How to Make Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is one of the classic comfort foods enjoyed by people all around the world. Whether you are hosting a dinner party, gathering with friends, or just craving some tasty chicken, knowing how to make fried chicken is a skill that will come in handy. Luckily, making fried chicken is not difficult and can be done with a few simple ingredients and steps.

To make fried chicken, you will need some essential ingredients such as chicken pieces, flour, salt, and oil. The key to making perfect fried chicken is to ensure that the chicken is well seasoned and the coating is crispy and flavorful. We will take you through a step-by-step process on how to make the perfect fried chicken that everyone will love, so let’s get started!

Section: How to Make the Perfect Fried Chicken

Introduction:

Fried chicken is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. It’s crispy, savory, and juicy all at the same time. But many people shy away from making this dish themselves, thinking it’s too complicated. Fear not! We’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide on how to make the perfect fried chicken.

Subheading 1: Choose the right chicken
The first step in making the perfect fried chicken is to choose the right chicken. You’ll want to use a whole chicken cut up into pieces or drumsticks, thighs, and breasts. Choose high-quality, preferably free-range or organic chicken for the best taste.

Subheading 2: Soak in buttermilk
Soaking your chicken in buttermilk is a crucial step in achieving the perfect fried chicken. It tenderizes the meat and helps the coating stick better. Marinate your chicken in buttermilk for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best results.

Subheading 3: Season the chicken
Before you coat the chicken, season it well with your favorite spices. We recommend a blend of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika for a flavorful kick.

Subheading 4: Prepare the dredging mixture
The dredging mixture is what gives the chicken its golden, crispy coating. In a large bowl, mix together flour, cornstarch, and your favorite seasonings. We suggest using cayenne pepper, onion powder, and thyme for a southern-style flavor.

Subheading 5: Coat the chicken
Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and dredge each piece in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any excess flour and set it aside on a wire rack.

Subheading 6: Let the chicken set
Let the chicken sit for about 30 minutes before frying to allow the coating to set. This will help the coating stay on the chicken during the frying process.

Subheading 7: Heat the oil
Fill a large skillet or Dutch oven with oil and heat it to 350°F. You’ll need enough oil to cover the chicken halfway. Peanut oil is a popular choice for fried chicken, but vegetable or canola oil will work as well.

Subheading 8: Fry the chicken
Gently place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Subheading 9: Drain excess oil
Remove the chicken from the oil with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels. Be sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Subheading 10: Serve and enjoy!
Now that you’ve mastered the art of frying chicken, it’s time to dig in! Serve your perfectly cooked chicken with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, cornbread, or mac and cheese. Enjoy your delicious homemade fried chicken, and don’t forget to share it with your friends and family!

Section 2: Preparing the Chicken

Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients and equipment, it is time to prepare the chicken for frying. Follow these steps to ensure that your chicken is perfectly seasoned and cooked every time.

1. Brining Your Chicken

A brine is a mixture of water, salt, and flavorings that is used to enhance the flavor and juiciness of meat. To prepare a brine for your chicken, dissolve around 1/4 cup of salt in a large bowl of cold water, then add any other flavorings you desire, such as garlic, thyme, or bay leaves. Place the chicken in the brine and let it soak in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (up to 24 hours for more flavor).

2. Seasoning Your Chicken

Once your chicken has soaked in the brine, remove it from the liquid and pat it dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with your desired spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Make sure to season both sides of the chicken evenly. Do not over-season the meat, as this can overpower the natural flavor of the chicken.

3. Dredging Your Chicken

Before frying your chicken, you will need to dredge it in a coating. This coating will help the chicken develop a crispy crust and keep it moist on the inside. To make a basic dredging mixture, combine flour, salt, and any additional seasonings in a shallow dish. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess coating.

4. Preheating Your Oil

To achieve perfectly crispy fried chicken, you will need to use hot oil. Preheat a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat on your stovetop. The oil should reach a temperature of 350-375°F (177-190°C) before adding the chicken, so use a food thermometer to check the temperature and adjust the heat as necessary.

5. Choosing Your Oil

For the best flavor and texture, it is recommended to use oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. Avoid using butter, olive oil or any other oils with low smoke points, as they can burn at high temperatures and give your chicken an unpleasant taste.

6. Frying Your Chicken

Once your oil is preheated, carefully lower the chicken into the oil with tongs or a spider strainer. Be sure not to overcrowd the pot or skillet, as this will result in uneven cooking. Fry the chicken pieces for about 10-15 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown on all sides. Use a food thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 165°F (74°C).

7. Resting Your Chicken

After removing the chicken from the hot oil, let it rest on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate for a few minutes to drain excess oil and cool slightly. This will also allow the chicken to absorb any additional seasonings or spices you may want to garnish it with.

8. Garnishing Your Chicken

Once the chicken has rested, it’s time to garnish it with any final touches of flavor or texture you desire. Some great options include sprinkling fresh herbs like parsley or chives over the top, drizzling with honey or hot sauce, or serving with sides like coleslaw or mac and cheese.

9. Storing Your Chicken

If you have any leftovers, store your fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat the chicken, place it on a baking sheet in a 350°F (177°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

10. Enjoying Your Chicken

Now that your fried chicken is perfectly cooked and garnished, it’s time to dig in! Pair with your favorite sides and enjoy the delicious and crispy goodness of homemade fried chicken.

Ingredients Needed to Make Fried Chicken

Making fried chicken requires a few essential ingredients that make it crispy, juicy, and flavorful. Here are some of the ingredients you’ll need:

Chicken Selection

The first step to making delicious fried chicken is selecting the right chicken. Choose fresh chicken with skin on for crispy and juicy chicken. You can use either the whole chicken or cut chicken into pieces. Using chicken thighs, legs, and wings are the most popular cuts for fried chicken.

Preparation

Before frying, you need to prepare your chicken. Remove excess fat and feathers using a kitchen knife or scissors. Wash the chicken pieces in cold water, and pat them dry with a paper towel. This step ensures the chicken is clean and ready for the next process.

Breading Process

Fried chicken is all about the breading, which is the coating that covers the chicken. Start by cracking the eggs into a bowl and adding milk then whisk to combine. Add flour, salt, garlic powder, black pepper, and paprika in a separate bowl and mix with a spoon. Combine the dry mixture with breadcrumbs and mix them in another bowl. Dip your chicken pieces into the egg mixture first, then coat them in the flour mixture, making sure every piece is well coated. Finally, dip the chicken pieces into the breadcrumb mix, ensuring they’re evenly coated.

Frying Process

To fry your chicken, you’ll need a frying pan with enough oil to cover the chicken entirely. Add enough oil to fill the frying pan to about 1 – 2 inches high. Heat the oil for a few minutes on medium heat. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a few pieces of breadcrumbs in. If they sizzle, the oil is ready. Carefully place your chicken into the hot oil, and fry each side for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown. Use tongs to turn them over and avoid injuries caused by hot oil.

Serving Fried Chicken

Once your chicken has turned golden brown, take it out of the oil, and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let it cool for about 10-15 minutes, and then serve it with your preferred side dishes. Some popular side dishes include coleslaw, mashed potatoes, French fries, and biscuits. Bon Appetit!

Happy Cooking and Bon Appetit!

Now that you know how to make delicious fried chicken, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Remember to keep it simple, follow the steps, and have fun. You’ll impress your family and friends with your new culinary prowess in no time. Thanks for reading this article on how to make fried chicken! Be sure to visit us again for more mouth-watering recipes. Happy cooking and bon appetit!