Frying half a chicken is a delicious way to enjoy this classic dish, but getting the timing right can be tricky. Undercooked chicken poses safety risks while overcooked chicken will be dry and tough. So how long should you fry half a chicken to perfection?
The exact frying time depends on several factors
Chicken Size
- A small half chicken (2-3 lbs) takes around 15-20 minutes
- A medium half chicken (3-4 lbs) takes 20-25 minutes
- A large half chicken (4-5 lbs) takes 25-35 minutes
Larger pieces of chicken need more time to cook through to the center.
Oil Temperature
- Best oil temp for frying chicken is 350-375°F
- Higher heat = shorter cook time
- Lower heat = longer cook time
The hotter your oil, the faster the chicken will brown on the outside. But you need to balance this with enough time for heat to penetrate inside.
Cooking Method
- Deep frying: Submerges chicken fully in oil. Fastest method.
- Pan/shallow frying: Cooks in 1-2 inches of oil. Slower than deep frying.
With shallow frying, the exposed areas will cook faster than submerged parts. Flip regularly to promote even cooking.
Bone-In vs Boneless
- Bone-in chicken takes longer, as bones partly shield meat.
- Boneless pieces cook faster with more direct heat contact.
For bone-in chicken, factor in extra time for heat to transfer through the bones.
Battered vs Plain
- Battered chicken takes a little longer due to the coating.
- Plain chicken has direct oil contact so cooks faster.
The batter provides some insulation that slows heat penetration. Add 2-3 minutes if batter is thick.
Doneness Preference
- Well done: Cook for longer until very browned and crispy.
- Just done: Remove as soon as juices run clear.
The more browned you want the chicken, the more frying time required. Cook minimally for moist, tender meat.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use a thermometer to check internal temp reaches 165°F.
- Cut chicken into same size pieces so they cook evenly.
- Let chicken rest 3-5 minutes before serving for juicier meat.
- Turn chicken every 5 minutes while frying for even browning.
- Pat chicken dry so the coating adheres well.
- Don’t overload the pot – chicken needs room to fry properly.
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps for perfectly fried half chicken:
- Cut half chicken into 4-6 pieces (breast, thigh, leg, wing). Pat very dry.
- Season chicken all over with salt, pepper, spices, etc.
- Optionally coat with buttermilk, egg, and breadcrumbs/flour.
- Heat at least 2 inches oil to 350-375°F in pot or deep fryer. Use thermometer.
- Carefully add chicken pieces and fry for estimated time:
- Small: 15-20 minutes
- Medium: 20-25 minutes
- Large: 25-35 minutes
- Flip chicken every 5 minutes while frying until golden brown.
- Check internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Drain chicken on a wire rack or paper towels.
- Let rest 3-5 minutes before serving hot.
The exact frying time can vary a little depending on your specific chicken size, preferred doneness, and equipment. But following these guidelines will help ensure perfectly crispy fried chicken without any undercooked or dried out pieces.
With the right timing, frying up some deliciously juicy and crunchy homemade fried chicken is easy and fun. Just be sure to monitor it closely and use a thermometer for safety. Now grab the buttermilk and spices and enjoy this tasty southern classic!
Why Air Fry?
There are two reasons why you might want to make air fried chicken instead of classic fried chicken.
- First, there is a health benefit to air frying over deep frying or pan frying. While I do recommend very lightly spraying the fried chicken with oil before and during air frying, you don’t submerge the pieces entirely in oil, and as a result, they undoubtedly absorb less oil in the process.
- For me though, the bigger advantage is time savings. It takes 30 seconds to flip on the air fryer, and the cleanup is worlds easier than dealing with big pots of hot oil.
There are some recipes that I don’t think adapt well to the air fryer, but fried chicken works really well. The chicken will come out crispy and browned. It’s definitely worth a try!
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What’s the Best Chicken to Use?
For my money and taste buds, nothing beats buying a whole chicken and cutting it up yourself. This way, you get some dark meat and some white meat. I also believe in using skin-on and bone-in chicken, which leads to more flavorful and juicier chicken.
That said, my family is not actually a huge fan of the same kind of fried chicken I like. They prefer simple chicken strips, so I did some of those, too, and they work really well.
Chicken strips cook faster than bone-in pieces, so you run the risk of overcooking them and drying them out. Be sure to check strips frequently until they’re just cooked through (165° to 170 ̊F in the thickest part).
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How To Halve A Chicken
FAQ
How long does it take for chicken to fry?
How long does it take to fry a whole chicken?
Can I fry half cooked chicken?
Yes, you can fry cooked chicken IF you put a batter on it and fry just long enough to brown the batter.