Frying chicken in a skillet may seem like a simple task, but to achieve that golden and crispy crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy and well-cooked, some tricks are essential. If you want to learn how to fry chicken in a skillet simply and get mouthwatering results, you are in the right place! In the CanalCozinha, we will share valuable tips and a practical recipe for you to prepare skillet-fried chicken that will surprise everyone. Get ready to discover the secrets to perfect fried chicken without complications!
The Secrets to Irresistible Skillet-Fried Chicken
Frying chicken in a skillet is an art that combines technique and patience. The goal is to get a crispy and golden crust while the inside remains moist and evenly cooked. For this, some points are fundamental:
- Season in Advance: Seasoning the chicken before frying is crucial to ensure flavor in every piece. A simple marinade with salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, paprika, or other seasonings of your choice, for at least 30 minutes, makes all the difference. For an even more intense flavor, let it marinate in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight.
- Dry the Chicken Well: Before putting the chicken in the skillet, dry it well with paper towels. Moisture on the surface of the chicken prevents the formation of a crispy crust, as it creates steam when it contacts the hot oil.
- Choose the Right Oil: Use an oil with a high smoke point like peanut, canola, or sunflower oil. This prevents the oil from burning and giving the chicken an unpleasant flavor.
- Oil Quantity and Temperature: Use enough oil to cover at least half the height of the chicken pieces. This ensures more even frying. The ideal oil temperature is between 160°C and 180°C. If you don’t have a kitchen thermometer, do the breadcrumb test: drop a small crumb into the oil; if it bubbles and browns in about 60 seconds, the oil is at the right temperature.
- Do Not Overload the Skillet: Frying many chicken pieces at once lowers the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken without crunch. Fry in batches, ensuring enough space between pieces.
- Brown and Flip at the Right Time: Let the chicken brown well on one side before flipping. This usually takes 6 to 8 minutes for medium-sized pieces. Avoid flipping the chicken constantly, as this prevents an even crust from forming.
- Drain Excess Oil: After frying, place the chicken on paper towels or a rack to drain excess oil. This helps maintain crispiness.
Simple and Delicious Skillet-Fried Chicken Recipe from CanalCozinha
Now that you know the essential tips, let’s move on to the practical recipe for CanalCozinha irresistible skillet-fried chicken:
Ingredients:
- 1 kg of chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, breast, or wings)
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of sweet or smoked paprika (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano (optional)
- Vegetable oil enough for frying (approximately 2 cups)
Preparation Method:
- Preparing the Chicken: Wash the chicken pieces well and dry them thoroughly with paper towels.
- Seasoning the Chicken: In a large bowl, season the chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano (if using). Mix well so the seasonings evenly coat all pieces. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for a few hours in the fridge.
- Heating the Oil: In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, add enough oil to reach a height of about 2 to 3 centimeters. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches the ideal temperature (between 160°C and 180°C). Use a kitchen thermometer or do the breadcrumb test to check the temperature.
- Frying the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot skillet without overcrowding it. Let fry for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until golden and cooked inside. Cooking time may vary depending on the size and cut of the chicken.
- Checking Doneness: To check if the chicken is cooked, make a small cut in the thickest part of one piece. The juices should run clear and the meat should not be pink. If you prefer, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 75°C.
- Draining and Serving: Remove the chicken pieces from the skillet with a slotted spoon or tongs and place them on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately, accompanied by your favorite sauces and side dishes.
Sauce Tips to Accompany Your Fried Chicken
A good sauce can elevate the flavor of your fried chicken to another level. Check out some delicious suggestions from CanalCozinha:
- Garlic and Honey Sauce: Mix 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger.
- Mustard and Honey Sauce: Combine 1/4 cup Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup honey, 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar, and 1 minced garlic clove.
- Fresh Herb Sauce: Mix 1 cup plain yogurt, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs (parsley, chives, cilantro, mint), salt, and pepper to taste.
- Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: In a small saucepan, mix 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon cornstarch dissolved in 1 tablespoon water. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until thickened.
- Barbecue Sauce: Mix 1 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Seasoned Mayonnaise: Mix 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon sweet paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. For a spicy touch, add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste.
Products That Facilitate Preparing Skillet-Fried Chicken
To ensure success in preparing your fried chicken, invest in good tools:
Distributes heat evenly and maintains stable oil temperature, ideal for frying.
Essential to monitor oil temperature and ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly.
With the tips and recipe from CanalCozinha, you have learned how to fry chicken in a skillet simply and achieve delicious results. Remember that practice makes perfect, so don’t be discouraged if your chicken isn’t perfect the first time. Keep experimenting and adjusting the techniques until you master the art of skillet frying chicken. Share your experiences and questions in the comments below!
Image Source: cenariomt
