Elevate your dinner game: ultimate fried chicken recipe for 4

Indulge in the irresistible flavors of our tantalizing fried chicken recipe for 4, a culinary masterpiece that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. With its crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Prepare the chicken: Remove the chicken pieces from the refrigerator and pat them dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and vegetable oil. Dip the chicken pieces into the buttermilk mixture, coating them thoroughly. Transfer the coated chicken to the flour mixture and toss to coat.
3. Let the chicken rest: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight. This will allow the flavors to soak in and the chicken to become more tender.
4. Heat the oil: Pour the vegetable oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven and heat it over medium-high heat to 350°F (175°C).
5. Fry the chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil and fry for 10-12 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
6. Drain the chicken: Remove the chicken from the oil and drain it on paper towels.
7. Serve and enjoy: Serve the fried chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.

Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken

• Use a good quality chicken: The quality of the chicken will greatly affect the taste of your fried chicken. Look for a whole chicken that is fresh and free of blemishes.
• Marinate the chicken: Marinating the chicken in buttermilk helps to tenderize it and add flavor. If you don’t have time to marinate the chicken overnight, even a 30-minute marinade will make a difference.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan: When frying the chicken, don’t overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the chicken from cooking evenly and becoming soggy.
• Fry the chicken at the right temperature: The ideal temperature for frying chicken is 350°F (175°C). Using a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature will help you achieve perfectly cooked chicken.
• Don’t overcook the chicken: Overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. Cook the chicken until it is golden brown and cooked through, but not overcooked.

Variations

• Spicy fried chicken: Add 1-2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
• Herb-infused fried chicken: Add 1-2 tablespoons of your favorite herbs, such as rosemary, thyme, or oregano, to the flour mixture.
• Buttermilk fried chicken: Use buttermilk exclusively instead of the combination of buttermilk and vegetable oil in the marinade.

Sides for Fried Chicken

• Mashed potatoes: Creamy and comforting, mashed potatoes are the perfect side for fried chicken.
• Coleslaw: A refreshing and tangy coleslaw will help to balance the richness of the fried chicken.
• Biscuits: Buttery and flaky biscuits are a classic accompaniment to fried chicken.

How to Store Fried Chicken

• Refrigerator: Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Reheating Fried Chicken

• Microwave: Reheat fried chicken in the microwave for 1-2 minutes per piece, or until heated through.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat the fried chicken for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through.

The Perfect Ending

Prepare to savor the delightful flavors of our fried chicken recipe for 4, a culinary masterpiece that will leave you wanting more. Whether you enjoy it with classic sides or explore creative variations, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. So gather your loved ones, fire up the stove, and embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and create memories to cherish.

Questions We Hear a Lot

How long should I marinate the chicken?

• You can marinate the chicken for as little as 30 minutes or up to overnight. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more tender and flavorful it will be.

What is the best oil to use for frying chicken?

• Vegetable oil is a good all-purpose oil for frying chicken. You can also use canola oil, peanut oil, or sunflower oil.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

• Insert a meat thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken. The chicken is cooked through when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).