How To Make Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a classic comfort food that satisfies the craving for a crispy, savory meal. It’s a staple that is loved by people all over the world. However, preparing the perfect fried chicken dish at home can be a daunting task for some, especially if you want restaurant-quality results. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make fried chicken at home, using simple ingredients and techniques.

Ingredients:

– 2 lbs Chicken pieces

For the marinade:

– 1 cup Buttermilk or Plain Yogurt
– 1 tbsp Paprika
– 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
– 1 tbsp Onion Powder
– 1 tbsp Salt
– 1 tsp Dried Thyme
– 1 tsp Black Pepper

For the coating:

– 1 cup All-Purpose Flour
– 1 tbsp Paprika
– 1 tbsp Garlic Powder
– 1 tbsp Onion Powder
– 1 tbsp Salt
– 1 tsp Dried Thyme
– 1 tsp Black Pepper

For frying:

– Vegetable Oil (for deep frying)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the chicken:

In a large bowl, mix together the marinade ingredients – buttermilk or yogurt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, dried thyme, and black pepper.

Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and coat well. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight for better flavors.

2. Prepare the coating:

In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, dried thyme, and black pepper.

3. Dredge the chicken:

Remove chicken pieces from the marinade and let the excess marinade drip off. One at a time, dip the chicken pieces into the coating mixture, press it onto the meat to adhere well, and shake off any excess.

4. Fry the chicken:

Heat 2 to 2 ½ inches of oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat or preheat a deep fryer according to the instruction manual.

Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil without overcrowding the skillet. Fry the chicken for about 7-8 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.

Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove chicken from the oil. Place the fried chicken on a wire rack, lined with paper towels, to drain off any excess oil.

5. Serve the chicken:

Serve hot with your choice of condiments like hot sauce, ketchup, honey mustard, or BBQ sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What is the best oil for frying chicken?

Vegetable Oil or Canola Oil is the best oil for frying chicken. These oils have a high smoke point, which means they can withstand the high cooking temperature without burning or breaking down, making the fried chicken crispy and delicious.

2. What is the ideal temperature for frying chicken?

The ideal temperature for frying chicken is between 350°F to 375°F. If the oil temperature is too low, the chicken will absorb the oil and become greasy. And if the temperature is too high, the coating will burn before the chicken is cooked through.

3. How to keep the fried chicken crispy?

To keep the fried chicken crispy, it’s essential to drain off any excess oil after frying. Place the chicken on a wire rack, lined with paper towels, to allow the oil to drain off. If the chicken is packed into a container or wrapped in a paper towel, this will make the crust soft.

4. How long should you marinate the chicken?

Marinating the chicken for at least 2 hours is recommended to get the best flavors out of the spices. However, if you’re short on time, marinating for 30 minutes to 1 hour can work as well.

5. How to make fried chicken without buttermilk?

If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use plain yogurt, milk, or even sour cream. Just mix 1 cup of your preferred alternative with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice, let it sit for a few minutes to curdle, and you’ve got yourself an excellent buttermilk substitute.

Conclusion:

Making perfect fried chicken is more than just dipping the chicken in some batter and frying it. The secret lies in proper marination, seasoning, coating, and frying techniques. With this step-by-step guide and some practice, you can replicate the mouth-watering fried chicken like that served at your favorite restaurants right in your kitchen.