Deep-fried chicken is easy to prepare and can be cooked in a variety of ways, from frying it in a couple of inches of oil in a frying pan to submerging it in boiling oil in an electric deep fryer. However, the cook has more control with a deep fryer, and because a specific temperature can be held, cooking times are more predictable.
Deep Frying Time Varies
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Cooking time for deep fried chicken will vary due to factors such as oil temperature, size of the pieces and whether it's white or dark meat. Small pieces, such as wings, cooked in 350-degree oil might be done in as little as 10 minutes, while larger breast pieces might take as long as 20 or 30 minutes to cook completely. When in doubt on large pieces, use a meat thermometer to make sure the center is cooked to at least 170 degrees.
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Adding Predictability
Cooking times can be made more predictable by precooking the chicken in a pot of water or in a microwave oven. After the chicken is precooked, let it cool enough to be easily handled, then roll it in crumbs or other coating and deep fry for 8-10 minutes per side, or until the coating is a golden, crispy, brown.
Use Caution
Deep frying can be dangerous. Always make sure the deep fryer is on a stable platform so that it won't tip. Use a basket, skimmer, or tongs to add and remove chicken pieces from the hot oil; chicken pieces can slip from forks or spoons and splash hot oil onto clothing and skin.