Crispy Chicken !

Deliciously crispy! 🤤

Over the years, I've tried countless recipes to perfect crispy fried chicken, and this is the result! It's a combination of tips I've gathered over time, with the key being the preparation and cooking technique.

Ingredients :

After experimenting with various recipes over the years, I’ve perfected this crispy fried chicken method. It combines several tried-and-true tips to achieve the juiciest, most flavorful, and crispiest chicken every time.

What makes this fried chicken so crispy? Several factors contribute to the crunch:

The key to achieving a crispy exterior and juicy interior is allowing the buttermilk-flour mixture to form a paste-like consistency.

Unlike most fried chicken recipes that maintain a high frying temperature throughout, this recipe starts with high heat to brown the chicken and then reduces the heat for about 30 minutes. At the end, the temperature is increased again to seal in the crispy texture.

Paprika not only enhances the flavor with a smoky touch, but it also helps with browning thanks to its low smoke point.

Here’s what you’ll need for the crispiest fried chicken:

Chicken: Use a four-pound whole chicken cut into pieces or purchase a mix of breasts, drumsticks, wings, legs, and thighs.

Buttermilk: This acidic ingredient tenderizes the chicken and helps the flour mixture stick without making the meat tough.

Flour: All-purpose flour provides the perfect coating for the buttermilk and seasonings, ensuring a crispy crust.

Seasonings: Paprika (for flavor and browning), salt, and pepper are the essentials, but feel free to adjust the spices to your liking.

Oil: Vegetable oil works best for frying due to its high smoke point.

Preparation Method:

1. Preparing the Chicken: Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly and then dry them using paper towels.

2. Marinating the Chicken in Yogurt: In a large bowl, place the chicken pieces and add the yogurt. Cover the bowl and leave it in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours. If you have time, you can leave it overnight, as this will help tenderize the chicken better.

3. Preparing the Flour Mixture: In a deep dish, mix the flour with salt, pepper, and paprika (you can add more spices if you like). Set aside a small amount of the flour mixture to coat the chicken after it has been marinated in the yogurt.

4. Coating the Chicken: After marinating the chicken in the yogurt, coat the pieces completely with the flour mixture. Be sure to press gently to firmly adhere the flour to the chicken pieces.

5. Frying: Heat the oil in a deep pan or pot over high heat (about 180°C). Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot oil, making sure they are in a single layer without overcrowding. Fry the chicken for 10-15 minutes on high heat to brown the outside.

6. Reducing the Heat: Once the chicken is browned on the outside, lower the heat to medium (about 160°C). Continue frying for 20-30 minutes, turning the chicken periodically to ensure it cooks through.

7. Increasing the Heat Again: After the chicken is cooked through, increase the heat back to high for 2-3 minutes to achieve a crispy golden crust.

8. Serving: Place the fried chicken on paper towels to absorb excess oil, then serve hot with your favorite sauce or any side dish you enjoy.

Enjoy your crispy and delicious fried chicken!