Fried chicken is crispy on the outside and its more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of crunchy, juicy perfection for family gatherings or enjoying a piece on a sunny afternoon.
The Secret to Crispy Fried Chicken
The secret to perfectly crispy fried chicken lies in a few key factors: the marinade, the coating, and the frying method. Each of these components contributes to creating that golden-brown crust that crackles with each bite.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Fried Chicken
- Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Rest the Chicken Before Frying: Allow the chicken to come to room temperature for even cooking.
- Double-Coat for Extra Crunch: If you love extra crispy chicken, double-dip in the buttermilk and flour mixture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many pieces at once will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
Variations to Try
Get creative with these delicious twists on classic fried chicken:
- Spicy Nashville Hot Chicken: Coat the fried chicken with a spicy cayenne pepper oil for a fiery kick.
- Korean Fried Chicken: Use a thin, crispy batter and coat the chicken in a sticky, sweet, and spicy gochujang sauce.
- Southern-Style Chicken and Waffles: Serve crispy fried chicken atop warm waffles, drizzled with maple syrup.
How to Serve Fried Chicken
Fried chicken pairs well with a variety of sides:
- Classic Comfort Sides: Mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and cornbread.
- Refreshing Salads: A simple arugula or kale salad balances the richness of the chicken.
- Dipping Sauces: Offer ranch, honey mustard, hot sauce, or a tangy BBQ sauce for dipping.
How to Store and Reheat Fried Chicken
Proper storage is key to keeping your fried chicken delicious:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: To maintain crispiness, reheat the chicken in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 15-20 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the crust soggy.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for frying?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs, but keep in mind that bone-in pieces are juicier and more flavorful.
What’s the best oil for frying chicken?
Use oils with a high smoke point, like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil. These oils withstand high heat without burning.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The internal temperature should be 165°F (74°C). Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.
Can I make fried chicken gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for a crispy gluten-free version.
Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is crispy on the outside and its more than just a dish; it’s a celebration of crunchy, juicy perfection for family gatherings or enjoying a piece on a sunny afternoon.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 3 lbs drumsticks or thighs
- 2 tbsp black peppercorns
- 3 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup salt
- 4 cups whole milk (or swap with water)
- 8 cloves garlic
Seasoning Mix:
- 2 cups flour (or gluten-free flour like Bob’s Red Mill)
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tbsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 2 cups cornstarch
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp baking powder
Wet Batter:
- 1 cup of your seasoning mix
- 1 cup cold water
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Pierce your chicken pieces with a knife to help the brine penetrate. Combine whole milk (or water), salt, garlic, black peppercorns, and bay leaves, and let the chicken soak for 2-3 hours (or overnight if you have the time!).
- In a big bowl, whisk together your flour, cornstarch, kosher salt, white and black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and baking powder. Trust me, this blend makes all the difference.
- Take one cup of your seasoning mix and blend it with cold water until smooth. Bonus tip: Spoon a bit of your brine into the remaining seasoning mix and rub it with your fingers. This creates small, craggy bits that fry up crispy and delicious!
- Dip each piece of chicken into the wet batter, letting any excess drip off. Then, coat in the dry seasoning mix, pressing it in to get a good, even crust. Let the chicken rest on a baking sheet while you heat the oil.
- Heat neutral oil in a heavy-bottomed pan (like a cast iron skillet) to 350°F. Fry your chicken for 8-12 minutes, depending on the size, until it reaches an internal temp of 165°F. And voilà—crispy, golden perfection!
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 946Total Fat: 32gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 19gCholesterol: 332mgSodium: 18715mgCarbohydrates: 90gFiber: 6gSugar: 9gProtein: 71g
Chickenrecipes.blog, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Making the perfect fried chicken is both an art and a science, but with the right techniques and a bit of practice, you’ll master it in no time. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply craving comfort food, this crispy, juicy fried chicken will be a hit every time. Enjoy experimenting with variations and don’t forget to savor every crunchy bite!
Other delicious chicken recipes to try:
