My Quest for the Perfect Fried Chicken
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I was going to use this for my IMBB? entry, but as I only found out about it two days before the deadline...it just wasn't worth the effort.
I don't exactly know why, but I am determined to find just the right fried chicken.
We never had fried chicken when I was young; my mom sent us down the straight-and-healthy path from the very beginning. No fried foods in our house.
But my friends? And grandparents? Fried was the word. I come from a town where funnel cakes are expected at all festivals and fairs...
Being a Catholic town (founded by German settlers seeking freedom from religious persecution), you can't throw a stick without hitting some bar or restaurant selling fish fries (and my devout grandmother who insists on having fish fries outside of Lent, as well. Each and every Friday.).
We even had a fried chicken place; Crispy Chicken. Being stuck in my 'eat an apple if you're hungry' family, I only once had a chance to try their fried chicken. I remember liking it, though...
And we don't fry a lot here, either. Not that I shun all fried foods; that's not the case. It's just such a hassle to do it. And I really hate the clean-up!
That said, I really am on the hunt for the perfect fried chicken. A week or so ago, I caught an episode of Tyler's Ultimate where he searched for the best fried chicken...and came up with three.
I copied all three, and started with this, the easiest. With all the raving Tyler did, you'd think would be the most incredible chicken experience of all time; guess again.
Boring. Not much flavor. I mean, you fry the chicken with onions...that should impact the flavor, right?
Nope.
So, this one down; two more to go.
12 Thoughts for food:
I remember watching that show! That's too bad it didn't come out with more flavor. Have fun with the next two - they look pretty good!
I also grew up in a place where funnel cakes ruled the local fairs. They are so darn good and so bad for you. It's hard to resist!
Thanks, Joe.
I really expected good things; Tyler went on and on about it being the perfect fried chicken. What we actually got was 'bleah'.
I almost never got them, but since there's nothing to do in my hometown besides go to the festivals, you couldn't escape the smell of sweet, fried dough!
That corn on the cob looks really good though!!
Thanks, Jeff!
I love your rose-colored glasses...
you should try Ayam goreng! Indonesian fried chicken, it is sooooooo good!
I will email you the recipe asap :)
Look I hate to be a link tart but this recipe is really really good:
Kara-age Chicken
there is an older thread on egullet regarding fried chicken and the different methods. worth a read.
Clare, thank you! I just know I won't be happy till I find a good one.
Anthony...no, please; link away!
And thank you...I don't think we've tried potato starch yet. Thank you for the recipe!
Thank you, Randi! I will definitely give that a look...
Hi--
the secret is buttermilk
soak in buttermilk overnight in an airtight bowl in fridge
then place pieces in a paperbag that has flour, salt, pepper (maybe some garlic, paprika, or cayenne for kick)
leave in the bag, in the fridge, at LEAST 4 hours, longer is better -- shaking it up regularly
then deep fry (time according to pieces)
you'll find a thick and crunchy coating on the chicken and the buttermilk will have tenderized the meat.
** now i'm craving some **
good luck on your endeavor!
Laura, thank you so much!
I am definitely adding this to my pile of 'must try' fried chicken.
Keeping the chicken in the flour bag, in the fridge...that's a new one to me.
Thanks again!
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