What Temperature to Cook Fried Chicken for Perfectly Crispy, Juicy Results

Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food for good reason – when done right it yields an irresistible golden, crispy exterior encasing deliciously moist and tender chicken. However achieving this ideal balance between a crunchy coating and juicy meat can be tricky. One of the most important factors is maintaining the proper oil temperature when frying. So what is the ideal temp to cook fried chicken?

Why Oil Temperature Matters

The oil temperature plays a critical role in fried chicken success If the oil is too low, the coating will absorb excess oil and turn out soggy and greasy If the oil is too hot, the coating can burn before the inside cooks through.

The ideal temperature is 325-350°F. This hot enough to instantly seal the coating and start browning it, while allowing enough time for the inside to cook through before the outside burns.

Monitoring Oil Temperature

I highly recommend using an instant-read deep fry thermometer or infrared thermometer to monitor your oil temperature. This takes the guesswork out of frying.

Test the oil before adding any chicken. Bring it to 350°F over medium-high heat. Once you add the chicken, the temperature will drop – aim to keep it between 325-350°F. If it falls below 325°F, increase the heat. Be patient and let the oil recover between batches.

Do not overload the pot with too much chicken at once. This causes the temperature to drop drastically and results in soggy chicken. Fry in smaller batches to maintain the ideal oil temp.

Tips for Crispy Fried Chicken

Achieving the perfect crispy fried chicken coating relies on more than just oil temperature. Here are some additional tips:

• Use a thermometer – This lets you monitor the internal temperature to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F for food safety.

• Brine the chicken – Soaking in a saltwater or buttermilk brine ensures juicy, well-seasoned meat.

• Dry thoroughly after brining – Excess moisture prevents the coating from crisping. Pat very dry with paper towels.

• Use cornstarch in the coating – This creates extra crunchiness. Add 1-2 Tbsp per cup of flour.

• Use baking powder – This helps the coating puff up while frying. Add 1-2 tsp per cup of flour.

• Rest coated chicken before frying – Letting it sit for 5-10 minutes allows the coating to adhere better.

• Fry in batches – Avoid overcrowding to maintain oil temperature.

• Let chicken drain after frying – Resting on a wire rack prevents sogginess from trapped moisture.

Step-by-Step Fried Chicken Recipe

This straightforward fried chicken recipe uses the ideal frying temperature and techniques for guaranteed crispy, juicy results:

Ingredients:

• 3 pounds chicken drumsticks and thighs
• 2 cups buttermilk
• 1 Tbsp salt
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 cup flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 tsp baking powder
• 1 Tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Pierce chicken pieces all over with a fork. Place in a bowl.
2. Whisk buttermilk, 1 Tbsp salt and garlic powder in a bowl. Pour over chicken. Cover and refrigerate for 2-24 hours.
3. In a bowl, whisk flour, cornstarch, baking powder, paprika, 1 tsp salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
4. Remove chicken from buttermilk and let excess drip off. Dredge in flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
5. Let coated chicken rest for 5-10 minutes on a baking sheet.
6. Heat 2 inches vegetable oil in a heavy pot or Dutch oven to 350°F over medium-high heat.
7. Fry chicken in batches of 2-3 pieces, without overcrowding, for 8-12 minutes until golden brown and165°F.
8. Drain on a wire rack. Allow oil to return to 350°F between batches.
9. Serve chicken hot, with any desired sauces or sides. Enjoy!

The keys are brining for flavor, using cornstarch and baking powder in the coating, frying at the proper 350°F temperature, working in small batches, and double checking the internal temperature. Follow these steps and pointers for the crispiest, juiciest fried chicken every time. Your family will be asking for this again and again!