Buttermilk Fried Chicken
Extra Crispy Fried Chicken
I trust we're all in understanding
that the best fried chicken is mouthwateringly delicate within, tooth
shatteringly crispy and flakey outwardly and overflowing with flavor
everywhere.
This recipe will give you precisely
that. I've pressed this post with all that you have to know in getting impeccable
fried chicken.
I love the tart tenderization that the
buttermilk gives. After the buttermilk drench, dredge the chicken pieces in
prepared flour, and fry them in hot oil until crisp and cooked.
Please read the instructions for more
detail.
Ingredients:
Dry Mix
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
- 1.5 tsp Salt, plus extra to sprinkle at the end
- 2.5 cups / 375g Plain/All Purpose Flour
- 1 tbsp Paprika
- 2 tsp EACH: Oregano, Baking Powder
- 1 tsp EACH: Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper
Wet Mix
- 2 cups / 500ml Buttermilk
- 1 tsp EACH: Paprika, Cayenne Pepper, White Pepper, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt
Chicken and oil
- 3.3lb / 1.5kg Whole Chicken, divided (or individual bone in skin on pieces)
- 3-4 cups / 750ml - 1litre Vegetable Oil, or as needed for deep frying
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine the wet mix with your chicken, ensuring it's fully coated by the marinade. Cover and allow to marinate in the fridge for an absolute minimum of 4 hours, but the longer the better (up to 24hours). Remove at least 30mins before you intend to use it to bring to room temp (important - frying cold chicken causes it to seize up and go chewy).
- Meanwhile, combine all of your dry mix. I find this easiest in a small tray, but you can also use a shallow bowl. Dip a piece of your chicken into the mix and fully coat. Really make sure you get the mix in every part of the chicken, this will give you those 'flaky' parts which make the chicken extra crispy. Place on a tray and repeat with the remaining chicken.
- Heat up enough oil to comfortably cover the depth of your largest piece of chicken. Drop a piece of mixture in, if it slowly sizzles to the top you're good to go. You want the oil to be approx 175C/350F - 180C/356F. The temp will drop when the chicken hits the oil, and that's okay, just try to maintain a heat of around 320F/160C. A medium heat should obtain this.
- In batches of 3 (4 max) gently place your chicken in the oil. Deep fry for 6-8mins on each side or until deep golden and white through the centre (see notes). If you’re not confident deep frying just test with one piece first.
- Place each piece on a wire rack with paper towels underneath when finished and sprinkle with salt to draw out the last bit of moisture. The chicken should be piping hot with the juices running clear. In all circumstances the chicken internal temp 165F/75C (take into consideration it continues cooking slightly once out the oil).
Inspired from allrecipes.com
