How To Cook
CRISPY Fried Chicken

Learn how to cook perfect Crispy Fried Chicken with the most juicy on the inside, and flavorful crunchy on the outside.

Cooking up a delicious plate of fried chicken can be a daunting yet rewarding task. It requires patience, attention to detail, and the right ingredients. But if done correctly, it can turn an ordinary meal into something extraordinary! This guide will provide you with tips and tricks on how to get that perfect plate of crispy fried chicken.

Table of Contents

Cornstarch vs Baking Powder for Fried Chicken

One of the key elements of making fried chicken is the coating: getting it just right can make or break a dish. But what about these two common coatings: cornstarch and baking powder?

Understanding the differences between these two coatings will help you choose which one to use when cooking your fried chicken.

Let’s take a look at what makes each of them unique and how they should be used in your recipes.

When it comes to fried chicken, cornstarch is often considered to be the superior coating because of its lightness and crispiness.

Cornstarch absorbs more water than other coatings, meaning that it produces an extra-crisp crust with a delicate texture. It also contains no leavening agents like baking powder or baking soda, so there’s no risk of over-rising which could lead to dry or dense pieces.

Baking powder on the other hand has a slightly different purpose in fried chicken. The leavening agents create air pockets within the coating that help keep it light and fluffy when cooked. This makes it ideal for larger pieces of chicken like legs and thighs as it helps them cook through without becoming too dry or heavy.

However, since baking powder does contain some moisture, it can result in a thicker outer layer which may not have a traditional crispy texture. So when frying up some delicious bird, consider which coating best fits your needs: are you looking for something light and crunchy or something more substantial?

Either way, using either cornstarch or baking powder will give you delicious results every time!

Cooking Duration of Fried Chicken? How Long Should You Fry?

Getting that perfect plate of crispy fried chicken can be a tricky task, and the cooking duration of your bird is one of the most important factors to consider.

Overcooking your chicken will result in dry, tough, and chewy pieces, while undercooking can leave you with an unsafe dish.

So how long should you fry your chicken?

When it comes to frying chicken, the temperature of the oil or butter is essential. It’s important to make sure that it’s hot enough before adding any pieces in order to get a golden-brown exterior without burning them.

To achieve this, wait until the oil reaches 350°F (177°C) before adding each piece. This should take approximately 10 minutes on medium-high heat.Once your oil is hot enough and all pieces have been added, reduce the heat to medium and cook each side for 8-10 minutes or until golden brown.

How Can I Avoid Breading Fall Off on my Fried Chicken

Getting your breading to stick when frying can be a challenging task. Watching your perfectly coated pieces slowly separate from their crunchy coating as they make their way into the pan can be a frustrating experience.

Luckily, there are some steps that you can take to make sure your breading doesn’t end up in a greasy mess!

  • The first step is to ensure that the chicken is completely dry before you begin coating it. Moisture is always going to cause problems with sticking and will result in the breading not adhering to the surface properly. If possible, allow your chicken to air-dry in the fridge for at least 10 minutes before beginning.
  • The next step is to season your breading mix well. Adding herbs, spices or even just salt and pepper can help create an extra flavorful coating for your fried chicken and also aid in creating an even surface for it to cling onto more easily.
  • When you’re ready, dust each piece lightly with flour before coating it; this will help absorb any excess moisture and also provide a thin adhesive layer for the crumbs or batter to bind onto more effectively.
  • Finally, make sure that you don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking! Doing so causes steam which will cause moisture build-up and make it harder for your breading to stick properly. Be sure to give each piece enough room by only cooking 4-5 pieces at once depending on how large your pan is; if possible use two pans as this helps dramatically with even heat distribution too!

What is the Best Oil for Frying Chicken

Choosing the right oil makes all the difference in how your finished product turns out; frying in oil with low smoke points can result in an unappetizing burnt flavor and unappealing texture.

One of the most popular oils for frying chicken is vegetable oil, as it can be stored for longer periods and withstand higher heat without adversely affecting your food’s taste or texture. 

This one also contains some saturated fats which help create a crispier crust due to its higher smoking point compared to other oils like olive or avocado. It’s also one of the more affordable options if you plan on doing large batches of fried chicken regularly.

If you have access to or prefer extra-virgin olive oil for its better nutritional profile, then this can be a great substitute too! It has less saturated fat than vegetable oil but still provides good flavor and friability with a relatively high smoke point of 410°F (210°C). 

However, when using this option, bear in mind that it will likely impart some subtle flavors into your food so store any leftovers properly afterward to prevent any spoilage. Other options to consider include coconut oil, peanut oil, or corn oil among others; each of these has different pros and cons depending on your needs so read up carefully before making a decision! 

Ultimately though, whichever you choose make sure that you never overfill your pot when frying as this can cause temperature dips which cause uneven cooking as well as burning of the breading – no one wants that!

Is Fried Chicken Still Good After a Few days?

  • Fried chicken is one of those dishes that can be enjoyed both immediately after cooking, and even days later. But storing and reheating it properly is essential for keeping your fried chicken tasting just as delicious after a few days.

The right storage technique will ensure your leftovers are just as good as when first cooked and reheating them the right way will keep the meats juicy and the exterior crunchy.

When it comes to storage, leaving fried chicken at room temperature is never recommended; while there may be some debate over how long this dish can safely sit out, in general, it’s best to store it within two hours of cooking or discard any leftovers completely after this period of time passes.

It’s always safer to err on the side of caution and refrigerate your fried chicken quickly if you don’t plan on eating it all immediately.

If you do manage to get your fried chicken stored in the fridge before this two-hour window has passed, then you’ll have up to four days before it needs to be consumed or discarded.

For best results when re-heating, place the pieces onto a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and preheat your oven to 375°F (191°C). Leave them for around 15-20 minutes until heated through; if desired you can also add a light coating of oil before placing them in the oven for an extra crispier result!

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Recipe For Fried Chicken

To make fried chicken you will need the following ingredients:

  • Chicken pieces (recommended to use skinless, boneless pieces)
  • Oil of choice
  • Flour
  • Spices
  • 1 egg
  • Buttermilk
  • Optional: Breadcrumbs or cornmeal for a crunchier coating

To make a dredging mixture for fried chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon of your favorite spices (i.e. garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, etc.)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Optional: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or cornmeal for a crunchier coating
Instructions for Cooking Fried
  • Gather your ingredients. You will need chicken pieces (we recommend using skinless, boneless pieces for easier cooking), oil of choice, flour, spices, 1 egg, and buttermilk.
  • Start with the marinade: Combine the egg and buttermilk in a shallow bowl, whisking together until fully combined. Add the chicken pieces and make sure they are fully coated before covering and refrigerating overnight (or at least 3-4 hours).
  • Prepare your dry mixture: In another bowl add your flour, spices, and salt as desired, then mix together until combined. If you would like a crunchier coating, you can also add 1/2 cup of breadcrumbs or cornmeal into this mixture too.
  • Heat the oil: The ideal temperature for frying should be 375°F (190°C) so heat up your oil in a deep pot or electric fryer while waiting for the marinated chicken to come out of the refrigerator (around 15 minutes). Place an oven-safe thermometer into the pot to check if your oil has reached its optimal temperature yet!
  • Coat & cook: Take each individual piece of chicken out of the marinade and dredge it through the flour mixture before carefully placing them into preheated oil; avoid overcrowding! Fry for about 8-10 minutes per side depending on size then remove when golden brown. Let cool on paper towels once done before serving! 
Nutrition Facts:

One serving (3 ounces) of fried chicken contains approximately:

  • 200 calories
  • 11 grams of fat
  • 13 grams of protein
  • 0.2 grams of fiber It also has high levels of sodium and cholesterol, as well as small amounts of other vitamins and minerals.