When it comes to Southern cuisine, few dishes are as beloved as fried chicken. But achieving the perfect crispy, golden crust can be a challenge. Luckily, Southern Living has uncovered the secret to making perfect fried chicken every time.
The first step to achieving the perfect fried chicken is to start with a good brine. This will help to infuse the meat with flavor and keep it moist during the cooking process. A basic brine can be made by mixing salt, sugar, and water. To add extra flavor, herbs and spices such as thyme, rosemary, and garlic can be added.
Once the chicken has been brined for a few hours, it’s time to move on to the breading. Southern Living recommends using a mixture of flour and cornstarch, which will help to create a crispy, crunchy crust. To add even more flavor, herbs and spices such as cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder can be added to the breading mixture.
Before frying, it’s important to let the chicken come to room temperature. This will ensure that it cooks evenly and helps to prevent the breading from falling off during the frying process. The chicken should be dredged in the breading mixture, then placed on a wire rack to allow any excess to shake off.
When it comes to frying, the temperature is key. Southern Living recommends using a cast-iron skillet and a thermometer to ensure that the oil is at the proper temperature. The ideal temperature is 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Frying the chicken in batches will help to prevent the temperature of the oil from dropping too much.
Once the chicken is in the skillet, it’s important to resist the urge to move it around. Letting the chicken cook undisturbed will help to create a crispy, crunchy crust. The chicken should be flipped once during the cooking process, then cooked until it’s golden brown and crispy.
After the chicken has been fried, it’s important to let it rest on a wire rack for a few minutes. This will help to prevent the crust from becoming soggy. Southern Living recommends serving the chicken with classic Southern sides such as mashed potatoes, collard greens, and macaroni and cheese.
In addition to the classic Southern version, there are also many variations of fried chicken to try. From Nashville hot chicken to Korean fried chicken, there’s a fried chicken recipe to suit every taste.
In conclusion, the secret to making perfectly crispy fried chicken is all in the details. Starting with a good brine, using a mixture of flour and cornstarch for the breading, and frying at the proper temperature will help to ensure a crispy, crunchy crust every time. So the next time you’re craving some Southern comfort food, give this recipe a try and taste the difference for yourself.
