What To Know
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Allow the chicken to rest before serving, as this helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
- Frying the chicken at a high temperature helps seal in the juices and create a crispy exterior.
Buttermilk is a secret ingredient often used to achieve a juicy, succulent fried chicken. But what if you don’t have buttermilk on hand? Don’t worry; this blog post introduces an easy fried chicken recipe that doesn’t require buttermilk. This recipe uses common household ingredients to create a crispy, flavorful fried chicken that will satisfy your cravings without compromising taste.
Ingredients:
1. 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
2. 1 cup all-purpose flour
3. 1/2 cup cornstarch
4. 1 tablespoon paprika
5. 1 tablespoon garlic powder
6. 1 tablespoon onion powder
7. 1 teaspoon salt
8. 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
9. 1 egg, beaten
10. 1 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Preparation:
- Rinse the chicken pieces thoroughly under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Cutting the chicken into smaller pieces ensures even cooking.
2. Seasoning the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful dry rub.
- Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
3. Egg Wash:
- In a separate bowl, whisk the egg until it’s smooth and frothy.
- Dip each seasoned chicken piece into the egg wash, allowing the excess to drip off.
4. Frying the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked through by checking that the juices run clear when pierced with a knife.
5. Draining and Resting:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
6. Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the fried chicken hot with your favorite sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a refreshing salad.
- For an extra kick, drizzle some hot sauce or honey mustard over the chicken before serving.
Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken:
- Use a combination of flour and cornstarch for a crispier coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet when frying the chicken. This can cause the chicken to steam instead of fry.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Allow the chicken to rest before serving, as this helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
Healthier Alternatives:
- For a healthier version, consider baking or air-frying the chicken instead of deep-frying.
- Use whole-wheat flour or almond flour instead of all-purpose flour for a healthier coating.
- Choose leaner cuts of chicken, such as chicken breasts or thighs, to reduce saturated fat.
The Science Behind the Recipe:
- The combination of flour and cornstarch creates a crispy crust on the chicken.
- The egg wash helps the coating adhere to the chicken and adds moisture.
- Frying the chicken at a high temperature helps seal in the juices and create a crispy exterior.
- Allowing the chicken to rest before serving allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful bite.
Wrap-Up:
This fried chicken recipe easy without buttermilk is a testament to the versatility of everyday ingredients. With a few simple steps, you can create a crispy, juicy, and flavorful fried chicken that rivals any restaurant-style dish. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the skillet, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds craving more.
Information You Need to Know
1. Can I use milk instead of egg wash?
- Yes, you can substitute the egg wash with milk. However, the egg wash provides a richer flavor and helps the coating adhere better to the chicken.
2. How can I make the chicken even crispier?
- For an extra crispy coating, double-coat the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture and egg wash. Additionally, fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure even cooking.
3. How long can I store leftover fried chicken?
- Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken for up to 3 months.
