Are you tired of dry, flavourless fried chicken? Whether you’re craving a homemade comfort food dish or aiming to impress your friends and family, achieving that crispy, golden-brown crust and juicy interior can seem like a challenge. But with the right ingredients and technique, you can make fried chicken that’s just as good as any restaurant’s, and better!
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the process of creating the crispiest fried chicken with an easy-to-follow recipe that guarantees perfect results every time. Plus, we’ll show you how using premium grass-fed chicken from Gingin Beef takes your fried chicken to the next level!
Ingredients You’ll Need for the Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe
Before we dive into the cooking process, let’s gather everything you need to make the crispiest fried chicken possible. Here’s a simple list of the ingredients:
For the Chicken:
For the Flour Coating:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
The Secret to Achieving the Crispy Coating
The key to achieving crispy, golden-brown fried chicken is in the batter and frying technique. Here’s how to create the crispy crust that everyone loves:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken in Buttermilk
Start by seasoning your chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Then, place them in a bowl and pour in the buttermilk, ensuring the chicken is fully submerged. Marinate for at least 2 hours, but overnight for best results. The buttermilk helps tenderise the chicken while imparting a subtle tangy flavour.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
While your chicken is marinating, mix the dry ingredients in a shallow dish. Combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and pepper. This combination will give your fried chicken that crispy coating that stays crunchy even after frying.
Step 3: Dredge the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, take each piece and coat it evenly in the flour mixture. Press the coating into the chicken to ensure it sticks well. For extra crunch, you can repeat the process, dipping the chicken back in the buttermilk and then in the flour again.
How to Fry the Perfect Crispy Fried Chicken
Now that your chicken is coated and ready, it’s time to fry! Here’s how to achieve that perfectly crispy, golden crust:
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large frying pan or deep fryer, heat enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken halfway. Heat the oil to around 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the proper temperature; this is key to getting the crispy texture and ensuring the chicken is cooked properly.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully lower the coated chicken into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry the chicken for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
Step 6: Drain the Chicken
Once the chicken is golden brown and crispy, use tongs to remove the pieces from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Tips for Even Crispier Fried Chicken
To take your crispy fried chicken to the next level, consider these additional tips:
- Double-Dip for Extra Crunch: For an extra crispy texture, repeat the coating process. Dip the chicken in buttermilk, coat it in the flour mixture, then dip it again in the buttermilk and coat it once more.
- Use a Cast Iron Skillet: A cast iron skillet retains heat better, which helps maintain the oil temperature during frying.
- Let the Chicken Rest: After frying, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This helps the coating set and enhances the crispiness.
Serving Your Crispy Fried Chicken
Once your chicken is fried to perfection, it’s time to serve! Crispy fried chicken pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:
- Mashed potatoes with gravy
- Coleslaw for crunch
- Cornbread for a touch of sweetness
- Pickles for a tangy contrast
Serve with your favourite dipping sauces, such as ranch, honey mustard, or hot sauce for extra flavour.
Conclusion:
There you have it! Now you know how to make the crispiest fried chicken right at home using grass-fed chicken for maximum flavour. By using top-quality ingredients, such as Gingin Grass Fed Chicken, you can ensure your fried chicken is tender, juicy, and packed with rich, natural flavour. Why settle for store-bought fried chicken when you can create the perfect batch right in your own kitchen?
At Gingin Beef, we’re proud to offer premium grass-fed chicken that makes every meal a success. For the best quality chicken that will take your fried chicken recipe to the next level, visit us today!w
Place your order online for grass-fed chicken and start cooking your way to crispy perfection.
FAQs
1. What makes fried chicken crispy?
The crispy texture comes from a well-seasoned flour coating and frying at the correct oil temperature.
2. Can I use chicken breast for fried chicken?
Yes, you can, but chicken thighs and drumsticks tend to have more flavour and remain juicier after frying.
3. How long should I marinate the chicken?
Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
4. Can I make fried chicken without buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can substituteit with milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice.
5. How do I know when my chicken is fully cooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).