The Secret To The World's Best Fried Chicken
Video Stats
Recipe Overview
Overview
Fried chicken is a beloved dish, and this recipe elevates it with a brining technique that guarantees juicy, flavorful results. The brine, made with cold water, salt, and sugar, is the secret to infusing the chicken with moisture and flavor. After brining for 12 to 24 hours, the chicken is ready to be coated and fried.
The breading is a simple yet effective combination of all-purpose flour and cornstarch, with a 4:1 ratio that ensures a crispy finish. Adding seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs enhances the flavor profile, making each bite deliciously seasoned. The use of mustard as a binder is a clever twist that not only helps the flour stick but also adds a subtle tang.
Once the chicken is coated, it’s fried until golden brown and cooked through, achieving that perfect crunch on the outside while remaining tender on the inside. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, and it’s sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. Whether served with classic sides or on its own, this fried chicken recipe is a must-try for any chicken lover.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Add four cups of cold water to a pot.
Bring the water to a boil to dissolve the brine ingredients.
Tip: Dissolve the brine ingredients by bringing them to a boil for a few minutes.
Pour the brine into a bowl of ice to cool it down.
Tip: Cool the brine quickly by pouring it into a bowl of ice.
Submerge the chicken in the cooled brine.
Place the brine with chicken in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours.
Tip: Brine chicken for 12 to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Combine four cups of all-purpose flour and one cup of cornstarch in a bowl.
Add salt and various seasonings to the flour mixture.
Tip: Use cornstarch in the breading for extra crispiness.
Whisk the flour and seasoning mixture to combine.
Tip: Taste the flour mixture to ensure it’s well-seasoned before dredging the chicken.
Mix chicken with yellow mustard and hot sauce.
Tip: Use yellow mustard as a cheaper alternative to buttermilk or egg wash for breading.
Add a little AP seasoning to the chicken.
Heat oil to 350°F for frying.
Tip: Let the breaded chicken sit for 5 to 6 minutes before frying to help the flour adhere.
Drop the chicken into the hot oil and fry for 8 to 12 minutes.
Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
Tip: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.
Drain the fried chicken and let it cool.
Plate the fried chicken for serving.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Flour
Ingredient: Mustard
→ Substitution: Dijon Mustard
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Brining chicken helps to infuse flavor and moisture, making it juicier.
- •Cornstarch in the breading contributes to a crispier texture when fried.
- •Using mustard as a binder for the flour helps the coating adhere better.
- •Frying chicken at the right temperature ensures a golden brown crust.