Olivia Carter
There’s nothing quite like the satisfying crunch of biting into a perfectly crispy piece of fried chicken. And when it comes to achieving that crispy, golden exterior, nothing beats cooking it in a trusty cast iron skillet. The combination of high heat retention and even heat distribution makes cast iron the ideal choice for frying chicken.
Before we get started, it’s important to note that making crispy fried chicken is a bit of an art form. It requires patience, attention to detail, and a few special techniques. But don’t let that intimidate you! With a little practice and the right guidance, you’ll be serving up restaurant-quality fried chicken in no time.
One of the key secrets to achieving that coveted crispy crust is starting with a well-seasoned cast iron skillet. A well-seasoned pan not only prevents the chicken from sticking but also adds depth of flavor to the final dish. To season your skillet, simply coat it with a thin layer of vegetable oil and heat it in the oven at 400°F for about an hour. Repeat this process a few times before using it for frying chicken.
Now that your skillet is ready, it’s time to prepare the chicken. Start by rinsing the chicken pieces and patting them dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper, and let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes. This allows the seasoning to penetrate the meat and helps the chicken cook more evenly.
When it comes to the breading, a combination of flour and your favorite seasonings is the way to go. For a classic Southern-style fried chicken, try adding garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme to the flour. Whisk an egg in a separate bowl, and dip each chicken piece in the egg mixture before coating it in the seasoned flour.
Now it’s time to heat up that cast iron skillet. Pour enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/4 inch, and heat it over medium-high heat. To test if the oil is hot enough, drop a small piece of the breading into the pan. If it sizzles and starts to brown, you’re good to go.
Gently place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the chicken pieces, and adjust the heat as needed to maintain a steady frying temperature.
Once the chicken is cooked to perfection, remove it from the skillet and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. The result? Juicy, tender chicken with a shatteringly crisp crust that will have your family and friends begging for seconds.
So the next time you’re craving some crispy fried chicken, don’t reach for the deep fryer. Grab your trusty cast iron skillet and follow these simple steps. With a little practice and a lot of love, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a fried chicken master.
Prepare the Ingredients
To make the crispy fried chicken in a cast iron skillet, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 chicken thighs, bone-in and skin-on
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Start by rinsing the chicken thighs under cold water and patting them dry with paper towels. Place the chicken thighs in a bowl and pour the buttermilk over them. Make sure the chicken is fully submerged in the buttermilk. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for the best results.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings. This will be your coating mixture for the chicken.
Once the chicken has soaked in the buttermilk, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This will ensure more even cooking.
Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach a temperature of 350°F (175°C). You can use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Now that all the ingredients are prepared, you’re ready to start cooking the crispy fried chicken in the cast iron skillet. Follow the next steps to achieve a delicious and crispy result.
Gather the Necessary Items
Before you start making crispy fried chicken in a cast iron skillet, make sure you have all the necessary items. Here’s what you’ll need:
1. Chicken pieces: Choose your favorite cuts of chicken, such as drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breast tenders.
2. Buttermilk: Soak the chicken in buttermilk to tenderize the meat and add flavor.
3. Seasonings: Prepare a mixture of seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper to add delicious flavors to your chicken.
4. Flour: Coat the chicken in seasoned flour to create a crispy outer layer when fried.
5. Vegetable oil: Use vegetable oil for frying the chicken in the cast iron skillet.
6. Cast iron skillet: A cast iron skillet is ideal for frying chicken as it distributes and retains heat evenly.
Make sure to have all these items ready before you begin the cooking process to ensure a smooth and delicious fried chicken experience!
Clean and Season the Chicken
Before you start frying the chicken, it’s important to properly clean and season it. This ensures that your chicken is not only safe to eat but also enhances its flavor.
- Begin by rinsing the chicken pieces under cold water to remove any visible dirt or debris.
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial for achieving crispy fried chicken.
- Next, season the chicken generously with salt and pepper. You can also add other spices or herbs of your choice, such as paprika or garlic powder, to enhance the flavor.
- Massage the seasonings into the chicken, making sure to coat all sides evenly. This step helps the flavors penetrate the meat and gives it a delicious taste.
- For a more intense flavor, you can marinate the chicken overnight in buttermilk or a mixture of spices. This step is optional but highly recommended.
Once you’ve cleaned and seasoned the chicken, you’re ready to move on to the next step in the process of making crispy fried chicken in a cast iron skillet.
Create the Coating Mixture
Creating a delicious and crispy coating for your fried chicken is key to achieving that perfect texture and flavor. Here’s how you can make the coating mixture:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk or fork to thoroughly mix the ingredients together.
The all-purpose flour serves as the base for the coating and helps to create that crispy texture. The paprika adds a smoky and slightly spicy flavor, while the garlic and onion powder contribute their aromatic notes. The salt and black pepper enhance the overall taste of the chicken.
Once the coating mixture is well combined, it’s time to move on to the next step in the process, which is preparing the chicken for frying.
Combine the Dry Ingredients
To make crispy fried chicken in a cast iron skillet, you will need to start by combining the dry ingredients. This mixture will be used to coat the chicken pieces before frying them. Here’s how to do it:
- Start by whisking together 2 cups of all-purpose flour, 1 tablespoon of paprika, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of dried thyme, 1 tablespoon of dried oregano, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 teaspoon of black pepper in a large bowl. Make sure all the ingredients are well combined.
- Next, prepare a separate bowl with 2 cups of buttermilk. The buttermilk will help tenderize the chicken and add flavor.
- Now, take your chicken pieces and dip them into the buttermilk mixture, making sure they are well coated.
- After dipping the chicken in the buttermilk, let the excess buttermilk drip off, and then transfer the chicken to the bowl with the dry ingredient mixture.
- Roll the chicken in the dry mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres to the chicken. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly on all sides.
- Once coated, transfer the chicken to a wire rack and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes. This rest time will allow the coating to adhere to the chicken and ensure crispiness when fried.
Now that you have combined the dry ingredients, you are ready to move on to the next step in making crispy fried chicken in a cast iron skillet.
Add the Wet Ingredients
Once you have finished coating the chicken with the dry ingredients, it’s time to add the wet ingredients to create a crispy and flavorful coating on the chicken.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, eggs, hot sauce, and salt. The buttermilk will help keep the chicken moist and tender, while the eggs will provide a binder for the coating. The hot sauce will add a hint of heat, and the salt will enhance the overall flavor.
Pour the wet mixture over the chicken and ensure each piece is well coated. Let the chicken soak in the mixture for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Note: If you prefer a spicier chicken, you can add more hot sauce or spices to the wet mixture. Just adjust the recipe according to your taste preferences.
Once the chicken has soaked in the wet mixture, it’s ready to be fried in the cast iron skillet. The wet coating will help the dry ingredients adhere to the chicken, resulting in a deliciously crispy and flavorful crust.
Coat the Chicken
Coating the chicken properly is key to achieving that crispy, golden crust. Here’s how you can do it:
- Start by drying the chicken pieces completely with paper towels. This helps the seasoning and batter stick to the chicken better.
- In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
- One at a time, dip the chicken pieces into the flour mixture, making sure to coat them thoroughly. Gently press the flour mixture onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
- Shake off any excess flour and place the coated chicken pieces onto a plate or wire rack.
- Allow the coated chicken to rest for at least 10 minutes. This allows the coating to set and adhere to the chicken, preventing it from falling off during frying.
Once you’ve coated all the chicken pieces, you’re ready to move on to the next step: frying the chicken in a cast iron skillet.
Dredge the Chicken in the Coating Mixture
To achieve that crispy and delicious fried chicken, you need to properly coat your chicken pieces with a flavorful mixture. This coating will not only add flavor but also provide that satisfying crunch when fried.
Ingredients:
| 2 cups all-purpose flour |
| 2 teaspoons paprika |
| 2 teaspoons garlic powder |
| 1 teaspoon onion powder |
| 1 teaspoon dried thyme |
| 1 teaspoon dried oregano |
| 1 teaspoon salt |
| 1/2 teaspoon black pepper |
| 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat) |
In a shallow dish or bowl, combine all the dry ingredients – flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if desired. Mix them well until evenly combined.
Take each chicken piece and coat it thoroughly in the seasoning mixture. Make sure to coat every nook and cranny to ensure maximum flavor and crunchiness. Use your hands or a pair of tongs to press the coating onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
Once each piece of chicken is coated, set them aside on a clean plate or wire rack. Let them sit for a few minutes to allow the coating to adhere properly before frying.
Now that your chicken is perfectly coated, it’s time to move on to the next step of frying it in a cast iron skillet. Follow the remaining steps in the recipe to achieve that crispy and perfectly fried chicken that will surely impress your family and friends!
FAQ
What are the ingredients needed for making crispy fried chicken in cast iron skillet?
The ingredients needed for making crispy fried chicken in cast iron skillet are chicken pieces (such as drumsticks, thighs, or wings), buttermilk, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and vegetable oil.
Is it necessary to marinate the chicken in buttermilk before frying?
Yes, it is necessary to marinate the chicken in buttermilk before frying. Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps to tenderize the meat and adds flavor. It also helps the coating adhere better to the chicken, resulting in a crispier crust.
Can I use a different type of oil instead of vegetable oil for frying?
Yes, you can use a different type of oil instead of vegetable oil for frying. Other oils such as canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil can be used for frying chicken in a cast iron skillet. Just make sure to choose an oil with a high smoke point, as frying requires high heat.
How long should I fry the chicken for?
The frying time will depend on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. Generally, chicken pieces should be fried for about 12-15 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) on a meat thermometer. It is important to monitor the chicken closely and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure that it is cooked through and crispy.
Can I use a different type of skillet instead of a cast iron skillet?
Yes, you can use a different type of skillet instead of a cast iron skillet. However, using a cast iron skillet is recommended because it retains heat well and distributes it evenly, resulting in a crispy and evenly cooked chicken. If you don’t have a cast iron skillet, you can use a heavy-bottomed skillet or a Dutch oven for frying the chicken.
