken. However, it’s milled from red wheat and isn’t very refined, which means it has more fiber and nutrients.
Whole wheat flour has a slightly nutty flavor, which is why we recommend adding less whole wheat flour. For instance, if the recipe calls for two cups of flour, you should use one cup of whole wheat flour.
- Bread Flour
Bread flour can be used in a 1:1 substitution ratio. The only difference between regular flour and bread flour is that bread flour has a higher protein content.
- Cornstarch
Cornstarch is a reliable choice for coating the chicken before frying. In fact, some people mix regular flour with cornstarch to add more crunchiness.
Cornstarch makes a crispy and crunchy coating and actually goes well with chicken. It’s recommended that you replace one cup of regular flour with half a cup of cornstarch.
You have to dilute cornstarch with water to make the batter and coat the chicken. Also, you can add some spices and herbs to add flavor to the coating.
- Rice Flour
Rice flour is available in different forms, including white rice flour, brown rice flour, and glutinous rice flour – all of which can be used to replace flour.
The best thing about rice flour is that it’s readily available in local Asian stores. It can be used on its own, or you can mix it with regular flour to make the coating.
The best thing about rice flour is that it absorbs less oil, making it an apt choice for people who want to reduce fat or oil consumption.
- Almond Flour
Almond flour is made from blanched almonds, and it’s a delicious alternative for flour while frying chicken.
The almond flour might not be readily available, but you can make your own by spreading the almond pulp on the sheet and drying it at low heat.
The Bottom Line
On a concluding note, pancake mix is a reliable alternative for regular flour in fried chicken as well as other recipes. As long as you are using a plain mix, it won’t interfere with the flavor of the chicken.
The experts recommend adding some spices and herbs to the pancake mix to make sure the chicken doesn’t come out bland. In addition to pancake mix, there are other alternatives that you can try!