Why dust a chicken in flour before braising?

Dusting a chicken in flour before braising serves a few important purposes:

1. Browning: Flour helps the chicken skin to brown beautifully. When heated, the flour browns and creates a flavorful crust that adds depth and richness to the dish.

2. Thickening the Sauce: The flour also acts as a thickening agent for the braising liquid. As the chicken cooks, the flour releases starch which combines with the cooking juices to create a luscious, flavorful sauce.

3. Preventing Sticking: Flour helps to prevent the chicken from sticking to the pan during browning, which can result in a more evenly cooked and aesthetically pleasing finished product.

4. Enhances Flavor: The browned flour contributes a nutty, toasty flavor to the chicken.

Important Note: Don't use too much flour as it can make the chicken taste pasty and dry. A light dusting is all you need.

Alternatives to Flour: If you're avoiding gluten or looking for alternative options, you can use cornstarch, arrowroot powder, or even a mixture of spices instead of flour.