Craving Crispy Fried Chicken? Try This Skillet Recipe For An Easy Dinner That’ll Make Your Mouth Water

The tantalizing aroma of fried chicken sizzling in a skillet is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. With this easy skillet fried chicken recipe, you can indulge in crispy, juicy, and flavorful fried chicken without the hassle of deep-frying. This recipe is perfect for busy home cooks who want to enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup butter, divided

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
• Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

2. Heat the Skillet:

• Place a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the vegetable oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan.
• Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken pieces in a single layer.

3. Fry the Chicken:

• Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Flip the chicken pieces carefully to avoid breaking the crispy coating.

4. Add Butter and Herbs:

• Once the chicken is cooked through, reduce the heat to medium-low.
• Add half of the butter to the skillet and let it melt.
• Add any desired herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, for extra flavor.

5. Baste the Chicken:

• Use a spoon to baste the chicken pieces with the melted butter and herbs.
• This will help keep the chicken moist and flavorful.

6. Transfer and Serve:

• Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving platter or plate.
• Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon wedges.
• Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for Perfect Skillet Fried Chicken:

• Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for a quick and easy cooking experience.
• Cut the chicken into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
• Dredge the chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture to create a crispy coating.
• Use a large skillet to prevent overcrowding the chicken pieces.
• Cook the chicken over medium-high heat to achieve a crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Flip the chicken pieces carefully to avoid breaking the coating.
• Reduce the heat to medium-low once the chicken is cooked through to prevent overcooking.
• Baste the chicken with melted butter and herbs to enhance the flavor.
• Serve the fried chicken immediately with your favorite sides for a delicious and satisfying meal.

Variations:

• Spicy Skillet Fried Chicken: Add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
• Garlic Parmesan Skillet Fried Chicken: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and minced garlic over the chicken pieces before serving.
• Lemon Herb Skillet Fried Chicken: Add a squeeze of lemon juice and chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley, basil, or thyme, to the melted butter for a bright and flavorful twist.
• Honey Mustard Skillet Fried Chicken: Drizzle honey mustard sauce over the cooked chicken pieces for a sweet and tangy flavor combination.

Final Thoughts:

This easy skillet fried chicken recipe is a must-try for home cooks who love crispy, juicy, and flavorful fried chicken. With simple ingredients and a straightforward cooking process, you can enjoy this delicious dish without the hassle of deep-frying. Experiment with different variations to find your favorite flavor combinations and make this recipe your own.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q1. Can I use chicken with the bone in this recipe?

A1. Yes, you can use chicken with the bone for this recipe. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the chicken pieces.

Q2. Can I use a different type of oil for frying the chicken?

A2. Yes, you can use other cooking oils with a high smoke point, such as canola oil, sunflower oil, or grapeseed oil.

Q3. How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

A3. The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit (74 degrees Celsius). You can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken pieces.