If you love fried chicken with a perfect crunch and rich flavor, you’re going to adore this recipe for Hot Crispy Kentucky Fried Chicken. Originating from the iconic fried chicken culture in Kentucky, this dish has become a staple in households and fast-food chains alike. But now, you can recreate that signature crunch at home with this easy-to-follow recipe. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe truly special and explore some of the fascinating elements that give it that crispy edge.
Ingredients
For this Hot Crispy Kentucky Fried Chicken, you’ll need a blend of spices, a perfect brine, and a few simple ingredients to achieve the ultimate crispy chicken:
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 teaspoons hot sauce (optional for extra heat)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
- Brine the chicken: In a large bowl, combine buttermilk, hot sauce, and half of the garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Submerge the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. This brining process tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with flavor.
Step 2: Create the Flour Mixture
- Mix the dry ingredients: In a separate bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, the remaining garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, salt, thyme, and oregano. This dry mixture is the secret to achieving that hot and crispy texture.
Step 3: Prepare the Egg Mixture
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and a tablespoon of water. This egg mixture will help bind the flour coating to the chicken, ensuring an extra crispy bite.
Step 4: Coat the Chicken
- Coat the chicken: Remove the chicken from the buttermilk brine. Dip each piece into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure to press the coating onto the chicken firmly. For extra crunch, double-coat the chicken by repeating the process of dipping into the egg mixture and flour.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
- Heat the oil: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. Carefully place a few pieces of chicken in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Fry until golden brown: Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
- Drain and rest: Transfer the fried chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil. This helps maintain the crispiness of the chicken.
Tips and Variations
Extra Heat and Spice
If you prefer a spicier version, increase the cayenne pepper in the flour mixture or drizzle the fried chicken with your favorite hot sauce before serving. You can also mix hot sauce directly into the egg mixture for an added kick.
Flour Substitutes
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. The cornstarch will help maintain the crispiness.
Air Fryer Option
To reduce the amount of oil used, you can air fry the chicken. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through. While it won’t be exactly the same as deep-fried, you’ll still achieve a decent level of crispiness.
Breading Alternatives
For an extra crunchy texture, mix in some panko breadcrumbs with the flour mixture or add crushed cornflakes. This adds an additional layer of crunch.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a basic breakdown of the nutritional content per serving of Hot Crispy Kentucky Fried Chicken:
- Calories: 480
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
- Sodium: 890mg
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
Keep in mind, the nutritional values may vary depending on the specific ingredients and brands you use.
Why is Kentucky Fried Chicken so Crispy?
The secret to Hot Crispy Kentucky Fried Chicken lies in the perfect balance of flour, cornstarch, and spices. The cornstarch helps create that crispy outer layer, while the buttermilk tenderizes the chicken. But it’s not just about the ingredients—the double-coating method ensures the crust stays thick and crunchy during frying.
Frying at the right temperature also plays a huge role. Too hot, and the chicken will burn on the outside while staying undercooked on the inside. Too cool, and the chicken absorbs too much oil, resulting in a greasy bite. That’s why maintaining an oil temperature of around 350°F is crucial to achieving that perfectly crispy result.
FAQs: Hot Crispy Kentucky Fried
Hot Crispy Kentucky Fried Meaning
The term “hot and crispy” refers to the method used in Kentucky fried chicken to achieve that crunch, enhanced by a blend of spices and perfect frying techniques.
Hot Crispy Kentucky Fried Meme
The Hot Crispy Kentucky Fried Chicken has even become a meme online, representing all things delicious and crispy—a testament to the popularity of fried chicken!
Hot Crispy Kentucky Fried Frick
“Hot Crispy Kentucky Fried Frick” is a playful take on the dish, often used in memes or humor posts. It emphasizes the chicken’s irresistibility.
What in the Kentucky Fried Crack Rock?
A humorous internet phrase referring to how addictive the taste of crispy fried chicken can be. Once you have a bite, it’s hard to stop!
What is Hot and Crispy in KFC?
The secret to KFC’s hot and crispy chicken is their blend of 11 herbs and spices, and the double-breaded coating, just like in this recipe!
How is KFC So Crispy?
KFC uses a pressure fryer, but for home cooking, a deep skillet or air fryer can achieve a similar crispy finish.
Why is it Called Kentucky Fried Chicken?
Kentucky Fried Chicken was first coined by Colonel Harland Sanders, whose famous recipe became a fast-food legend. The term is now synonymous with crispy fried chicken.
Does Kentucky Fried Chicken Have a Crispy Chicken Sandwich?
Yes, KFC is famous for its crispy chicken sandwiches, which pack the same crunch as their fried chicken but in a handheld form.
There’s nothing quite like the satisfaction of biting into a piece of Hot Crispy Kentucky Fried Chicken. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, this recipe lets you recreate that famous Kentucky crunch right in your own kitchen. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to recipe for fried chicken nights.