Olivia Carter
If you’re craving a delicious, crispy fried chicken dinner but don’t want to go through the hassle of deep frying, look no further! In this recipe, we’ll show you how to make juicy and flavorful fried chicken legs right in a skillet. With just a few simple ingredients and a bit of cooking know-how, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal on the table in no time.
Using a skillet to fry chicken legs is a great alternative to deep frying. It requires less oil and still gives you that crispy, golden brown skin that’s so irresistible. Plus, it’s quicker and easier to clean up! You don’t need any fancy equipment or special techniques – just a good old-fashioned skillet.
One of the keys to making perfect fried chicken legs is getting the seasoning just right. The combination of herbs and spices in this recipe will give your chicken a delicious kick of flavor. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your skillet, and let’s get cooking!
Ingredients
To make fried chicken legs in a skillet, you will need the following ingredients:
- 4 chicken legs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Make sure to have all these ingredients ready before starting the cooking process.
Preparation
Before you start making fried chicken legs in a skillet, there are a few steps you need to follow to ensure the best results.
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1. Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, mix together the buttermilk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Add the chicken legs and marinate for at least 2 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. This will help tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. |
2. Prepare the coating: In a separate bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. This will be used to coat the chicken legs before frying. |
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3. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom. Heat the oil until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). This is the ideal temperature for frying the chicken legs. |
4. Dredge the chicken: Remove the chicken legs from the marinade and coat them in the flour mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres. Shake off any excess flour before adding the chicken to the skillet. |
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5. Fry the chicken legs: Carefully place the coated chicken legs into the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Cook for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). |
6. Drain and serve: Once cooked, transfer the chicken legs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving hot with your favorite sides or dipping sauces. |
Cooking Process
To make fried chicken legs in a skillet, you’ll need a few ingredients and follow these simple steps:
Ingredients:
- 4 chicken legs
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Oil for frying
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, pour enough oil to reach a depth of 1 inch and heat over medium-high heat.
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and cayenne pepper.
- Dip each chicken leg into the buttermilk, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing the coating onto the chicken to adhere.
- Place the coated chicken legs in the hot oil, skin side down, and cook for about 6-8 minutes per side or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Transfer the fried chicken legs to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
This simple cooking process will result in delicious fried chicken legs with a crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy, flavorful meat inside. It’s a classic recipe that is sure to be a hit at any mealtime!
Serving
Once your delicious fried chicken legs are golden and crispy, it’s time to serve them up for everyone to enjoy! Here are a few tips on how to present your skillet-fried chicken legs:
Plating
Place the fried chicken legs on a serving platter or individual plates. Make sure to drain any excess oil on a paper towel before plating to keep them crispy.
Garnish
Garnish the fried chicken legs with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or cilantro for a pop of color and added freshness. This will not only enhance the visual appeal but also complement the flavors of your dish.
You can also add a wedge of juicy lemon or lime on the side, which will provide a tangy burst of acidity that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken.
Sauces and Dips
Offer a variety of sauces and dips to accompany your skillet-fried chicken legs. Classic options include barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing. You can also get creative and serve them with a spicy sriracha mayo, homemade gravy, or a tangy hot sauce.
When serving a crowd, consider setting up a sauce station with different options, allowing guests to choose their favourite flavors to dip their chicken in.
Don’t forget to provide napkins and wet wipes for your guests to clean their hands and mouths, as fried chicken can get a bit messy!
Now that your fried chicken legs are served, it’s time to dig in and enjoy this deliciously crispy and flavorful dish. Whether you’re having a picnic, a backyard barbecue, or simply enjoying a family dinner, these skillet-fried chicken legs are sure to be a crowd-pleaser!
FAQ
How do I prepare the chicken legs before frying?
Before frying the chicken legs, you need to season them. In a bowl, mix together salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub this mixture all over the chicken legs. Then, place the seasoned chicken legs in a Ziploc bag and pour buttermilk over them. Allow the chicken legs to marinate in the buttermilk mixture for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken for this recipe. However, the cooking time may vary as boneless chicken tends to cook faster. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly and check the internal temperature of the chicken to ensure it is fully cooked.
How long do I need to fry the chicken legs in the skillet?
The cooking time for fried chicken legs in a skillet will depend on the size of the chicken legs and the heat of your skillet. Generally, it takes about 8-10 minutes per side to cook the chicken legs until they are golden brown and crispy. However, the best way to determine the cooking time is to use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is fully cooked and safe to eat.
