Homemade Kentucky-Style Fried Chicken
If you’re craving the crispy, flavorful goodness of Kentucky-style fried chicken but prefer a homemade touch, this recipe will guide you through every step to achieve that delicious, golden-brown perfection. This homemade version combines tender chicken with a well-seasoned coating that rivals your favorite fried chicken joints. Perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces (adjust size as per your preference)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 packet black pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon mushroom bouillon powder (or seasoning mix)
- 5 tablespoons seasoned flour
- 1 large egg
- For the dry coating:
- 10 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 10 tablespoons cornstarch or tapioca flour
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
Instructions:
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Prepare the Chicken:
- Begin by thoroughly washing the chicken pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy coating.
- In a large bowl, combine minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and mushroom bouillon powder. Rub this mixture all over the chicken pieces, ensuring they are well-seasoned. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour. This step is crucial for allowing the flavors to penetrate the chicken. Avoid freezing.
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Prepare the Dry Coating:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch (or tapioca flour), and baking powder. This dry coating will give the chicken its crispy texture.
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Coat the Chicken:
- After the chicken has marinated, remove it from the refrigerator. Sprinkle the seasoned flour over the chicken pieces and toss to coat evenly. Add the beaten egg to the chicken and mix thoroughly, ensuring each piece is well-coated.
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Fry the Chicken:
- Heat a generous amount of oil in a deep pan or skillet over medium-low heat. The oil should be enough to submerge the chicken pieces partially.
- Dredge each piece of chicken in the dry coating mixture, pressing gently to ensure the flour sticks well.
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Cook the chicken over medium-low heat to allow it to cook through and develop a crispy exterior. This may take a bit longer, but it’s worth the wait for perfectly cooked chicken.
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Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the chicken is golden brown and crispy, remove it from the oil and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Serve your homemade Kentucky-style fried chicken hot. It’s perfect on its own or with your favorite sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread.
Tips:
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken. A temperature of around 350°F (175°C) is ideal.
- Avoid flipping the chicken too soon to prevent the coating from falling off. Let it cook undisturbed until a golden crust forms.
- Maintain a steady oil temperature by adjusting the heat as needed. Cooking the chicken at too high a temperature can burn the outside while leaving the inside undercooked.
Enjoy the crispy, flavorful goodness of this homemade Kentucky-style fried chicken. It’s sure to be a hit with family and friends, making every meal a memorable occasion.
