Olivia Carter
If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal, fried chicken is always a great choice. And the best part? You don’t need a deep fryer to make it! With just a skillet and a few simple ingredients, you can create crispy and flavorful fried chicken right in your own kitchen.
So why go through the hassle of heating up a big pot of oil when you can achieve the same delicious results in a skillet? Not only is it easier, but it’s also a healthier alternative. By using less oil and controlling the cooking temperature, you can ensure that your fried chicken will be perfectly cooked and less greasy.
This recipe for easy fried chicken in a skillet is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. The secret to achieving that irresistible crispy crust is a combination of flour, seasonings, and a hot skillet. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal that will impress your family and friends.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just craving some comfort food, this easy fried chicken recipe is sure to satisfy. So grab your skillet and get ready to enjoy a homemade version of this classic dish. Your taste buds will thank you!
Preparation and Ingredients
Before you start making easy fried chicken in a skillet, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients and equipment ready. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of chicken pieces (legs, wings, or thighs)
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- 1 cup of buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Preparation:
- In a large bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Pour the buttermilk into another bowl.
- Place the chicken pieces in the buttermilk and let them soak for about 10 minutes to tenderize and add flavor.
- Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C).
- While the oil is heating, remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary.
- Fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Repeat the process with the remaining chicken pieces.
Now that you have your preparation and ingredients ready, it’s time to enjoy your delicious homemade easy fried chicken!
Gather the necessary ingredients for the recipe
Before you start making easy fried chicken in a skillet, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients. This will ensure that you have everything you need and that the cooking process goes smoothly.
Ingredients:
| 2 pounds of chicken pieces |
| 1 cup of all-purpose flour |
| 1 teaspoon of salt |
| 1 teaspoon of paprika |
| 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper |
| 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder |
| 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder |
| 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for added heat) |
| 1 cup of buttermilk |
| Vegetable oil for frying |
Make sure you have all these ingredients on hand before you begin. You can find most of these items in your pantry or easily pick them up at your local grocery store.
Brining the Chicken
To ensure juicy and flavorful fried chicken, it is important to brine the chicken before cooking it. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a solution of salt, sugar, and water, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Here’s how to brine your chicken:
- In a large bowl, combine 4 cups of water, 1/4 cup of salt, and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Stir until the salt and sugar are completely dissolved.
- Add the chicken pieces to the brine, making sure they are fully submerged. If needed, weigh down the chicken with a plate to keep it submerged.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for even better results.
Brining the chicken helps to lock in moisture and enhance its natural flavors. The salt in the brine also helps to season the chicken from the inside out.
After the chicken has finished brining, make sure to rinse it thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess salt. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels before proceeding with the frying process.
Brine the chicken to enhance its flavors and juiciness
One of the secrets to making incredibly delicious fried chicken is to brine the chicken before cooking it. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution, which helps to enhance the flavors and juiciness of the meat.
To brine the chicken, you’ll need a large bowl or container that’s big enough to hold all the chicken pieces. Fill the container with enough water to fully submerge the chicken, then add salt to create a brine. A good ratio is about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 cups of water. You can also add other ingredients to the brine, such as herbs, spices, or garlic, to infuse additional flavors into the chicken.
| Ingredients: | Instructions: |
|---|---|
| – Chicken pieces | 1. Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl or container. |
| – Water | 2. Fill the container with enough water to fully submerge the chicken. |
| – Salt | 3. Add about 1 tablespoon of salt for every 4 cups of water. |
| – Optional: Herbs, spices, garlic | 4. If desired, add additional ingredients to the brine for extra flavor. |
Once the brine is ready, submerge the chicken pieces in the brine and let them soak for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. The longer you brine the chicken, the more flavorful and juicy it will become.
After brining, remove the chicken from the brine and pat it dry with paper towels before frying it in a skillet. The brine will have added moisture and flavor to the chicken, resulting in a deliciously tender and flavorful final dish.
So, don’t skip the brining step when making fried chicken in a skillet. It’s an easy extra step that makes a big difference in the taste and texture of the chicken. Your taste buds will thank you!
Breading the Chicken
Before frying your chicken, it’s important to properly bread it to achieve that crispy, golden coating. Follow these simple steps to expertly bread your chicken:
1. Prepare the Coating
Start by preparing the coating for your chicken. In a shallow bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings. Mix well to ensure the flavors are evenly distributed.
2. Dredge in Flour
Begin by coating each piece of chicken in flour. This helps to create a dry surface for the remaining breading to stick to. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly, shaking off any excess flour.
3. Dip in Egg Mixture
Next, dip each floured chicken piece into an egg mixture. Whisk together eggs and milk in a separate bowl until well combined. This will help the breading adhere to the chicken and create a moist, flavorful coating.
4. Coat in Breadcrumb Mixture
Finally, coat the chicken in a breadcrumb mixture. This can be made by combining breadcrumbs with any desired herbs or spices. Place the breadcrumbs in a separate shallow bowl or plate, then press the chicken firmly into the mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides.
Once all of the chicken pieces are breaded, let them rest for a few minutes to allow the coating to set. This will help the breading stay in place during frying, resulting in a crispier texture.
Now that your chicken is breaded and ready to go, it’s time to fry it up! Refer to the next section for instructions on how to perfectly fry your chicken in a skillet.
Dredge the chicken in a seasoned flour mixture
To achieve crispy and flavorful fried chicken, it is important to properly coat the chicken pieces in a seasoned flour mixture before frying. This not only adds a delicious layer of flavor, but also helps to create a golden and crispy crust.
To start, you will need to prepare the seasoned flour mixture. In a large bowl, combine all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and any other desired spices or seasonings. Make sure to mix well, ensuring that all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
Next, take each piece of chicken and dip it into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly. Use your hands to press the flour mixture onto the chicken, ensuring that it adheres well. Shake off any excess flour before moving on to the next step.
Pro tip:
If you want an extra crispy crust, you can double-dredge the chicken. After coating the chicken in the flour mixture, dip it back into the egg wash and then coat it in the flour mixture again. This will result in an even thicker and crunchier crust.
Alternative coating options:
If you’re looking for a different take on fried chicken, you can also experiment with alternative coatings. Consider using breadcrumbs, cornmeal, crushed cornflakes, or even a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
Once your chicken pieces are well-coated, they are ready to be fried. Heat a skillet with oil over medium-high heat and carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, turning the pieces occasionally to ensure even browning.
Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and let it drain on a paper towel-lined plate to remove any excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy your homemade, crispy fried chicken!
Frying the Chicken
To fry the chicken, heat a skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add enough oil to cover the bottom of the pan by about 1/4 inch. Allow the oil to heat up for a few minutes.
While the oil is heating, take each piece of chicken and dip it into the flour mixture, coating it on all sides. Shake off any excess flour.
Carefully place each piece of chicken into the hot oil, skin side down. Be cautious to not overcrowd the pan. Cook each piece of chicken for about 5 minutes, or until the skin is golden brown and crispy.
Using tongs or a slotted spoon, carefully flip each piece of chicken over. Reduce the heat to medium and continue frying for another 8-10 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any excess oil. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serve the fried chicken hot, and enjoy!
FAQ
What do I need to make easy fried chicken in a skillet?
To make easy fried chicken in a skillet, you will need chicken pieces, flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, buttermilk, vegetable oil, and a skillet.
Can I use boneless chicken breast for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breast for this recipe. However, keep in mind that bone-in chicken pieces may result in juicier and more flavorful fried chicken.
How long does it take to fry the chicken in the skillet?
The cooking time can vary depending on the size and thickness of the chicken pieces. Generally, it takes about 15-20 minutes to fry the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through. It’s important to monitor the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it reaches at least 165°F (75°C).
Can I make a healthier version of fried chicken in a skillet?
Yes, you can make a healthier version of fried chicken in a skillet by using skinless chicken breast, whole wheat flour, and a small amount of oil for frying. Additionally, you can also try baking the chicken instead of frying it for a lower-fat alternative.
