What To Know
- To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken.
- Increase the heat of the oil or fry the chicken for a longer period of time.
- Reduce the heat of the oil and fry the chicken for a shorter period of time.
Fried chicken is a classic dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, it’s actually quite simple with the right instructions. In this blog post, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to fried chicken on the stove, ensuring crispy and flavorful results every time.
Gather Your Ingredients
Before you start cooking, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds)
- 1 gallon vegetable oil
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
Prepare the Chicken
1. Cut the chicken: Remove the chicken from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will help it cook evenly. Cut the chicken into 8-10 pieces, including the legs, thighs, wings, and breasts.
2. Season the chicken: In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.
3. Dredge the chicken: Dredge the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour, making sure to coat them evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
Heat the Oil
1. Choose the right pan: Use a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
2. Add the oil: Pour the vegetable oil into the pot and heat it over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough to fry the chicken, but not so hot that it smokes.
3. Test the oil: Drop a pinch of flour into the oil. If it sizzles and floats to the surface, the oil is ready.
Fry the Chicken
1. Fry the chicken pieces: Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot.
2. Adjust the heat: Once the chicken is in the oil, reduce the heat to medium. This will help prevent the chicken from burning on the outside while remaining raw on the inside.
3. Fry the first side: Fry the chicken pieces for 10-15 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.
4. Turn the chicken: Use tongs to carefully turn the chicken pieces and fry the other side for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until they are cooked through.
5. Check the internal temperature: To ensure that the chicken is cooked through, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Drain and Season
1. Drain the chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
2. Season the chicken: While the chicken is still hot, season it with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve the fried chicken immediately with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, gravy, or coleslaw. Enjoy the crispy exterior and juicy, flavorful interior of your homemade fried chicken.
Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken
- Use fresh, high-quality chicken for the best flavor.
- Season the flour generously to enhance the taste of the chicken.
- Heat the oil to the right temperature before frying the chicken.
- Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying the chicken.
- Adjust the heat as needed to prevent burning or undercooking.
- Check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Drain the chicken thoroughly to remove excess oil.
Troubleshooting
If you encounter any problems while making fried chicken on the stove, here are some troubleshooting tips:
- The chicken is not crispy enough: Increase the heat of the oil or fry the chicken for a longer period of time.
- The chicken is too greasy: Drain the chicken thoroughly on paper towels and season it with less salt.
- The chicken is undercooked: Fry the chicken for a longer period of time or check the internal temperature to ensure it’s cooked through.
- The chicken is burnt: Reduce the heat of the oil and fry the chicken for a shorter period of time.
Questions We Hear a Lot
What is the best oil to use for frying chicken on the stove?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are all good options for frying chicken on the stove.
How do I make sure the chicken is cooked through?
Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Can I use a different type of flour to coat the chicken?
Yes, you can use bread flour or self-rising flour instead of all-purpose flour. However, the texture of the fried chicken may be slightly different.
What are some good sides to serve with fried chicken?
Mashed potatoes, gravy, coleslaw, baked beans, and cornbread are all classic sides that pair well with fried chicken.
How long can I store fried chicken?
Fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in an oven or air fryer before serving.
