Crave-worthy fried chicken without buttermilk: dive into the ultimate recipe

Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of crispy fried chicken without the need for buttermilk. This innovative recipe offers a foolproof method for achieving juicy, golden-brown chicken that will tantalize your taste buds. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this buttermilk-free fried chicken recipe will empower you to create a culinary masterpiece.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 tablespoon salt
• 1/2 tablespoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup water

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken

Rinse the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels.

2. Create the Seasoning Mix

In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

3. Coat the Chicken

Dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat evenly. Shake off any excess flour.

4. Create the Batter

In a separate bowl, whisk together the vegetable oil and water.

5. Dip the Chicken in Batter

Working one piece at a time, dip the floured chicken into the batter. Allow any excess batter to drip off.

6. Place in Baking Dish

Arrange the battered chicken in a single layer in a baking dish.

7. Bake

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the chicken for 30-35 minutes, or until cooked through and golden brown.

8. Serve and Enjoy

Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness.

Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken

• For extra crispy skin, double-coat the chicken in the batter.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Let the chicken rest before serving to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and juicy chicken.
• Serve with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as honey mustard, barbecue sauce, or ranch dressing.

Variations

• Spicy Fried Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mix.
• Lemon-Herb Fried Chicken: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon zest and 1 tablespoon of dried oregano to the seasoning mix.
• Cheesy Fried Chicken: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the chicken before baking.

Healthier Alternative

To create a healthier version of this fried chicken recipe, you can:

• Use whole-wheat flour instead of all-purpose flour.
• Bake the chicken on a wire rack placed over a baking sheet instead of using a baking dish.
• Air fry the chicken instead of baking it.

The Science Behind Buttermilk

Buttermilk is often used in fried chicken recipes because it contains lactic acid, which helps to tenderize the meat. However, this buttermilk-free recipe achieves similar tenderness through the use of cornstarch, which creates a crispy coating that locks in the chicken’s natural juices.

Frequently Discussed Topics

Q: Can I use other liquids besides water in the batter?
A: Yes, you can use milk, buttermilk, or yogurt as a substitute for water.

Q: How can I make sure the chicken is cooked through without overcooking it?
A: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach 165°F (74°C).

Q: What sides go well with fried chicken?
A: Classic sides include mashed potatoes, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, and baked beans.