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Fried chicken is a tempting dish that one can never get enough of. Many fast food chains serve delicious fried chicken, which is a major hit in the market. While it's okay to have some fried chicken from outside from time to time, having it regularly may not be practical or a healthy choice.
But that doesn't mean that one cannot eat the food that they love. Fried chicken can be easily made at home more healthily. Instead of deep-frying it, one can air-fry it and make it healthier. However, a complaint that most people have with homemade fried chicken is that it isn't as juicy as the one sold by fast food brands. In this article, one can find some accurate tips to cook the juiciest fried chicken at home that is tender and juicy on the inside and crunchy on the outside.
* Brine Solution
Soaking chicken pieces in a brine solution, which is simply salt water, is an appropriate step in the pre-preparation of fried chicken. This step is very helpful in making the chicken absorb a lot of moisture. After frying the chicken that has been dipped in salt water for some time, one will realise that the meat is a lot juicier. One can also add some buttermilk to the brine if they like its flavour. Buttermilk adds a layer of moisture to the chicken.
* Dry Marination
If one doesn't have a lot of time to prepare a proper marinade for chicken, then the easy way is to go for a dry marinade technique. This technique is pretty simple and basic. One has to spread chicken pieces on a tray properly and generously. Sprinkle some spices and herbs on top. This tray has to be kept in the refrigerator for a few hours. This way, the chicken will turn out extremely juicy during cooking.
* Buttermilk Marinade
A marinade that has been made from buttermilk entirely helps in making the meat more tender. Buttermilk is a little acidic, which is why it helps break down the proteins that are present in chicken. One will see a very evident change in the texture of the chicken after it is marinated in a mixture made of buttermilk and some other spices. The chicken has to be immersed in the marinade for at least 3 to 4 hours for the best results.
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* Extra Coating
Always give a double coating to the chicken. The right way is to dip the chicken pieces in some flour, then buttermilk and then again in the flour. Instead of using buttermilk, one can also go for an egg wash. A double coating of flour always helps in sealing the moisture and keeping the chicken juicy. It also holds all the flavours of the chicken intact and makes it taste really good. Some people also use crushed corn flakes for the second coating. Make sure that the coating is not too thick, as it might not get cooked properly.
* Temperature Check
Keeping a check on temperature while frying chicken at home is very important to get the perfect taste and texture. Always make sure that the oil or the air fryer temperature doesn't exceed 200°C. The optimum cooking temperature for making fried chicken at home should stay between 180°C and 200°C. Frying chicken at the right temperature ensures that the chicken is not too greasy or too dry.
Image Credits: Unsplash
* Batches
It is also very important to make sure that only selected pieces of chicken are fried in a particular batch. One should not try to save time and overcrowd the casserole or the air fryer. Frying in small batches is very important to ensure that all the pieces of chicken are cooked properly and that there is enough space between every piece so that the oil stays at the right temperature. Overcrowding chicken pieces will not cook any of the pieces properly.
* Let The Chicken Rest
It is very important to let the fried chicken rest for some time after it has been deep-fried. Do not serve the fried chicken as soon as it has been fried. Giving some time to fried chicken allows all the juice that is present in the chicken to redistribute properly. One will see that the chicken tastes better if it is allowed to rest for a few minutes before being served. Do not let the chicken become too cold and give it a time of just a couple of minutes.
* Serve It With The Right Dip
The fried chicken starts tasting even better when it is served with the right kind of dip. Because of the presence of a lot of oil and other dry ingredients, it might make one thirsty. This is why it is important to have a dip that complements the flavours of fried chicken. One can make a homemade mustard dip with honey and some spices to further elaborate the taste of fried chicken.
