The Best Ever Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide
Are you ready to experience the ultimate crispy fried chicken? This isn't your average recipe; this is a journey to fried chicken nirvana. Forget everything you think you know about fried chicken, because this recipe delivers unparalleled crunch, juicy meat, and flavor that will leave you craving more. Get ready to impress your friends and family with this best ever chicken fried chicken recipe!
Why This Recipe is the Best
This recipe isn't just about frying chicken; it's about mastering the art of achieving perfectly crispy skin and incredibly juicy meat. We'll explore the secrets to success, including:
- The Perfect Brine: We'll start with a flavorful brine that infuses the chicken with moisture and depth of flavor. This is the key to unbelievably juicy chicken.
- Double Dredging Technique: This technique ensures maximum crispiness and a perfectly textured coating. You'll see the difference!
- Optimal Frying Temperature: We'll nail the perfect oil temperature for consistently crispy results. No more soggy chicken here!
Ingredients You'll Need
This recipe uses readily available ingredients, making it easy to whip up a batch of amazing fried chicken anytime.
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For the Brine:
- 4 cups water
- 1/2 cup kosher salt
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons black peppercorns
- 4 cloves garlic, smashed
- 2 bay leaves
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For the Chicken:
- 2.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, and breasts)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
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For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, enough for deep frying (about 3 inches in a large pot)
Step-by-Step Instructions: Fried Chicken Perfection
1. Brining the Chicken (Crucial Step!):
- Combine all brine ingredients in a large container.
- Submerge the chicken pieces completely, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight. This step is essential for juicy chicken.
2. Preparing the Chicken for Dredging:
- Remove the chicken from the brine and pat it thoroughly dry with paper towels. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
3. The Double Dredge: The Secret Weapon:
- In a large bowl or shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it's completely coated.
- Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flour to adhere better.
- Dredge each piece again, pressing gently to ensure a thick, even coating.
4. Frying to Golden Perfection:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature closely.
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Work in batches if necessary.
- Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
5. Rest and Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- Let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender meat.
Tips for Extra Crispy Chicken
- Don't overcrowd the pot: Overcrowding lowers the oil temperature, resulting in greasy chicken.
- Use a thermometer: Maintaining the correct oil temperature is crucial for even cooking and crispiness.
- Let the chicken rest: Resting allows the juices to redistribute, leading to more tender and flavorful chicken.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your best ever crispy fried chicken with your favorite sides! Classic pairings include:
- Creamy mashed potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Biscuits
- Mac and cheese
Enjoy your culinary masterpiece! This best ever chicken fried chicken recipe is sure to become a family favorite. Let us know in the comments how yours turned out!
