How to Fry Chicken, Step-by-Step, for Perfect Results
Follow our easy guide for fried chicken that's perfectly crispy and juicy.
Making fried chicken at home is one of the most comforting, delicious ways to satisfy everyone at the family dinner table. Every crisp-tender bite is worth taking the time to master how to fry chicken. Once you know how to make this classic dish, pick sides to go with it that will complete the meal, like creamy Macaroni and Cheese, tangy Cucumber-Tomato Salad, or Classic Mashed Potatoes. Whichever side you pick, the chicken will still be the main event.
How to Fry Chicken
To demonstrate how to fry chicken step-by-step, we're using our buttermilk-brined fried chicken recipe (but the tips apply to most fried chicken recipes). If starting with a whole chicken, cut it into its meatiest parts (drumsticks, thighs, and breasts). And if you're trying to cut back on the oil, read on to find tips on making fried chicken in an air fryer or creating crispy oven-fried chicken.
Step 1: Coat the Chicken with Liquid
For tender, richly flavored chicken, use buttermilk for your coating. (You can also use regular milk or eggs if that's what you have on hand.)
In a resealable plastic bag placed in a bowl, combine buttermilk, coarse salt, and sugar.
Cut chicken breasts in half crosswise. Add chicken pieces to the buttermilk mixture; seal bag.
Chill 2 to 4 hours. Drain and discard buttermilk mixture from chicken; pat chicken dry with paper towels.
Test Kitchen Tip
To save time, you can omit brining the chicken in the buttermilk and continue to step 2.
Step 2: Dip Chicken in Flour Mixture
In a large bowl, combine flour, salt, and ground black pepper. Place ¾ cup buttermilk in a shallow dish. Coat the drained chicken with the flour mixture. Dip chicken in the buttermilk. Coat again with the flour mixture.
Step 3: Fry the Chicken
In a Dutch oven, heavy pan, or a deep-fat fryer, heat 1½ inches of oil to 350ºF. Using tongs ($13, Target), carefully add a few pieces of chicken to oil. (Oil temperature will drop; maintain it at 350ºF). Fry chicken for 12 to 15 minutes or until coating is golden and chicken is no longer pink. Drain chicken on paper towels.
Test Kitchen Tip: Keep cooked fried chicken warm in a 300ºF oven while frying the remaining chicken.
Related: The 6 Best Dutch Ovens of 2023, According to Our Testers
Fried Chicken Temperature
All poultry is safe to eat at 165ºF, but our Test Kitchen finds different cuts taste better at different temperatures. Test doneness by inserting a thermometer into the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone.
Bone-in thigh and drumstick: at least 175ºF
Boneless thigh: 175ºF
Bone-in breast: 170ºF
Boneless breast/tenders: 165ºF
How to Make Oven-Fried Chicken
Yes, making fried chicken in the oven works, too. Our oven-fried chicken recipe starts with buttermilk but ends with a crunchy surprise: cornflakes! The cereal is the perfect vehicle for a crunchy exterior without the oil bath.
Related: 11 Delicious Oven-Fried Recipes that Skip the Olive Oil
How to Fry Chicken in an Air Fryer
Deep-fried chicken isn't a top food option for anyone trying to maintain a heart-healthy diet. Luckily you can use your trusty air fryer for a healthy alternative to how to fry chicken. We still like giving the chicken a buttermilk bath to get it nice and juicy, but opt for a lightened-up coating of whole-wheat breadcrumbs. For an even easier crunchy snack, try these air-fried chicken tenders.
For more Better Homes & Gardens news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter!
Read the original article on Better Homes & Gardens.
