Fried chicken is a delicious and comforting meal that is enjoyed all over the world. While it may seem intimidating to make at first, frying chicken is actually quite easy as long as you follow a few simple steps. In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know to fry chicken like a pro in your own kitchen.
What You’ll Need
Before getting started, you’ll need to make sure you have the following ingredients and equipment:
Ingredients
- Chicken pieces – breasts, thighs, drumsticks, etc.
- 2-3 cups of buttermilk
- 2-3 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl
- Plates or trays
- Whisk or fork
- Tongs
- Frying pan or Dutch oven
- Frying thermometer
- Paper towels
Prep the Chicken
Start by rinsing the chicken pieces under cold water and patting them completely dry with paper towels. Make sure there is no excess moisture on the chicken before breading.
Next, pour the buttermilk into a large, shallow bowl. Add the chicken pieces and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. This helps ensure the chicken gets infused with flavor and keeps the coating intact during frying. The acids in the buttermilk will also tenderize the meat.
Tip
For added flavor, you can season the buttermilk with 2 teaspoons of your favorite seasoning blend or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
Bread the Chicken
In a separate large, shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
One piece at a time, remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip back into the bowl. Place the chicken in the flour mixture and turn to coat completely on all sides, pressing gently so the coating adheres. Place on a clean plate or tray and repeat with the remaining chicken pieces.
Once all the chicken is breaded, you can optionally coat it again for extra crunch. Just place the breaded chicken back in the buttermilk, then again in the flour mixture. Tap each piece gently to shake off any excess.
Tip
For ultra crispy chicken, let it sit for 5-10 minutes after breading to allow the coating to adhere before frying.
Frying the Chicken
Pour at least 2-3 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy pan or Dutch oven and heat to 325-350°F. Use a deep fry thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Working in batches, add the chicken pieces to the hot oil without overcrowding. Fry for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
Use tongs to transfer the fried chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Repeat with remaining chicken.
Make sure to allow the oil to return to the proper frying temperature before adding more chicken. Frying in batches at the correct temp is key for creating crispy, non-greasy chicken.
Tip
If the chicken is browning too quickly but not cooked through, turn down the heat slightly. Crispy exterior with tender, fully cooked meat is the goal.
Serve and Enjoy
Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps lock in the juices. Fried chicken is best enjoyed freshly cooked and hot. But leftovers will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days and can be reheated in the oven.
Here are some delicious ways to serve your crispy, homemade fried chicken:
- On a platter with traditional side dishes like mashed potatoes, biscuits, coleslaw, etc.
- On top of a leafy salad
- Chopped up in pasta or grain bowls
- In sandwiches or wraps
- Over waffles for chicken and waffles
Any way you serve it, homemade fried chicken is sure to be a big hit! The satisfying crunch combined with tender, juicy meat is hard to beat.
Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken
Frying up excellent chicken takes a little practice, but follow these tips and tricks for the best results:
Use the Right Oil
Stick to neutral oils like vegetable, canola or peanut oil which have high smoke points. This allows the oil to get hot enough for crispy chicken without burning.
Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature
Use a thermometer and adjust the heat to maintain 325-350°F oil. Too low and the chicken will be greasy, too high and the coating will burn.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Fry in batches with at least 1 inch space around each piece so the oil temperature doesn’t drop drastically when adding chicken.
Pat Chicken Dry Before Frying
Any moisture on the chicken will cause splatter and make the crust soggy. Dry it well after buttermilk and between coatings.
Allow the Chicken to Rest
Let it sit at least 5 minutes after frying to allow juices to redistribute. This makes it more juicy.
Check for Doneness
Fry until the juices run clear and meat reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. No pink should remain inside.
Common Fried Chicken Problems and Solutions
If your homemade fried chicken isn’t turning out right, here are some troubleshooting tips:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| Burned breading | Lower oil temperature and fry gently |
| Soggy or falling off breading | Dry chicken thoroughly and let sit after breading |
| Greasy chicken | Increase oil temp to 350°F. Don’t overload pan. |
| Undercooked chicken | Fry until internal temp reaches 165°F |
| Uneven cooking | Fry in smaller batches. Maintain steady oil temp. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to all your fried chicken questions:
What type of chicken is best for frying?
Chicken thighs and drumsticks are ideal with their higher fat content. Breasts can dry out easily. Remove skin to reduce fat.
How long does fried chicken last?
Freshly cooked fried chicken is best within 4 days refrigerated. Reheat leftover fried chicken to 165°F. Discard after 7 days.
Can you freeze fried chicken?
Yes, freeze fried chicken in air tight packaging up to 4 months. Reheat frozen chicken directly in a 400°F oven until heated through.
What oil gives the best flavor?
For flavor, try peanut oil. Vegetable and canola oils are more neutral. Avoid olive oil as it has a low smoke point.
What’s the healthiest way to make fried chicken?
Use light breaded coatings, fry in healthier oils, remove skin and avoid deep frying to reduce fat, calories and cholesterol.
How can you reheat fried chicken?
To reheat fried chicken, place in a 400°F oven until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Or microwave individual pieces for 1-2 minutes each.
Conclusion
Making delicious fried chicken at home is easy with this simple process. Soak chicken in flavorful buttermilk, bread with a seasoned flour coating, fry at the ideal temperature in batches, drain on paper towels, and let rest before digging in. Follow the tips above to get perfectly crispy, juicy fried chicken every time. Fried chicken is ideal for gatherings and makes great leftovers. Now go enjoy this fried chicken goodness!