How to Make Crispy Chicken: A Step-by-Step Guide

Are you an avid fan of crispy fried chicken? Do you always find yourself craving for that perfectly seasoned and crispy outside, but tender inside chicken? If so, then you’re in the right place. In this article, we’ll be discussing the ultimate guide to making crispy chicken, with tips and tricks to help you achieve that perfect crunch every time.

First things first, when it comes to making crispy chicken, the type of chicken you use is crucial. Always opt for bone-in and skin-on chicken pieces, whether it be thighs, wings or drumsticks. The skin acts as a barrier between the meat and hot oil, preventing the chicken from drying out and resulting in a more flavourful and moist final product. Now, let’s explore the different techniques and ingredients that you need to make your own crispy chicken at home.

Gather Your Ingredients

Before you can make crispy chicken, you need to gather your ingredients. For this recipe, you’ll need:

1. Chicken

You can use any cut of chicken you prefer, such as wings, thighs, breasts, or drumsticks. Just make sure the chicken is fresh and not frozen.

2. Flour

Flour is essential for creating a crispy coating on the chicken. You can use all-purpose flour, but some people prefer using a mixture of all-purpose flour and cornstarch.

3. Seasonings

To add flavor to your chicken, you’ll need to use a variety of seasonings. Some commonly used seasonings include salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.

4. Eggs

Eggs are used to help the flour mixture adhere to the chicken. You’ll need to beat the eggs in a bowl before coating the chicken.

5. Milk or Buttermilk

Milk or buttermilk can be added to the egg mixture to help tenderize the chicken and add flavor. Buttermilk is a popular choice because it adds a tangy flavor to the chicken.

6. Oil

You’ll need oil for frying the chicken. Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all good options.

7. Baking Powder

Adding baking powder to the flour mixture can help create a more crispy coating on the chicken.

8. Paper Towels

To soak up any excess oil, you’ll need paper towels to place the chicken on after frying.

9. Deep Frying Thermometer

To ensure that the oil is at the right temperature for frying, you’ll need a deep frying thermometer.

10. Frying Pan or Deep Fryer

You’ll need a frying pan or a deep fryer to cook the chicken.

Now that you have all of your ingredients, it’s time to get started on making crispy chicken.

10 Tips for Making the Crispiest Chicken

Making crispy chicken can be a tricky process, but with the right techniques, you can achieve a crunchy and delicious result. Here are ten tips to help you make the crispiest chicken possible.

1. Use a Buttermilk Bath

One of the most popular techniques for achieving crispy chicken is using a buttermilk bath. Soak your chicken in buttermilk for at least an hour, or even overnight, to tenderize the meat and provide a great base for seasoning.

2. Season the Chicken Well

Don’t be shy with your seasoning! Generously sprinkle your chicken with your favorite spices to add flavor and give it a kick. Consider using a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt and pepper for the perfect seasoning.

3. Dredge Your Chicken in Flour

Before cooking your chicken, dredge it in flour to create a crispy crust. Make sure to shake off any excess flour before frying to prevent clumping.

4. Use Cornstarch for Extra Crispy Coating

Adding a bit of cornstarch to your flour mixture can create an extra crispy coating. The cornstarch also helps to absorb excess moisture, ensuring the coating sticks to the meat.

5. Deep Fry Your Chicken

For the crispiest chicken, deep fry your chicken in hot oil. Make sure the oil is hot enough to create a crispy crust, but not so hot that it burns the coating.

6. Use a Neutral Oil with a High Smoke Point

When deep frying, use a neutral oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil, that has a high smoke point. This will prevent the oil from burning and smoking, and keep the chicken crispy.

7. Don’t Overcrowd the Fryer

Overcrowding the fryer can cause the chicken to steam and lose its crispiness. Cook in batches, and make sure to keep the oil temperature consistent.

8. Use a Wire Rack to Drain Excess Oil

Once you’ve fried your chicken, place it on a wire rack to allow the excess oil to drain off. This will prevent the chicken from becoming soggy and help to maintain its crispiness.

9. Don’t Cover Your Chicken

Though you may be tempted to cover your chicken to keep it warm, this can actually cause it to lose its crispiness. Instead, place the chicken in a warm oven on a wire rack until you’re ready to serve.

10. Serve Immediately

Time is of the essence when it comes to crispy chicken. Serve it as soon as possible, while it’s still hot and crunchy. Pair it with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!

Ingredients Required For Crispy Chicken

Crispy chicken is as delicious as it sounds, so let’s dive into the in-depth knowledge of how to prepare it. Before heading to the cooking procedure, you must know about the essential ingredients required to make your fried chicken crispy.

Chicken Meat

You can choose any part of the chicken that suits your preference. Whether it’s boneless thighs or breasts, wings, or legs, all of them will be good for making your chicken crispy. Go for skin-on meat, as it helps to add extra texture in the crust.

Breading Ingredients

The breading mixture consists of flour, cornstarch, or breadcrumbs, depending on your choice. You can also try using crushed cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs for a lighter and crunchier texture. Add spices to your breading mix to add more flavors to it. For six chicken breast pieces, you will need two cups of flour, two tablespoons of cornstarch, and a teaspoon of spices, such as salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic, or onion powder.

Egg Wash

The egg wash is essential for making the breading stick to the chicken. It is made up of eggs beaten in a dish, along with milk or buttermilk. Dip the chicken in the egg wash and coat it with the breading mixture.

Frying Oil

The oil is crucial for frying the chicken. Use an oil that has a high smoke point, such as peanut, sunflower, or vegetable oil. Heat the oil to 350-375°F for frying the chicken.

Additional Ingredients

You can use herbs, spices, and sauces of your choice to add extra flavors to your crispy chicken. Some examples are cumin, thyme, tarragon, Italian seasoning, soy sauce, hot sauce, honey mustard, BBQ sauce, etc.

Now that you know about the ingredients required let’s head on to how to make crispy chicken.

Happy Crispy Cooking!

Well, there you have it, folks – all the secrets you need to cook crispy chicken like a pro without breaking a sweat. Don’t forget to let your chicken thighs or breasts rest for a couple of minutes before biting into them – it’ll help the juices redistribute evenly, making them extra tender and delicious. Thanks so much for reading, I hope you enjoy cooking up a storm in your kitchen and impressing everyone with your culinary skills! Don’t hesitate to drop by again soon – there’s always something new to learn and discover in the world of cooking. Cheers!