Fried chicken is a mouthwatering dish enjoyed by people around the world. It is crispy on the outside, tender on the inside and bursting with flavor. If you have ever wondered how to fry chicken like a professional chef then you have come to the right place.
In this easy guide, weโll show you how to make the tastiest fried chicken at home.
Table of Contents
What is fried chicken?
Fried chicken is a delicious dish. Coat chicken pieces with seasoned breading and deep-fry them until golden brown. People love this food because of its crispy skin and tender meat that go well together.
What is the origin of fried chicken?
Fried chicken has been popular for a long time.
You can find it in many cultures like the Southern United States, Korean and Japanese fried chicken.
However, the fried chicken we eat today has its origins in Southern American cooking there it has become a famous iconic dish.
What is fried chicken made of?
To make fried chicken, coat the chicken with a seasoned flour and spice mixture. This creates a crispy texture from the outside.
You can use different seasonings and breading to add unique flavours to the classic recipe.
What does fried chicken taste like?
Fried chicken tastes crispy, savoury, salty from outside. The inside of the meat is juicy and tender, creating a nice mix of textures and flavours.
What are the fried chicken ingredients
To create the perfect fried chicken, you will need below ingredients:
Chicken pieces ( legs, wings, or thighs )
Seasonings ( salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder )
Breading mix ( flour, breadcrumbs, or cornstarch )
Cooking oil ( vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil )
How to fry chicken
Preparing the Chicken
Start by selecting your chicken pieces. You can use drumsticks, thighs, wings or a combination of these. Ensure they are clean and dry.
Season the chicken with salt, pepper and your preferred spices. Allow it to marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
In a separate bowl prepare your breading mixture. You can use flour, breadcrumbs or a combination of both for extra crunch.
Now first coat the chicken in breading mixture then dip it in egg wash. After that put the chicken in breading mixture.
Dredge each piece of chicken in the breading mixture and make sure they are even coating. Shake off any excess.
Frying Chicken
Choose a deep skillet or fryer and fill it with enough cooking oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to 350-375ยฐF (175-190ยฐC).
After that add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil one by one. Donโt overcrowd the pan which can result in uneven cooking.
Now, cook the chicken in hot oil for 12-15 minutes. Turn it occasionally for even browning. When the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) and has a golden-brown crust, it is done.
Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Achieving a Crispy Texture
To maintain the crispy texture, serve the fried chicken immediately.
Enjoy your homemade fried chicken with your favourite sides and sauces.
You May Like
Expert Tips and Tricks To Fry Chicken
Achieving crispy and delicious fried chicken requires some expertise. Here are a few tips to help you succeed:
Temperature Control: Make sure the oil is hot enough (around 350-375ยฐF or 175-190ยฐC) before adding the chicken. This high heat helps create the initial crispiness while sealing in the juices.
Double Dipping: For an extra crispy crust, double-dip the chicken pieces in the breading mixture. After the first coating dip them in a beaten egg wash then coat them in breading again before frying.
Avoid Overcrowding: Donโt overcrowd the frying pan or fryer. Cook the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
Resting Period: After frying, let the chicken rest on a wire rack for a few minutes. This helps remove extra oil so the crispy texture stays without getting greasy.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure that the chicken is cooked through but remains juicy, you should use a meat thermometer. It should read 165ยฐF (74ยฐC) for poultry. Avoid cutting into the chicken to check doneness as this releases juices.
Experiment with Seasonings: Be creative with your seasoning mix. Try different combinations of spices and herbs to enhance the flavor of your fried chicken. Itโs all about finding your unique taste.
How to reheat Fried Chicken
- Preheat Your Oven: First, preheat your oven and set it to 350ยฐF (175ยฐC). Let it warm up while you get your chicken ready.
- Get a Baking Sheet: Grab a baking sheet and line it with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This helps while cleaning.
- Arrange the Chicken: Place your leftover fried chicken pieces on the baking sheet. Make sure they are not crowded so they can get all nice and crispy.
- Reheat fried chicken: Now, place the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Let the fried chicken warm up for about 20 minutes. This will make it crispy and bring back that yummy flavor.
- Check and Enjoy: After 20 minutes, take a peek. If your chicken looks crispy and hot, itโs ready to enjoy. If not, give it a few more minutes.
What to serve with Fried Chicken?
Fried chicken pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Consider serving it with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread. For drinks, iced tea or lemonade complements the flavors well.
How to store fried chicken?
To keep your leftover fried chicken fresh put it in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. For longer, freeze it in a zip-top bag or container for up to 1-2 months.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Do we need to boil chicken before frying?ย
No, boiling chicken is not necessary for frying. Simply season and coat the chicken before frying it.
Why is fried chicken so crispy?ย
The crispiness of fried chicken comes from the breading, which crisps up as it fries in hot oil.
What makes fried chicken different?
Fried chicken is special because it has a crispy coating and tender meat that is juicy.
What type of oil is best for frying chicken?ย
Vegetable oil or peanut oil is commonly used for frying chicken due to their high smoke points.
How long should I fry chicken pieces?ย
Fry chicken pieces for about 12-15 minutes, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
How can I ensure my fried chicken is not greasy?
To cook the chicken, first heat the oil. Make sure not to put too much chicken in the pan at once. After frying, put the chicken on paper towels to remove extra oil.
Can I use an air fryer to fry chicken?ย
Yes, an air fryer can produce crispy fried chicken with less oil and is a healthier alternative.
Is it safe to reuse frying oil?
You can reuse frying oil, but strain and store it correctly to keep it fresh.
How to avoid Chicken not crispy enough?
Ensure the oil is at the correct temperature (350-375ยฐF or 175-190ยฐC).
Double-coat the chicken by dipping it in egg wash and breading again for extra crispiness.
Make sure not to overcrowd the frying pan to maintain the right heat.
How to prevent Chicken turning out too greasy?
To keep the oil temperature in the right range, use a thermometer to check it.
Drain the fried chicken on paper towels after cooking to remove excess oil.
How to prevent chicken not fully cooked?
Check the internal temperature of the chicken with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165ยฐF (74ยฐC).
If the chicken is browning too fast but still raw inside, reduce the oil heat and cook for longer.
How to prevent breading falling off during frying?
Make sure the chicken is covered in the breading and has stuck well.
Allow the coated chicken to rest for a few minutes before frying to help the breading stick.
You can use this helpful guide to make tasty and crispy fried chicken. If you are new or want to improve your fried chicken, follow these steps to make delicious fried chicken.
How to fry chicken: A beginner guide for fried chicken
How to fry chicken: A beginner guide for fried chicken. Our beginner's guide covers from step-by-step fried chicken at home to serving and storing and reheating fried chicken. Are you ready to learn? Let's start?
Ingredients
Fried Chicken Ingredients
- Chicken pieces ( legs, wings, or thighs )
- Seasonings ( salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder )
- Breading mix ( flour, breadcrumbs, or cornstarch )
- Cooking oil ( vegetable oil, peanut oil, or canola oil )
Instructions
How to fry chicken: A beginner guide for fried chicken
- Read all of the above instructions carefully about fried chicken.
- It also describes how to fry chicken for beginners.
- Apart from that learn how to reheat Fried Chicken and what to serve with Fried Chicken.
