Super Crunchy Buttermilk Fried Chicken
vxdaAchieve unbelievably crispy fried chicken featuring a rugged, crunchy exterior by employing both battering and dredging methods. This preparation yields exquisitely tender chicken encased in an unbeatably crisp coating, seasoned from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 1 ¾ kg chicken
- 1 l water
- 60 g salt
- 15 g sugar
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- 400 g all-purpose flour
- 120 g cornstarch
- 2 tsp baking powder
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 300 ml buttermilk
- 15 g sugar
- 1 tsp salt
- 2 l vegetable oil
Instructions
- 1
Remove any surplus fat and skin from the chicken portions. Halve chicken breasts diagonally to promote uniform cooking.
- 2
Prepare the brine by dissolving salt, sugar, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper in water. Immerse the chicken and chill for 2 to 24 hours.
- 3
Combine flour, cornstarch, baking powder, pepper, thyme, cayenne, garlic powder, and onion powder in a sizable bowl.
- 4
Transfer 2 cups of the combined flour mixture to a 13x9 inch pan for the dredging step. Keep the remaining mixture aside for the batter.
- 5
Form the batter by whisking buttermilk, sugar, and salt into the reserved flour mixture until it becomes thick and viscous.
- 6
Take the chicken out of the brine and gently pat it dry to eliminate any excess moisture.
- 7
First, dredge each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture, then fully coat it in the thick batter, letting any extra drip away.
- 8
Heated oil to 340°F in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or a deep fryer.
- 9
Cook the chicken in successive batches, carefully placing pieces into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the vessel.
- 10
Continue frying until the internal temperature reaches 140°F for breast pieces and 160°F for thighs and drumsticks, which typically takes about 12-18 minutes, depending on their dimensions.
- 11
Move the cooked chicken to a wire rack to drain and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving, enabling carryover cooking to finish the process.