Golden fried chicken is a popular dish made by coating chicken pieces in a seasoned flour mixture and then frying them until they develop a crispy, golden-brown crust.
The term “golden” refers to the desired color and texture achieved during the frying process. This dish is a beloved comfort food enjoyed in many cuisines worldwide.
What Is The golden fried chicken?
Golden fried chicken refers to chicken pieces coated with a seasoned flour mixture and deep-fried until they develop a crispy, golden-brown exterior.
The term “golden” refers to the desirable color and texture achieved through frying. This dish is a popular comfort food enjoyed in many cultures worldwide.
How Long Will It Take To Prepare?
- Preparation and Marination: This step involves marinating the chicken in buttermilk, which can take 1 to 24 hours. Marinating for at least 1-2 hours is recommended, but longer marination can enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Coating and Resting: Coating the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture and allowing it to rest on a wire rack typically takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Frying: The frying process can take around 12-15 minutes per batch, depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the frying temperature. You might need to fry the chicken in multiple batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.
- Cooling and Serving: After frying, it’s a good idea to let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This can take about 5-10 minutes.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
How Do You Make Golden Fried Chicken?
Essential Ingredients for Golden Fried Chicken:
For the chicken
- Chicken pieces (such as drumsticks, thighs, or breasts)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the marinade (optional)
- Buttermilk or yogurt
- Hot sauce or spices of your choice (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, etc.)
For the coating
- All-purpose flour
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Other desired spices
For frying
- Vegetable oil or peanut oil
Essential Instructions For The Golden Fried Chicken:
Step 1
Marination
Place the chicken pieces in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak in the buttermilk for at least 1-2 hours, preferably overnight. This helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
Step 2
Preheat the Oil
Fill a deep pot or a heavy-bottomed skillet with enough vegetable oil to submerge the chicken pieces.
Heat the oil to around 350-375°F (175-190°C). A kitchen thermometer is helpful to ensure the correct oil temperature.
Step 3
Prepare the Coating
Mix the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow dish. This coating will give the chicken its crispy texture and flavor.
Step 4
Dredging the Chicken
Remove a piece of chicken from the buttermilk and let any excess liquid drip off.
Coat the chicken piece in the flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to ensure even coverage. Shake off any extra flour.
Step 5
Frying
Carefully place the coated chicken piece into the hot oil. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan, as this can reduce the oil temperature and make the chicken less crispy.
Step 6
Fry the chicken for 10-15 minutes, occasionally turning to ensure even cooking and browning.
The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked through.
Step 7
Remove the chicken from the oil using tongs and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess fat.
Step 8
Repeat and Serve
Repeat the dredging and frying process with the remaining chicken pieces. Once all the chicken is fried, rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the excess oil to drain off and the crust to become even crispier.
Step 9
Serve
Serve the golden fried chicken with your favorite dipping sauces, side dishes like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread, and enjoy!
Additional Tips for Golden Fried Chicken:
- Brining: If you have the time, consider brining the chicken before marinating it in buttermilk. Brining involves soaking the chicken in a saltwater solution for a few hours before buttermilk marination. This step helps enhance the flavor and moisture retention of the chicken.
- Oil Temperature Control: Maintain a consistent oil temperature throughout the frying process. Fluctuations in temperature can result in unevenly cooked chicken and an overly greasy texture.
- Testing Oil Temperature: If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil temperature by dropping a small piece of bread or a pinch of flour into the oil. The oil is ready if it sizzles and turns golden brown in a few seconds.
- Cook in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the frying pan. Fry the chicken in batches to ensure each piece has enough space to cook evenly.
- Rest After Frying: Allow the fried chicken to rest on a wire rack again after frying. This prevents the coating from becoming soggy due to trapped steam.
Precautions For golden fried chicken:
- Hot Oil Safety: Hot oil can be dangerous. Use a deep pot with high sides to minimize the risk of oil splatters. Never leave hot oil unattended; keep children and pets away from the cooking area.
- Safe Internal Temperature: Always use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
- Oil Disposal: Allow the used frying oil to cool completely before disposing it. You can strain and store it for future use or follow proper guidelines for disposal in your area.
Nutrition Facts of Golden Fried Chicken
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 25 grams |
| Carbohydrates | 15 grams (mainly from the breading) |
| Total Fat | 25 grams |
| Saturated | 8 grams |
| Trans Fat | Depends on the frying oil used |
| Cholesterol | 90 mg (higher if including the skin) |
| Sodium | 1000 mg |
| Fiber | Minimal to none |
| Vitamins and Minerals | Small amounts of various vitamins and minerals, including iron and B vitamins. |
Remember that removing the skin or using a leaner cut of chicken (like chicken breast) can significantly reduce the fat and calorie content of the dish.
Additionally, healthier cooking methods such as oven baking or air frying instead of deep frying can help reduce the overall calorie and fat content.
5 Best Variations of Golden Fried Chicken
1. Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken
This classic variation involves marinating the chicken in buttermilk for tenderness and flavor.
The buttermilk is often seasoned with spices like paprika, garlic, and onion powder before being coated in a seasoned flour mixture.
2. Spicy Fried Chicken
For those who enjoy a little heat, add cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or chili powder to the flour mixture or buttermilk marinade to create a spicy version of fried chicken.
3. Herb-Crusted Fried Chicken
Elevate the flavor with fresh or dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and parsley in the breading. This variation adds a fragrant and earthy dimension to the chicken.
4. Asian-Inspired Fried Chicken
Incorporate Asian flavors by marinating the chicken in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic.
The breading can include sesame seeds or panko crumbs for an extra crunch. Serve with a dipping sauce like sweet chili or soy ginger.
5. Crispy Coconut Fried Chicken
Give your fried chicken a tropical twist by incorporating shredded coconut into the breading.
This adds a unique flavor and an extra layer of crispiness. You can also pair it with a coconut-based dipping sauce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, creating delicious golden fried chicken involves a few essential steps.
Marinating the chicken in buttermilk, using a well-seasoned flour mixture, and maintaining the proper frying temperature are critical factors in achieving a crispy and flavorful exterior.
Whether cooking for a crowd or indulging in a comfort food craving, golden fried chicken is a versatile and beloved classic.
People Frequently Ask Questions
Is there a difference between golden fried chicken and regular fried chicken?
“Golden fried chicken” typically refers to fried chicken with a crispy, golden-brown exterior. While the cooking method is similar to regular fried chicken, the emphasis is on achieving a perfectly crisp and appealing outer layer.
How can I avoid the chicken being undercooked?
Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F (74°C). Thicker pieces might take longer to cook, so adjust cooking times accordingly.
What can I do to prevent oil splatters while frying?
Dry the chicken before adding it to the hot oil to prevent oil splatters. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause excess moisture to create splatters.
Can I marinate the chicken in something other than buttermilk?
You can use yogurt, pickle juice, or a mixture of milk and lemon juice as alternatives to buttermilk for marination. Each option adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat.
What side dishes pair well with golden fried chicken?
Golden fried chicken goes well with various sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread, biscuits, macaroni and cheese, and steamed vegetables.
Can I make a gluten-free version of golden fried chicken?
You can use gluten-free flour or breadcrumbs for the breading to make a gluten-free version of fried chicken. Be sure to check all ingredients, including seasonings, for potential sources of gluten.