Learn how to make perfect Fried Chicken with the crispiest, most flavorful crunchy outside with moist and juicy meat on the inside.
When it comes to chicken there just isn’t anything more delicious than a juicy, crusty piece of finger-licking good fried chicken. It might seem intimidating to fry your own chicken, but it’s actually pretty straightforward and it puts grocery store and fast food fried chicken to shame. If you have a thermometer for the oil and a timer, you can produce fail-proof fried chicken. If you’ve ever wanted to make your own fried chicken, now is the time to try!
Do I have to use cornstarch? Can I replace the flour?
Cornstarch is one of our recommended ingredients for the crispiest fried chicken. Cornstarch is often used in Asian fried chicken recipes. The combination of the flour with cornstarch produces the crispiest result. You can replace all of the flour with cornstarch, or you can try using a similar non-gluten based flour or flour blend in place of traditional all-purpose flour.
Why does the breading on my fried chicken fall off? How can I avoid that?
One of the challenges that people face when making fried chicken is that their crunchy coating falls off. There’s usually a few reasons for this to happen. Here are some tips for making sure your breading doesn’t fall off.
- When coating and breading your chicken, be sure to tap off the excess buttermilk as well as the excess flour.
- Give your chicken a gentle pat after coating with the flour mixture to make sure that the flour sticks to the buttermilk.
- Make sure that you don’t overcrowd your pan. You want to make sure that the chicken isn’t bumping against other pieces of chicken which can knock off the breading.
- Only flip your chicken once while frying. The more you fuss with your chicken, the more likely you are to knock off or disturb some of the crunchy coating.
Some people recommend allowing your chicken to dry on a wire rack after dipping and dredging. This is not only useful, it’s also convenient when making large batches.
Frying Oils
There are lots of options when it comes to oil used for deep frying. Common options include peanut oil, vegetable oil, canola oil, safflower oil, and corn oil. Vegetable oil is the oil we recommend using for deep frying.
To reuse your oil, simply let the oil cool down completely, strain it, and return it to a storage container for later use.
Fried Chicken Cooking Time
The average piece of chicken will need to be fried for 14 minutes. Each piece of chicken will be different though so make sure you cook each one to a minimum internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. White meat will have its peak juiciness at 165 degrees F. Dark meat can be cooked to 170-175F for the best texture.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Fried chicken is best when it is fresh and the skin is still crispy. Leftovers though will be good in the fridge for 2 to 3 days. The skin will not be as crispy reheated.
For best results, reheat leftover fried chicken in a 350 degree oven for 15-20 minutes.
Looking for what to serve with Fried Chicken? You may enjoy these delicious classic American side dishes:
The Best Macaroni Salad
20 mins
Mom’s Creamy Potato Salad
1 hr 25 mins
Best Summer Fruit Salad
10 mins
Classic Baked Beans
16 hrs 30 mins
I can’t drink buttermilk, or any dairy… Substitute??
I did some research and testing because I wanted to answer your question accurately and here’s what I’ve discovered: Use a non-dairy yogurt, such as plain coconut yogurt, and dilute it with a bit of water. This will be the best substitute for you!
Can I use an air fryer vs. frying in oil?
Thanks
You absolutely can! Here is a whole post dedicated to air fryer fried chicken: https://thestayathomechef.com/air-fryer-fried-chicken/
Thank you!
This is wonderful we like your recipes
Is it ok to use breast meat?
Absolutely! It will be delicious.
Wow, very educating i love this.
Love love loved it!!!!! Thank you so very much.❤️
Recently tried the crispy fried chicken recipe, and it exceeded all expectations!
I think your recipes are not only delicious but easy. This is the second year I have given your cookbook for a Christmas present! Everyone loves them. Your suggestions for substitutions and variations are also very useful