How to Fry Chicken

By eHow Food & Drink Editor

Rate: (56 Ratings)

Here is a simple but classic method for that Southern delight, fried chicken. This recipe uses a flour coating rather than batter. Makes four servings.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

  • Groceries
  • Deep-fat Fryers
  • Skillets
  • 1 c. all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp. salt
  • 1 tsp. pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. paprika
  • 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
  • a 3-4 lb. frying chicken cut into pieces
  • 4 c. canola oil
Step1
Put flour, salt, pepper, paprika and cayenne pepper in a plastic bag. Shake to mix.
Step2
Add cut-up chicken pieces, with or without bones, to bag. (Smaller pieces cook more quickly, so consider cutting each breast half in two.) Shake to coat chicken with the seasoned flour.
Step3
Heat 3/4 inch oil in a heavy frying pan (preferably cast-iron) over medium-high heat, until it gets to 350 degrees F. Use a 2-inch-deep pan if possible to reduce spatters.
Step4
When oil is hot, shake any excess flour off the chicken and add the pieces to the pan a few at a time. Don't allow the pieces to touch in the pan. Fry the chicken in batches if your pan won't hold them all with space to spare.
Step5
Cook the chicken pieces for about 10 minutes per side. Regulate the heat as the chicken cooks, keeping the oil temperature below 375 degrees - use a deep-frying thermometer to the check the temperature.
Step6
Drain chicken on paper towels.

Tips & Warnings

  • Frying chicken is a messy business. Spread newspapers on the floor in front of the stove to keep the floor clean. Consider moving anything on the stovetop out of the way so it won't acquire a coating of grease.
  • Be very careful when working with hot oil. It can splatter and cause bad burns. Add chicken carefully to the pan, handling it with long metal tongs if possible.

Comments

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mistygal

mistygal said

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on 12/15/2006 Well I can tell you cooking chicken for 10 min, on each side Won't cut it (raw against the bone)and usually tough. I cook my chicken for an HOUR! in a covered cast iron skillet. Seasoned with Lemon Pepper, It is sooooo tender and tastes heavenly! I raise my own chickens (cornish cross)and there is no comparison in the taste!!

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 9/25/2006 Add honey to the fried chicken after it's cooked. Tastes great.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 3/17/2006 Make sure it's done and seasoned. Eat it while it's hot and you'll have yourself some delicious fried chicken.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 1/26/2006 Yes, lard. The fat that comes from pigs. Forget it if you are too health conscious. The lard gives the chicken added crispiness and taste.

Anonymous

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 Put the seasoned flour into a heavy paper bag. Put the chicken in the bag, close tightly and shake until chicken is well coated. Leave the chicken in the bag and store in the refrigerator overnight or for several hours. Fry the chicken as usual. You won't believe how delicious it will taste!

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eHow Article: How to Fry Chicken

eHow Food & Drink Editor

eHow Food & Drink Editor

Category: Food & Drink

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