Welcome back to Homely Recipes, where we elevate regular dinners to amazing feasts! Today, we’re tackling a Southern classic: chicken fried chicken. This crispy, golden, and juicy dish will leave your family begging for more. We’ll show you how to make the best fried chicken dish, utilizing techniques that guarantee crispy chicken every time.
If you’ve ever wanted to know how to cook flavorful, crispy chicken with the right crunch, this is the recipe for you. And what is the secret element for obtaining the ideal crunch? Cornstarch! We’ll also show you how to prepare chicken cornstarch fried to achieve that irresistible crispy coating.
What You’ll Learn:
You’ll learn how to prepare batter-fried chicken with a crispy crust, why cornstarch is essential for crispy chicken, and tips for consistently golden, juicy, and crispy chicken.
Ingredients for Fried Chicken.
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 2 cups all-purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 2 big beaten eggs, 1 cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon paprika.
• One teaspoon of onion powder.
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
Step-by-Step Guide for the Best Fried Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the chicken.
Begin by pounding the chicken breasts until they are approximately 1/2 inch thick. This helps the chicken cook evenly and results in a soft bite. Season the chicken with salt and pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and onion powder.
Step 2: Create the Crispy Batter.
In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornstarch. The combination of flour and cornstarch is vital for achieving the right crunch in your batter-fried chicken. Cornstarch helps absorb moisture, resulting in more crispy chicken.
Step 3: Dip, Coat
Set up a breading station.
1. Combine beaten eggs and buttermilk in one bowl. This mixture helps the flour and cornstarch stick to the chicken, resulting in a thicker, crunchier coating.
2. In another basin, place the flour and cornstarch mixture.
Dip each chicken breast into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s well covered, then dredge it in the flour-cornstarch mixture. Press the flour mixture onto the chicken until evenly coated.
Pro Tip: Double-dip the chicken for additional crispy results. After the first coating, return it to the egg mixture and dredge it in flour again.
How To Fry Crispy Chicken
Step 4: Heat the oil.
In a large skillet, heat approximately an inch of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). You want the oil hot enough to fry the chicken without scorching it. To cook crispy chicken, you must use the correct temperature.
Step 5: Fry the chicken.
• Gently place the breaded chicken breasts in the heated oil. Fry the chicken for approximately 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
Step 6: Drain and serve.
After frying, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve your crispy fried chicken hot with your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits are always terrific options.
Why Use Cornstarch to Fry Chicken?
If you want to achieve chicken cornstarch fried perfection, cornstarch is a game changer. It absorbs moisture from the chicken’s surface, causing the outer layer to become extremely crispy. When combined with flour, it gives a crunchy yet light feel, making it the ideal choice for anyone who enjoys crispy chicken.
Tips for the Best Fried Chicken Recipe.
1.Double Coat for Extra Crunch: To make the chicken extra crispy, coat it twice with the flour-cornstarch mixture. The thickness of the coating determines the crispiness of the chicken.
2.Use Buttermilk: Buttermilk helps to tenderize the chicken and offers a tangy flavor to balance the savory seasonings. It also makes the flour mixture adhere better.
3.Monitor the Oil Temperature: Keeping the oil at the proper temperature is essential for crispy fried chicken. Too high, and the surface will burn before the center is cooked; too low, and the chicken will become greasy.
4.Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches to avoid reducing the oil temperature and making it mushy.
Variations of Chicken Fried Chicken
Spicy Fried Chicken: For a spicy kick, throw in cayenne pepper or hot sauce with your egg mixture.
Herbed Crispy Chicken: For a more flavorful batter, use fresh or dried herbs such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano with the flour mixture.
Gluten-Free Option: For an equally tasty gluten-free fried chicken recipe, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour mix and add gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Final Thoughts On Fried Chicken
Now that you know how to create the finest fried chicken recipe, you can have restaurant-quality crispy chicken at home. The secret is to use cornstarch in the batter to guarantee that each bite is properly crispy. Whether you’re making batter-fried chicken for a family meal or serving it at a weekend gathering, this dish will dazzle.
We hope you’ll try this dish and share it with your friends and family! Please let us know how your chicken fried chicken comes out by tagging us with #HomelyRecipes and #CrispyChicken. Happy frying!