Deep frying chicken breast can yield incredibly moist tender meat enveloped in a deliciously crispy golden brown crust. However, achieving the perfect balance of a juicy interior and crispy exterior requires precision when it comes to timing. Undercook the chicken and you risk foodborne illness. Overcook it and you’ll end up with dry, rubbery chicken. So how long exactly should you deep fry chicken breast?
Through extensive research and testing I’ve determined that the ideal deep frying time for boneless skinless chicken breasts is 6-8 minutes, depending on thickness. For bone-in, skin-on breasts, extend the cooking time to 8-10 minutes.
Below, I’ll walk through a complete guide to deep frying chicken breasts, covering proper preparation techniques, ideal cooking times, oil types, safety tips, and common FAQs. Follow these best practices for restaurant-quality deep fried chicken you can make in your own kitchen.
Why Deep Fry Chicken Breasts?
Before jumping into the how-to, let’s first cover why you should even consider deep frying chicken breasts in the first place. Here are some of the biggest benefits:
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Juicy, tender meat – The hot oil quickly sears the exterior of the chicken, locking in moisture. The result is incredibly juicy meat.
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Crispy, crunchy crust – The high heat of the oil crisps up the outside of the chicken to golden brown perfection.
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Adds flavor – The oil infuses rich, savory flavor directly into the chicken.
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Speed – Deep frying cooks the chicken far faster than other methods like baking or grilling.
So if you crave piping hot, ultra-crispy, melt-in-your-mouth chicken, deep frying is the way to go.
Step-by-Step Guide to Deep Frying Chicken Breasts
Follow these simple steps for foolproof deep fried chicken every time:
1. Prep the Chicken
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Trim – Remove any excess fat or skin to reduce splattering and prevent burning.
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Pat Dry – Blot chicken breasts with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the breading adhere and reduces popping.
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Pound – Optionally pound chicken to a uniform 1⁄2 inch thickness so it cooks evenly.
2. Bread the Chicken
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Season flour – Mix flour with salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, etc.
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Coat in flour – Dredge chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour.
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Dip in egg wash – Beat eggs with milk or water. Dip floured chicken in egg wash.
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Coat in breadcrumbs – Press chicken into panko or seasoned breadcrumbs.
3. Heat the Oil
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Use high smoke point oil – Optimal choices are peanut, vegetable, canola or avocado oil.
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Heat to 325-350°F – Use a deep fry thermometer to monitor temperature.
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Test oil temp – Drop a breadcrumb in oil to test. It should sizzle and bubble, not burn.
4. Fry the Chicken
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Gently add chicken – Lower chicken slowly into hot oil using tongs.
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Don’t overcrowd – Fry in batches to maintain oil temperature.
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Flip halfway – Fry for 3-4 minutes, flip, then fry 3-4 more minutes.
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Remove at 165°F – Test internal temp. Remove immediately when chicken reaches 165°F.
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Drain on wire rack – Allow excess oil to drain off for extra crispy chicken.
How Long Does it Take to Deep Fry Chicken Breasts?
The cooking time can vary based on the size and thickness of the breasts, as well as whether they are boneless and skinless or bone-in with skin. Here are general guidelines:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: 6-8 minutes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts: 8-10 minutes
For accuracy, I recommend using an instant read thermometer to test doneness rather than relying on time alone. Chicken is safely cooked through once the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
If you notice the exterior browning too quickly before the inside cooks through, turn down the oil temperature slightly. This will allow the inside to finish cooking before the crust burns.
Oil Temperature for Deep Frying Chicken
The ideal oil temperature for deep frying chicken breasts falls between 325-375°F. Anything below 300°F will result in greasy chicken that absorbs too much oil. Temperatures above 400°F will burn the exterior before the interior cooks through.
I recommend investing in a good quality deep fry thermometer. It’s the only way to truly know if your oil is at the right temp. Test the oil before adding any chicken. Drop a cube of bread in the hot oil. If it sizzles gently and browns within 60 seconds, the oil is ready. If the bread blackens immediately, turn down the heat.
Maintaining proper oil temperature is crucial for crispy chicken that’s cooked through safely.
Tips for Perfectly Fried Chicken Breasts
Follow these tips and tricks for the highest quality deep fried chicken breasts:
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Use fresh, high quality chicken breasts without tears or nicks.
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Brine the chicken for added moisture and flavor. Dissolve salt and sugar in water, submerge chicken for 30-60 minutes.
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Allow chicken to come fully to room temperature before frying for even cooking.
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Use a thermometer to double check oil temperature before frying.
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Work in small batches to maintain oil temperature. Don’t crowd.
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Blot fried chicken with paper towels to remove excess surface oil.
Common Deep Frying Mistakes
Avoid these common pitfalls when deep frying chicken:
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Adding too much chicken at once, lowering oil temp.
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Not patting chicken dry, causing splattering.
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Heating oil past the smoke point, resulting in off-flavors.
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Not monitoring temperature, leading to under or overcooked chicken.
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Skipping the wire rack after frying, causing chicken to get soggy.
With practice, you’ll be able to avoid these mistakes and turn out picture-perfect deep fried chicken breasts.
FAQs
Let’s cover some frequently asked questions about deep frying chicken breasts:
Can I reuse frying oil?
Yes, oil can be reused 2-3 times if strained properly after each use. Discard oil that is overly dark, foamy, or has an unpleasant aroma.
What’s the healthiest oil for frying chicken?
Avocado oil is one of the healthiest choices due to its high smoke point and monounsaturated fat content.
What if I don’t have a deep fryer?
You can deep fry in any heavy bottomed pot. Use a thermometer to monitor oil temperature.
How do I bread chicken without the coating falling off?
Be sure chicken is patted very dry before breading. Use a thin flour coating, then egg wash, then press breadcrumbs firmly to adhere them.
Can I bake chicken instead of frying?
Yes, baked chicken breasts are healthier. However, you won’t achieve the same ultra-crispy, crunchy crust as you get from deep frying.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftover fried chicken?
Refrigerate in an airtight container up to 4 days. Reheat in a 400°F oven until warmed through and crispy.
Conclusion
Crispy, golden, juicy deep fried chicken breasts are as easy as following these tips and guidelines. For the best results, fry boneless, skinless breasts for 6-8 minutes and bone-in for 8-10 minutes at a temperature between 325-375°F. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer, work in small batches, and drain on a wire rack. Avoid common mistakes like overcrowding and move over KFC, because homemade deep fried chicken breasts are finger lickin’ good!
