The Secret To The World's Best Fried Chicken

Mr. Make It Happen

Video Stats

Host: Mr. Make It Happen
Published: May 5, 2025
Views: 96.4k

Recipe Overview

Prep: 30 min
Cook: 15 min
Difficulty: Intermediate
Serves: 4

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

1
00:46

Add four cups of cold water to a pot.

2
01:07

Bring the water to a boil to dissolve the brine ingredients.

01:07

Tip: Dissolve the brine ingredients by bringing them to a boil for a few minutes.

3
01:10

Pour the brine into a bowl of ice to cool it down.

01:20

Tip: Cool the brine quickly by pouring it into a bowl of ice.

4
01:23

Submerge the chicken in the cooled brine.

5
01:29

Place the brine with chicken in the fridge for 12 to 24 hours.

01:36

Tip: Brine chicken for 12 to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

6
01:39

Combine four cups of all-purpose flour and one cup of cornstarch in a bowl.

7
02:03

Add salt and various seasonings to the flour mixture.

02:58

Tip: Use cornstarch in the breading for extra crispiness.

8
03:13

Whisk the flour and seasoning mixture to combine.

03:17

Tip: Taste the flour mixture to ensure it’s well-seasoned before dredging the chicken.

9
04:01

Mix chicken with yellow mustard and hot sauce.

04:14

Tip: Use yellow mustard as a cheaper alternative to buttermilk or egg wash for breading.

10
04:22

Add a little AP seasoning to the chicken.

11
04:34

Heat oil to 350°F for frying.

04:34

Tip: Let the breaded chicken sit for 5 to 6 minutes before frying to help the flour adhere.

12
04:57

Drop the chicken into the hot oil and fry for 8 to 12 minutes.

13
05:30

Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

05:30

Tip: Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safe consumption.

14
05:43

Drain the fried chicken and let it cool.

15
05:45

Plate the fried chicken for serving.

Ingredients

Serves: 4
Salt1/4 cup
Sugar1/4 cup
Mustard2 tbsp
Hot Sauce1 tbsp
Garlic Powder1 tbsp
Onion Powder1 tbsp
Italian Seasoning1 tbsp
Paprika1 tsp
Lemon Pepper1 tsp
Allergen Alerts

Ingredient: Gluten

    → Substitution: Gluten-Free Flour

Ingredient: Mustard

    → Substitution: Dijon Mustard

Nutrition

Calories
450
kcal per serving
Protein
30
per serving
Carbs
40
per serving

Skill Level

Skill Level Intermediate
Beginner Intermediate Advanced

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.