What To Know
- Enjoy the fried chicken as a main course or as a finger food at parties and gatherings.
- A refreshing coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing is a great way to balance the richness of the fried chicken.
- A light and refreshing salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing is a healthy and delicious side dish for fried chicken.
Fried chicken is a classic dish loved by people of all ages. It’s crispy, juicy, and flavorful, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. With this quick and easy fried chicken recipe, you can enjoy this delicious dish in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch 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 egg
- 1/2 cup vegetable oil
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly.
2. Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
3. Coat the Chicken:
- Dip the chicken pieces into the buttermilk mixture, then coat them in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Make sure the chicken is evenly coated.
4. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken pieces and fry for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Drain the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
6. Season and Serve:
- Season the chicken with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a refreshing salad.
Tips for Crispy and Juicy Fried Chicken:
- Use a good quality, heavy-bottomed skillet to ensure even cooking and prevent the chicken from sticking.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet. If you add too much chicken at once, the temperature of the oil will drop and the chicken will not cook evenly.
- Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. This will help prevent overcrowding and ensure that the chicken cooks evenly.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure that the chicken is cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
Variations:
- For a spicy fried chicken, add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the seasoned flour mixture.
- For a flavorful twist, add 1 tablespoon of dried herbs, such as thyme, oregano, or basil, to the seasoned flour mixture.
- For a healthier option, bake the chicken instead of frying it. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown and cooked through.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the fried chicken with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and a refreshing salad.
- For a hearty meal, pair the fried chicken with a side of rice, beans, and vegetables.
- Enjoy the fried chicken as a main course or as a finger food at parties and gatherings.
The Perfect Accompaniments:
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy and fluffy mashed potatoes are the perfect comfort food to pair with crispy fried chicken.
- Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw made with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a tangy dressing is a great way to balance the richness of the fried chicken.
- Salad: A light and refreshing salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing is a healthy and delicious side dish for fried chicken.
A Meal for Any Occasion:
- Casual Dinners: Fried chicken is a quick and easy meal that’s perfect for casual dinners with family and friends.
- Picnics and Potlucks: Fried chicken is a popular dish to bring to picnics and potlucks because it’s easy to transport and serve.
- Game Day Parties: Fried chicken is a classic game day food that’s sure to please everyone at your party.
Wrapping Up:
With this quick and easy fried chicken recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and satisfying meal in no time. Whether you’re having a casual dinner with family or hosting a party, this fried chicken recipe is sure to be a hit. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your skillet, and get ready to enjoy crispy and juicy fried chicken that will tantalize your taste buds.
FAQ:
1. Can I use chicken with the bone in for this recipe?
Yes, you can use chicken with the bone in, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Make sure to cook the chicken until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
2. What is the best way to store leftover fried chicken?
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the fried chicken for up to 2 months.
3. Can I use other types of oil for frying the chicken?
Yes, you can use other types of oil for frying the chicken, such as canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil. Make sure to use a high-heat oil that can withstand high temperatures.
