Deep-Frying Chicken: Golden, Crispy, And Delicious

Frying chicken is a delicate art, and there are many ways to achieve the perfect, crispy, juicy fried chicken. Whether you're using a deep fryer, a cast-iron skillet, or a dutch oven, the key to success is maintaining the right temperature and not overcrowding the pot. The ideal oil temperature for frying chicken is between 325-350°F. Frying in batches will help prevent the oil temperature from dropping too low, which can result in soggy chicken.

There are also several tips and tricks for ensuring your chicken is flavourful and tender. Brining the chicken beforehand in a mixture of milk, water, and spices is a great way to infuse flavour and moisture into the meat. Additionally, the right combination of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder will give your chicken that extra crispy texture and golden-brown colour.

Choosing your chicken pieces

Choosing the right chicken pieces is an important step in making delicious fried chicken. You can use a whole chicken that you break down into parts, or you can buy pre-cut chicken pieces. If you're buying pre-cut chicken, opt for a mix of breasts, drumsticks, wings, legs, and/or thighs. This will give you a variety of options to work with.

When selecting your chicken, look for pieces with a good amount of meat on them. Avoid any that seem too thin or scrawny, as they may dry out during frying. You want the chicken to be juicy and tender, so look for pieces with a decent amount of fat as well.

Another thing to consider is the size of the chicken pieces. You want them to be a manageable size for frying and eating. For example, if you're using chicken breasts, you may want to cut them in half or even into smaller strips. This will ensure they cook evenly and are easier to handle during the frying process.

Before coating and frying your chicken, it's a good idea to prepare the meat. This can be done by brining the chicken in a mixture of milk or buttermilk, and spices. Brining helps to tenderize the meat and adds flavour. It's an optional step, but it can really enhance the taste and texture of your fried chicken.

Once you've selected and prepared your chicken pieces, it's time to move on to the coating and frying process. In general, you'll want to coat the chicken in a dry mixture (usually involving flour and spices) and then fry it in hot oil until golden brown and cooked through.

Remember, choosing the right chicken pieces is just the first step in making delicious fried chicken. The coating, frying technique, and serving methods are also important, so make sure to do your research and follow a trusted recipe for the best results.

Preparing your chicken for frying

Firstly, decide on your cut of chicken. You can use a whole chicken cut into pieces or opt for specific parts such as breasts, drumsticks, wings, legs, or thighs. It is recommended to use chicken with the bone in, as this adds flavour and moisture to the meat. However, if you prefer, you can also use boneless chicken breasts or thighs.

Now, it's time to brine the chicken. Brining is an optional step, but it is highly recommended as it infuses the chicken with flavour and makes the meat incredibly tender. The secret to a delicious brine is using milk or buttermilk along with spices such as salt, garlic, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. Pierce the chicken with a knife before brining to allow the brine to penetrate deeper into the meat. Leave the chicken to brine for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight for the best results.

Once your chicken is nicely brined, it's time to prepare the coating. In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, cornstarch, and seasonings such as salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika. You can adjust the seasonings to your taste preferences. Mix everything together until well combined. You can also add a little bit of baking powder to the mixture, as it reacts with the oil and creates tiny air bubbles, resulting in an even crispier coating.

Take your brined chicken pieces and dip them in a wet batter, such as a mixture of buttermilk and eggs, or simply moisten them with water. Let any excess drip off before coating them in the flour mixture. Make sure each piece is well coated, and then set them aside on a baking sheet to rest while you heat up your oil.

When it comes to oil, you have a few options. Vegetable oil, peanut oil, canola oil, or avocado oil are all suitable choices, as they have high smoke points and neutral flavours that won't overpower the chicken. Heat your oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 325-350°F.

With your chicken prepared and your oil heated, you're now ready to start frying! Carefully place a few pieces of chicken into the hot oil, being mindful not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry the chicken in batches if needed, as overcrowding can cause the oil temperature to drop and result in soggy chicken. Fry the chicken until it's golden brown and crispy, which should take around 8-12 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.

And there you have it! Your chicken is now prepared and ready for frying. Just remember to monitor the oil temperature and adjust the frying time as needed. Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and juicy fried chicken!

Making your batter

There are several ways to make the batter for fried chicken. One popular method is to use a combination of flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. The cornstarch helps to make the flour coating crispier and gives it a golden brown colour, while the baking powder reacts with the oil to create tiny air bubbles, resulting in a crispier texture. You can also add in some of the leftover brine and rub it into the flour mixture to create a craggy texture.

Another option is to use a buttermilk and flour mixture. This method involves soaking the chicken in buttermilk first, then dipping it in a flour mixture. The buttermilk helps to tenderise the chicken and makes it easier for the flour mixture to stick. It is important to let the flour coating sit until it becomes paste-like before frying.

If you want to get creative, you can make a beer batter with beer, flour, egg yolks, salt, and pepper. This batter can be used in combination with a seasoned flour mixture for an extra crispy and spicy coating.

For a simple and traditional approach, you can also just use a combination of eggs and flour. Beat the eggs in one bowl, and place the flour in another bowl. Dip each piece of chicken in the egg and then drag it through the flour until it is well coated.

No matter which method you choose, be sure to season your chicken and batter generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and any other spices you desire.

Frying your chicken

Now that you've brined your chicken, it's time to fry it!

Firstly, fill up your deep fryer with peanut oil or a neutral frying oil of your choice and preheat it to 350°F. If you're using a cast iron skillet or Dutch oven, preheat it to 300°F-325°F. You may need to turn down the heat if you notice the skin getting too dark too quickly. Cast iron holds heat very well, so it's easy for it to get too hot. Please monitor closely.

Next, take your chicken pieces one at a time and let the excess buttermilk drip off. Then, coat the chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it's well covered. Shake off any excess. Set the chicken aside and let it sit for a few minutes until the coating starts to look a little pasty.

Now it's time to carefully add the chicken to the deep fryer. Fry until golden brown, turning every few minutes. You will need to fry in batches so you don't overcrowd the fryer.

The chicken is done when it's golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This will take about 12-14 minutes for dark meat and 8-10 minutes for white meat.

When the chicken is done frying, place it on a paper towel-lined sheet tray and immediately sprinkle a little flaked salt on top. Continue with the rest of the chicken pieces.

And that's it! You've fried your chicken!

Serving suggestions

Side Dishes

Fried chicken is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of side dishes. Here are some options to consider:

• Mac and cheese: A classic comfort food that pairs well with the crispy chicken. You can also add a twist to the traditional mac and cheese by including green chilis for some extra spice and vegetal flavour.
• Potato salad: A barbecue staple that combines boiled Yukon gold potatoes, mayo, mustard, sweet relish, celery, and hard-boiled eggs.
• French fries: A popular choice to accompany fried chicken, especially when served with a variety of dipping sauces such as ketchup, curry, or hot mayos.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing side dish that adds a crunchy texture and a tangy flavour to the meal.
• Baked beans: A classic cookout option that can be easily prepared in a slow cooker with bacon, barbecue sauce, molasses, vinegar, and brown sugar.
• Corn on the cob: Elevate the traditional butter and salt combination by mixing in crushed garlic and parsley to add depth of flavour and acidity.
• Biscuits: Fluffy, buttery biscuits are a perfect complement to fried chicken, especially when served with honey butter.
• Green beans: Try lemon garlic green beans for a bright and lively side dish, or sautéed green beans in garlic.
• Squash: Baked acorn squash or yellow squash casserole are flavourful alternatives to the traditional sweet potato side dish.
• Fried green tomatoes: A light and tasty side that is perfect for dipping.

Drinks

When serving fried chicken, it is important to choose drinks that can cut through the richness of the dish. Here are some beverage options to consider:

• Something fizzy: A brash, bustling drink like craft keg IPA or full-fat cola can periodically scrub your mouth clean and stand up to the flavours of the fried chicken.
• Tea: Iced tea is a classic pairing with fried chicken, especially in the American South.

Desserts

Some dessert options that could complement a fried chicken meal include:

• Peach hand pies
• Watermelon salad: Grilling the watermelon adds a complex combination of sweet, smoky, and savoury flavours. The addition of spinach, balsamic reduction, basil, mint, and cotija cheese creates a refreshing and unique dessert.

Frequently asked questions