Easy Fried Chicken
Ingredients
- 3 lb drumsticks or thighs
- 4 cups whole milk
can sub with water
- 1/4 cup salt
- 8 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp black peppercorns
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cups flour
you can substitute with equal amounts Gluten-Free Four - Bobs Red Mill or King Arthur is recommended
- 2 cups cornstarch
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tbsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup seasoning mix
- 1 cup water
cold
Directions
- 1
Pierce chicken carefully with a knife and brine with whole milk (or water), salt, garlic, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. Brine for 2-3 hours or overnight for best results.
- 2
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, kosher salt, white pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper and baking powder and whisk until combined.
- 3
Take 1 cup of your seasoning mix and combine in a separate bowl with cold water and mix until smooth.
- 4
Remove the chicken from the brine and spoon a few tablespoons of brine into the seasoning mix and rub together with your hands to create small clumps. These craggily bits will add extra texture to the chicken.
- 5
Dip each piece of chicken in the wet batter and let any excess drip off. Immediately dredge in seasoning mix and press the mix into the chicken until completely coated. Let rest on a baking sheet while you heat up your oil.
- 6
In a large cast iron pan, dutch oven, or heavy bottomed pan/wok, fry chicken at 350F for 8-12 minutes (depending on size of the chicken) until the internal temperature reads 165F.
Easy Fried Chicken
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About this Recipe
Dreaming of perfectly crispy fried chicken that's unbelievably juicy inside, without the usual fuss? This Easy Fried Chicken recipe makes restaurant-quality results achievable for any home cook, delivering authentic flavors and satisfying crunch.
Why This Recipe Works
The magic behind this remarkably easy fried chicken lies in its innovative two-step wet batter dredging method. This technique not only streamlines the preparation process significantly but also ensures that each piece of chicken develops that coveted golden, crunchy crust while locking in incredible moisture, setting it apart from ordinary fried chicken.
What to Expect
Prepare your palate for an extraordinary fried chicken experience. You'll bite into an exterior that shatters with a satisfying crunch, revealing tender, succulent meat beneath. The initial soak, featuring whole milk, garlic, black peppercorns, and bay leaves, infuses the drumsticks or thighs with a deep, savory flavor that complements the perfectly seasoned, crispy coating. This recipe delivers a classic comfort food elevated by its flawless texture and rich taste.
Customization & Variations
This recipe offers flexibility to suit your preferences. If whole milk isn't available for the initial soak, you can easily substitute it with water. For those avoiding gluten, the flour in the dredging mixture can be swapped with equal amounts of gluten-free flour; reputable brands like Bob's Red Mill or King Arthur are recommended to ensure everyone can enjoy this delicious fried chicken.
Serving & Context
Perfect for family dinners, picnics, or any casual gathering, this easy fried chicken is a true crowd-pleaser that promises to bring a smile to every face.