How to Make Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a classic dish that has been enjoyed by people all over the world for generations. The crispy skin and tender meat make it one of the most popular dishes in many households. In this article, we will guide you through how to prepare perfectly crisp fried chicken at home.

Ingredients

• 4 bone-in chicken parts (legs, wings, etc.)
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with 1 cup milk)
• Canola oil or vegetable oil for frying

Cooking Time: 45 minutes

This recipe serves approximately 4 people.

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to the lowest setting possible. This will help keep the chicken warm while you fry it in batches if necessary.

1. Cut and marinate: If you have time, it’s best to cut the chicken pieces into smaller portions such as drumettes or tenders for even cooking. Place these pieces into a bowl with your buttermilk and let them soak for at least 3 hours in the refrigerator for optimal flavor. The longer they stay in the marinade, the more tender and juicy the meat will be.
2. Prepare the coating mixture: Mix together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well combined. This seasoning blend is crucial as it adds depth of flavor to your fried chicken. Set aside while you prepare other components for frying.
3. Dredge the chicken: After marinating, remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk and shake off any excess liquid before dipping each piece into beaten egg for an extra layer of richness and moisture in the crust. Then dip them into the seasoned flour mixture to coat thoroughly. Pat down lightly with your hands if needed so that no part remains uncovered.
4. Fry: Heat about 1 inch deep oil in a large pot over medium heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (check by dropping a piece of bread into the oil; when bubbles form around it, your temperature is right). Fry the chicken pieces one at a time or in small batches to prevent overcrowding which can lower the temperature and affect crispiness. Cook them for about 12 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through (check internal temperature with thermometer - should reach 165°F).
5. Drain: Use slotted spoon or a wire basket to transfer fried chicken onto paper towels lined plate. Allow it to drain for several minutes before serving hot straight from the pot.

Tips & Tricks

To ensure your fried chicken remains super crispy even after resting, consider baking it in preheated oven briefly once removed from oil. Another tip is to air fry the chicken on high heat setting for 10 minutes right after frying; this helps set up a thicker crust before serving.

Conclusion

Fried chicken made according to these steps promises delicious results every time you prepare it at home! Whether served alongside mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or simply with a side of greens, this dish can easily be part of any meal plan. By following our instructions closely and taking care not to skip important stages like the proper temperature check during frying, you are guaranteed success.