Elevate your cooking: the easiest fried chicken with milk recipe for beginners

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with our tantalizing fried chicken recipe with milk. This secret ingredient adds an extra layer of tenderness and flavor, resulting in a dish that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (3-4 pounds)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken:

• Cut the chicken into 8 pieces (2 breasts, 2 thighs, 2 drumsticks, and 2 wings).
• Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels.
• In a large bowl, combine the milk and chicken pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

2. Create the Seasoned Flour Mixture:

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

3. Dredge the Chicken:

• Remove the chicken from the milk and discard the marinade.
• Dip each chicken piece into the seasoned flour mixture, coating it thoroughly.
• Shake off any excess flour.

4. Heat the Oil:

• Pour enough vegetable oil into a large pot or deep fryer to cover the chicken pieces by at least 2 inches.
• Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).

5. Fry the Chicken:

• Carefully place the chicken pieces into the hot oil.
• Fry for 10-12 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Drain and Serve:

• Remove the chicken from the oil and drain it on paper towels.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.

Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken:

• Use a whole chicken for a more flavorful and juicy dish.
• Marinate the chicken in milk for as long as possible, as this will help tenderize it.
• Don’t overcrowd the pot when frying, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
• Fry the chicken in batches to maintain the oil temperature.
• If you don’t have a meat thermometer, check if the chicken is cooked by piercing it with a fork. The juices should run clear, not pink.

Variations:

• Spicy Fried Chicken: Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the seasoned flour mixture.
• Buttermilk Fried Chicken: Use buttermilk instead of milk for a tangier flavor.
• Baked Fried Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.

Healthier Options:

• Air Fryer Fried Chicken: Spray the chicken pieces with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through.
• Oven-Fried Chicken: Coat the chicken pieces with olive oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until crispy and cooked through.

The Science Behind the Milk Marinade:

The lactic acid in milk breaks down the proteins in the chicken, making it more tender. It also helps to create a flavorful crust when fried.

The Bottom Line:

Elevate your fried chicken game with this irresistible recipe that uses milk for an extra touch of tenderness and flavor. Whether you prefer crispy, spicy, or baked, there’s a variation here to suit every taste. So, gather your ingredients and prepare to indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience.

Information You Need to Know

Q: Can I use skim milk instead of whole milk?
A: Yes, you can use skim milk, but whole milk will provide a richer flavor.

Q: How long can I marinate the chicken in milk?
A: You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or up to overnight. Longer marinating times will result in more tender chicken.

Q: Can I fry the chicken without marinating it?
A: Yes, you can, but marinating the chicken will help to improve its tenderness and flavor.

Q: What dipping sauces pair well with fried chicken?
A: Popular dipping sauces for fried chicken include honey mustard, barbecue sauce, ranch dressing, and buffalo sauce.

Q: How can I store leftover fried chicken?
A: Leftover fried chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven or microwave before serving.