Simple & Crispy Fried Chicken
A straightforward method to achieve crispy, juicy fried chicken using a milk brine and a unique seasoning mix for a flavorful result.
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 3 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
- Servings: 6
Full Ingredient List
- 3 lb drumsticks or thighs
- 4 cups whole milk (can substitute with water)
- 1/4 cup salt
- 8 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp black peppercorns
- 3 bay leaves
- 2 cups flour (can substitute with equal amounts of gluten-free flour)
- 2 cups cornstarch
- 2 tbsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tbsp white pepper
- 1 tbsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1/2 tbsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1 cup cold water
- Neutral oil for frying
Brining Solution
Tools and Equipment
Ingredients
| Quantity |
Name |
Preparation Notes |
Substitutions |
| 4 cups |
whole milk |
can substitute with water |
water |
| 1/4 cup |
salt |
|
|
| 8 cloves |
garlic |
|
|
| 2 tbsp |
black peppercorns |
|
|
| 3 |
bay leaves |
|
|
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Pierce chicken carefully with a knife and brine with milk, salt, garlic, black peppercorns, and bay leaves. Brine for 2-3 hours or overnight for best results. (Tips: Brining enhances flavor and tenderness.)
Seasoning Mix
Tools and Equipment
Ingredients
| Quantity |
Name |
Preparation Notes |
Substitutions |
| 2 cups |
flour |
can substitute with equal amounts gluten-free flour |
Gluten-Free Four – Bobs Red Mill, King Arthur |
| 2 cups |
cornstarch |
|
|
| 2 tbsp |
kosher salt |
|
|
| 1/2 tbsp |
white pepper |
|
|
| 1 tbsp |
black pepper |
|
|
| 1 tbsp |
garlic powder |
|
|
| 1 tbsp |
onion powder |
|
|
| 1/2 tbsp |
cayenne pepper |
|
|
| 1 tbsp |
baking powder |
|
|
Instructions
-
Step 1:
In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, cornstarch, kosher salt, white pepper, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and baking powder and whisk until combined. (Tips: Ensure even mixing for consistent flavor.)
Wet Batter
Tools and Equipment
Ingredients
| Quantity |
Name |
Preparation Notes |
Substitutions |
| 1 cup |
seasoning mix |
|
|
| 1 cup |
cold water |
|
|
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Take 1 cup of your seasoning mix and combine in a separate bowl with cold water and mix until smooth. (Tips: The batter should be smooth to coat chicken evenly.)
Frying
Tools and Equipment
- Large cast iron pan or dutch oven
- Infrared thermometer
- Baking sheet
Ingredients
| Quantity |
Name |
Preparation Notes |
Substitutions |
| 3 lb drumsticks or thighs |
chicken |
|
|
| enough to cover chicken |
neutral oil |
|
vegetable oil, peanut oil, avocado oil, canola oil |
Instructions
-
Step 1:
Remove the chicken from the brine and spoon a few tablespoons of brine into the seasoning mix, rubbing together to create small clumps. (Tips: These clumps adhere well to the chicken for added texture.)
-
Step 2:
Dip each piece of chicken in the wet batter, let any excess drip off, then dredge in the seasoning mix, pressing the mix into the chicken until completely coated. Let rest on a baking sheet while heating the oil. (Tips: Ensure each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum crispiness.)
-
Step 3:
In a large cast iron pan, dutch oven, or heavy bottomed pan, heat oil to 350°F and fry chicken for 8-12 minutes per batch until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. (Tips: Use an infrared thermometer to monitor oil temperature.)
Additional Information
Notes: Milk or water brining can be done overnight for the best results. Ensure oil remains at a consistent temperature to achieve an optimal crispy texture.
