Crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside: the complete how-to for fried chicken with cornstarch
What To Know
- Brush the fried chicken with a mixture of honey and garlic sauce for a sweet and savory treat.
- For a complete meal, pair the fried chicken with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or corn on the cob.
- Fried chicken with cornstarch is a culinary delight that combines the crispy crunch of traditional fried chicken with the ease and convenience of cornstarch.
Craving crispy, juicy fried chicken but don’t want to deal with the mess of flour? Cornstarch offers a fantastic alternative, resulting in an equally golden and crunchy exterior. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process of how to fried chicken with cornstarch, ensuring perfectly cooked, finger-licking good chicken every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Cornstarch
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Trim any excess fat from the chicken and cut it into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken with cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Toss to coat evenly.
2. Heat the Oil
- Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or Dutch oven to a depth of about 1 inch.
- Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can use a deep-fry thermometer to check the temperature.
3. Fry the Chicken
- Carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown.
4. Drain and Season
- Remove the fried chicken from the oil and drain it on paper towels.
- While still hot, season with additional salt and pepper to taste.
5. Enjoy!
- Serve the crispy fried chicken with your favorite dipping sauce and sides.
Tips for Crispy Cornstarch Chicken
- Use cold chicken to prevent the cornstarch coating from becoming soggy.
- Season the chicken generously to enhance its flavor.
- Heat the oil to the correct temperature before frying to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken.
- Fry the chicken in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Drain the chicken thoroughly on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Variations
- Spicy Fried Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the cornstarch mixture for a spicy kick.
- Lemon-Herb Fried Chicken: Add lemon zest and dried herbs to the cornstarch coating for a fresh and flavorful twist.
- Honey-Garlic Fried Chicken: Brush the fried chicken with a mixture of honey and garlic sauce for a sweet and savory treat.
Finishing Touches
- Serve the fried chicken with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, honey mustard, or barbecue sauce.
- For a complete meal, pair the fried chicken with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or corn on the cob.
- Leftover fried chicken can be reheated in an air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
The Verdict: Crispy, Juicy, and Irresistible
Fried chicken with cornstarch is a culinary delight that combines the crispy crunch of traditional fried chicken with the ease and convenience of cornstarch. By following these simple steps and incorporating a few tips and variations, you can create mouthwatering fried chicken that will impress your family and friends. So, grab some chicken, cornstarch, and get ready to experience the joy of this irresistible dish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use other types of starch instead of cornstarch?
A: Yes, you can use potato starch or tapioca starch as alternatives to cornstarch. However, cornstarch typically produces the crispiest results.
Q: How do I prevent the cornstarch coating from falling off?
A: Make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated in cornstarch. You can also double-coat the chicken by dredging it in cornstarch, shaking off any excess, and then dredging it again.
Q: How long can I store leftover fried chicken?
A: Leftover fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat it in an air fryer or oven before serving.