What To Know
- For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture.
- Serve the fried chicken with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and a refreshing salad for a classic Southern meal.
- Enjoy the fried chicken as a main course with roasted vegetables and a side of rice or pasta.
Craving crispy, juicy, and flavorful fried chicken without the hassle of deep frying? Look no further than this stovetop fried chicken recipe. With a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can enjoy restaurant-quality fried chicken in the comfort of your own home. Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with this delectable dish that’s perfect for a family meal or a weekend feast.
Ingredients
- 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful coating.
2. Coat the Chicken:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk until smooth.
- Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Dredge the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres well.
3. Heat the Oil:
- Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet or frying pan.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
4. Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil.
- Fry for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Adjust the heat as needed to maintain a steady temperature.
5. Drain and Rest:
- Remove the fried chicken pieces from the skillet using a slotted spoon or tongs.
- Drain the excess oil on paper towels.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Arrange the fried chicken pieces on a serving platter.
- Garnish with fresh herbs, such as parsley or cilantro, for added color and flavor.
- Serve with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a refreshing salad.
Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken on Stove
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet or frying pan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent hot spots.
- Maintain a steady oil temperature of 350°F (175°C) throughout the frying process. Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature accurately.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Fry the chicken pieces in batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature and ensuring even cooking.
- Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to consume. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature accurately.
- Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.
Variations
- For a spicy kick, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture.
- For a smoky flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the flour mixture.
- For a tangy twist, marinate the chicken in buttermilk overnight before frying.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the flour mixture to create unique flavor combinations.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve the fried chicken with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and a refreshing salad for a classic Southern meal.
- Enjoy the fried chicken as a main course with roasted vegetables and a side of rice or pasta.
- Make fried chicken sandwiches by placing the chicken pieces on toasted buns and topping them with your favorite condiments and toppings.
- Use the fried chicken in salads, tacos, or wraps for a quick and easy meal.
Best Sides for Fried Chicken
- Mashed potatoes
- Coleslaw
- Corn on the cob
- Green beans
- Mac and cheese
- Potato salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Salads
- Biscuits
- Gravy
Key Points
Indulge in the crispy, juicy, and flavorful goodness of this stovetop fried chicken recipe. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home. Experiment with different variations and serving suggestions to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy this delicious meal with your family and friends, and savor the memories made around the dinner table.
Questions You May Have
Q: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Cut them into evenly sized pieces before following the same coating and frying process.
Q: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A: Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken piece. It should read an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s safe to consume.
Q: What is the best oil to use for frying chicken?
A: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all good options for frying chicken. They have a high smoke point and neutral flavor, making them suitable for high-temperature cooking.
