How To Make Fried Chicken That Is Sure To Impress
What To Know
- Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and dredge it in the flour mixture.
- Dredging the chicken in flour before dipping it in eggs and breading helps create a thicker, crispier crust.
- Frying the chicken at too low a temperature will result in a greasy crust, while frying it at too high a temperature will burn the outside before the inside is cooked through.
If you’re yearning for crispy, golden-brown fried chicken that shatters with every bite, look no further! This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of the process, from selecting the perfect ingredients to achieving that irresistible crunch. Prepare to tantalize your palate with this culinary masterpiece.
Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients
Chicken: Opt for bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces for maximum flavor and juiciness.
Crispy Fry: This pre-seasoned breading mix is the secret to achieving that perfect crunch.
Buttermilk: Buttermilk tenderizes the chicken and enhances its flavor.
Flour: All-purpose flour helps the breading adhere to the chicken.
Eggs: Eggs act as a binder, holding the breading in place.
Oil: Use a high-smoke point oil, such as vegetable or canola oil, for frying.
Step 2: Prepare the Chicken
Rinse and Dry: Rinse the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, ensuring a crispy crust.
Buttermilk Marinade: Submerge the chicken in buttermilk for at least 4 hours, or up to overnight. This tenderizes the meat and infuses it with flavor.
Step 3: Create the Crispy Fry Mixture
Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the Crispy Fry breading mix and flour.
Whisk Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk the eggs until they are light and foamy.
Step 4: Bread the Chicken
Dredge in Flour: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and dredge it in the flour mixture. Shake off any excess flour.
Dip in Eggs: Dip the floured chicken into the egg mixture, making sure to coat it evenly.
Coat in Crispy Fry: Finally, coat the chicken in the Crispy Fry breading mixture, pressing it firmly to adhere.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Heat the Oil: Heat the oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
Fry in Batches: Do not overcrowd the pot. Fry the chicken in batches for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Drain on Paper Towels: Remove the fried chicken from the oil and drain it on paper towels to absorb any excess oil.
Step 6: Season to Taste
Sprinkle with Salt and Pepper: Season the crispy fried chicken with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance its flavor.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the crispy fried chicken hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or honey mustard. Pair it with sides like mashed potatoes, cornbread, or coleslaw for a complete and satisfying meal.
The Art of Achieving Perfect Crispiness
- Dry the Chicken Thoroughly: Excess moisture can prevent the breading from adhering properly and result in a soggy crust.
- Double Breading: Dredging the chicken in flour before dipping it in eggs and breading helps create a thicker, crispier crust.
- Use High-Smoke Point Oil: Oils with a low smoke point can burn and impart an undesirable flavor to the chicken.
- Fry at the Right Temperature: Frying the chicken at too low a temperature will result in a greasy crust, while frying it at too high a temperature will burn the outside before the inside is cooked through.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pot: Overcrowding the pot can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
Elevate Your Crispy Fried Chicken
- Add Spices to the Breading: Enhance the flavor by adding your favorite spices, such as paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder, to the Crispy Fry breading mixture.
- Marinade the Chicken in Spices: For even more intense flavor, marinate the chicken in a mixture of spices and buttermilk overnight.
- Experiment with Different Dipping Sauces: Pair your crispy fried chicken with a variety of dipping sauces, such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing, to suit your taste preferences.
- Serve with Creative Sides: Don’t limit yourself to traditional sides. Experiment with unique pairings, such as sweet potato fries, roasted Brussels sprouts, or a tangy coleslaw.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Can I use regular bread crumbs instead of Crispy Fry?
A: Regular bread crumbs will not provide the same level of crispiness as Crispy Fry, which is specifically designed for frying.
Q: How do I make sure the chicken is cooked through?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C) before serving.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
A: Baking the chicken will not result in the same crispy texture as frying. However, you can achieve a similar flavor by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C) and baking the chicken for 25-30 minutes per side.