The Best Fried Chicken Recipes - Crispy, Crunchy, and Juicy Fried Chicken Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Fried Chicken Recipes

Fried chicken is a staple in the American South and has been a popular dish across the United States for over a century. From extra crispy to juicy and tender, everyone has their own favorite fried chicken recipe. The secret to great fried chicken is all in the technique and ingredients. This ultimate guide will walk you through the key steps for frying up crispy, juicy fried chicken at home.

Choosing Your Chicken

The first step is choosing the right chicken. Opt for chicken pieces with bones and skin on for the best flavor and crunch. Popular cuts for frying include:

• Chicken wings
• Chicken drums and thighs
• Chicken breasts
• Chicken legs or leg quarters

Make sure the chicken is patted dry before seasoning and dredging to help the coating stick better.

Seasoning the Chicken

Now it’s time for the fun part: seasoning! Most fried chicken recipes use a simple combination of salt, pepper, and spicy seasoning. Some popular options include:

• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Dried herbs like thyme, oregano, or basil

For a flavor boost, you can brine or marinate the chicken first. Buttermilk is a popular choice to help tenderize and flavor the meat. Marinades may include ingredients like hot sauce, lemon juice, herbs, and spices.

Breading and Frying

The breading is what gives fried chicken its signature crunch. The chicken is first dredged in flour seasoned with salt and pepper. Then it is dipped in egg or buttermilk to moisten the surface before a second dredge in breadcrumbs. For extra crunchy chicken, dip in egg and then dredge in flour/breadcrumb mixture two times.

Classic breading options include:

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Breadcrumbs or cracker meal
• Potato or corn starch

Frying the chicken requires hot oil, around 350-375°F. The optimal oil to use is peanut or vegetable oil for high smoke points. Lower the chicken slowly into the hot oil to prevent sticking. Fry until golden brown and cooked through, flipping halfway. This usually takes 12-15 minutes depending on thickness.

Oven "Fried" Chicken

For a slightly healthier version, oven fried chicken uses the same technique without submerging in oil. Chicken is breaded then baked in the oven, yielding a crispy crust without deep frying. Use a wire rack on a baking sheet to allow air flow on all sides.

Preheat oven to 425°F. After breading chicken, place on prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-35 minutes, flipping halfway through. Brush chicken with a little oil to promote browning and prevent drying out.

Classic Southern Fried Chicken Recipes

The South is known for its amazing fried chicken recipes passed down through generations. Here are two can't-miss southern classics:

Crispy Buttermilk Fried Chicken

This recipe uses a buttermilk soak to yield incredibly moist, juicy meat surrounded by a crispy coating. Chicken pieces are marinated for a few hours or overnight before dredging in flour and breadcrumbs and pan frying in hot oil.

Nashville Hot Chicken

Nashville hot chicken starts with fried chicken that gets tossed in a spicy cayenne pepper sauce. The chicken gets a double dose of heat from a spiced flour coating and the hot sauce coating on the outside. Cool it down with some ranch or blue cheese dressing.

International Fried Chicken Favorites

Fried chicken has traveled all around the world, with different cultural cuisines putting their own spin on the popular dish. Here are some beloved international versions:

Korean Fried Chicken

KFC or Korean fried chicken is typically fried twice for extra crunch before tossing in a sweet and savory sauce. Popular flavors include soy garlic, spicy, and bbq.

Jerd Chicken

This Jamaican fried chicken is marinated in a paste of scotch bonnet peppers, garlic, ginger, and spices before frying. The heat and tropical flavors are unforgettable.

Japanese Karaage

Karaage is made with boneless chicken thigh pieces marinated in garlic, ginger, and soy sauce. It is coated in potato or cornstarch and fried until crispy outside and juicy inside.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Fried Chicken

It may take some trial and error to nail down your perfect fried chicken. Here are some top tips to troubleshoot common issues:

• Use a thermometer to check oil temp - between 350-375°F is ideal
• Don't overcrowd the pan, fry in batches for even cooking
• Allow chicken pieces to come up to room temp before frying for even cooking
• Fry for longer at lower temps for juicy centers
• Let chicken drain on a rack or paper towels before serving
• Keep chicken warm in a 200°F oven if serving later

Serving up Some Southern Hospitality

A good fried chicken recipe should result in chicken with a crispy browned exterior and a moist, juicy interior. For the perfect southern hospitality, serve it up with traditional sides like mashed potatoes, biscuits, coleslaw, and cornbread. Don't forget the gravy for drizzling over the top!

Now that you're an expert on all things fried chicken, gather your ingredients and fire up the fryer or oven. Just follow these simple steps and you'll have yourself some finger lickin' good fried chicken. Experiment with different seasonings and breading until you find your signature recipe. Happy frying!

FAQs

What is the best oil to use for frying chicken?

The best oils for frying chicken are peanut oil and vegetable oil. They have high smoke points which allow the oil to get hot enough for frying without burning. Avoid olive oil as it has too low of a smoke point.

What temperature should I fry chicken at?

The optimal frying temperature for chicken is between 350-375°F. This allows the chicken to get crispy and golden brown on the outside while cooking through on the inside.

What is the best chicken to use for frying?

Chicken pieces with bones and skin such as wings, drums, thighs, legs, and breast pieces work best. The bones and skin provide flavor and keep the meat juicy and tender when fried.

How long does it take to fry chicken?

Frying time depends on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. Smaller pieces like wings and thighs take 12-15 minutes, while larger chicken breasts and leg quarters may need 18-22 minutes to cook through.

Can you fry chicken in the oven?

Yes, oven "fried" chicken uses the same technique as frying but without submerging in oil. Bread chicken pieces then bake at 425°F for 25-35 minutes until crispy and fully cooked.