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Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food known for its crispy, golden-brown exterior and juicy, tender meat inside. Whether seasoned with a simple blend of salt and pepper or spiced up with a special mix of herbs and spices, fried chicken is a universally satisfying dish. Its irresistible crunch and flavorful bite make it a favorite at picnics, family dinners, and gatherings. Fried chicken’s versatility allows for endless variations, from classic Southern-style to spicy Korean fried chicken.
Importance of brining chicken
Brining chicken is essential for achieving juicy, flavorful meat. The process involves soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution, which helps it retain moisture during cooking. This results in tender, succulent meat that’s less likely to dry out, even when fried or roasted. Brining also allows the chicken to absorb additional flavors, enhancing the overall taste. Whether you’re grilling, frying, or baking, brining ensures a consistently delicious and moist result.
Fried chicken breading steps
- Prepare Seasoning Flour: – Combine flour, corn starch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Make Wet Batter: – Mix buttermilk with a portion of the seasoning flour to create the wet batter.
- First Dip: – Coat the chicken pieces in the seasoning flour, ensuring an even layer.
- Dip in Wet Batter: – Submerge the floured chicken in the buttermilk mixture.
- Final Coat: – Dredge the chicken back into the seasoning flour, pressing firmly to adhere.
- Ready to Fry: – The chicken is now ready to be fried until golden and crispy.
Key ingredients for spicy buttermilk ranch
Mayo: – Provides a creamy base for the ranch.
Sour Cream: – Adds tanginess and richness.
Buttermilk: – Thins the dressing while adding a slight tang.
Garlic Powder: – Infuses a subtle garlic flavor.
Onion Powder: – Adds depth and savory notes.
Chopped Dill: – Fresh herb for bright, herbal flavor.
Chopped Chives: – Gives a mild oniony taste.
Salt and Black Pepper: – Essential for seasoning and balance.
Lemon Juice: – Brightens the dressing with acidity.
Hot Sauce: – Adds heat and flavor.
Spicy Red Chilies: – Intensifies the spiciness, providing a fiery kick.
Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken brine
- 4-6 chicken thighs
- 4 L water
- ½ cup vinegar
- ¼ cup salt
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp peppercorns
- 3 bayleaves
Seasoning flour
- ¾ cup flour
- ¾ cup corn starch
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- ½ tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tbsp black pepper
Wet batter
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 tbsp seasoning flour
Spicy buttermilk ranch
- ¼ cup mayo
- ¼ cup sour cream or greek yogurt
- ⅓ cup buttermilk
- ½ tbsp garlic powder
- ½ tbsp onion powder
- 1 handful chopped dill
- 1 handful chopped chives
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 chopped red chilli
- 1 tbsp hot sauce
- salt & peper to taste
Instructions
Chicken Brine
- Mix together water, salt, sugar, vinegar, peppercorns, and bay leaves.4 L water, ½ cup vinegar, ¼ cup salt, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp peppercorns, 3 bayleaves
- Add chicken into the brining liquid and let it sit overnight in the fridge. If you don't have time, you may skip this step.4-6 chicken thighs
Dredging
- Into one bowl mix together seasoning flour ingredients.¾ cup flour, ¾ cup corn starch, 1 tbsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp onion powder, ½ tbsp paprika, 1 tbsp salt, 1 tbsp black pepper
- Into a separate bowl mix together buttermilk along with 2 tbsp of the seasoning flour. This is our wet batter.2 cups buttermilk, 2 tbsp seasoning flour
- Pat dry our chicken from the brine and place into the seasoning flour.
- Transfer our chicken into the wet batter afterwards.
- Then finally back into the seasoning flour, making sure to press firmly to coat the chicken well.
- Set over parchment paper while we heat up the oil. This allows the flour to hydrate slightly to prevent it from falling off.
Frying
- Heat up a pot of oil to 350F.
- Fry for 12-15 minutes until golden brown. Making sure to not overcrowd. You only want to fry 2 at a time.
- Place over a wire rack to cool while you make the ranch.
Spicy ranch
- Mix together all spicy buttermilk ranch ingredients.¼ cup mayo, ¼ cup sour cream or greek yogurt, ⅓ cup buttermilk, ½ tbsp garlic powder, ½ tbsp onion powder, 1 handful chopped dill, 1 handful chopped chives, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 chopped red chilli, 1 tbsp hot sauce, salt & peper to taste
Hi. Thank you for sharing your recipe. My question is do you rinse the chicken after brining? Thank you again
Just pat dry!