Introduction
Fried chicken is a staple in any household and chicken thighs are great for frying. However, without the proper technique and timing, it can be challenging to achieve perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior. In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide on how long to fry chicken thighs for the perfect results. From the traditional method to time-saving tips, the healthiest way to fry chicken, and even the top-secret techniques that professional chefs use, this guide will be your go-to resource for making perfectly fried chicken thighs.
The Traditional Method: A Step-by-Step Guide to Frying Chicken Thighs to Perfection
When it comes to frying chicken, the traditional method is always a reliable choice. Follow these steps for the perfect fried chicken thighs.
Step 1: Prepping the chicken
First, take your chicken thighs and pat them down with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. Next, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and your desired spices or marinade. After seasoning, let the chicken sit for at least an hour or overnight in the fridge to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
Step 2: Preparing the breading
To prepare the breading, mix flour, cornstarch, and any spices you would like to use in a bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk together eggs and a splash of milk. Dip each chicken thigh in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, then in the egg mixture, and then back into the flour mixture, pressing the breading onto the chicken to get an even coverage.
Step 3: Frying the chicken
Finally, heat a pot of oil to 350°F and, carefully, place each breaded chicken thigh into the oil. Fry for about 12-15 minutes per side until the chicken is crispy and a deep golden color. Once you’re done, let the chicken cool on a rack to allow any excess oil to drip off.
Time-Saving Tips: How to Fry Juicy Chicken Thighs in Less Than 30 Minutes
For those who don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen, the following tips and techniques can help you fry chicken thighs in less than 30 minutes without sacrificing crispy results.
Tip 1: Pound the chicken
If you’re using bone-in chicken thighs, pound them to a uniform thickness to ensure that they cook evenly and quickly. This helps to make sure that the breading and chicken cook to the perfect golden brown color at the same time.
Tip 2: Smaller pieces cook faster
Chop the chicken thighs into smaller pieces to speed up the frying process. Smaller bites will also help to cook more evenly and quickly. You can also consider removing the bone altogether, or using boneless chicken thighs instead.
Tip 3: Double-fry
Double-frying is a popular technique that involves frying the chicken twice in a row. This can help to create a crispy exterior that doesn’t get greasy. Fry the chicken for 7-8 minutes the first time, then remove from the oil and let it cool for a few minutes before frying for another 2-3 minutes until the chicken is crispy and cooked through.
The Healthiest Way: How to Make Crispy Fried Chicken Thighs with Less Oil
While fried chicken may not be the healthiest food option, there are ways to make it healthier without compromising on taste. Follow these tips to make crispy fried chicken thighs with less oil:
Tip 1: Use an air fryer
An air fryer is a great alternative to deep-frying. It uses hot air to cook food, giving you the same crispy texture as deep-frying but without using as much oil. Preheat the air fryer to 350°F and cook the chicken thighs for 20 minutes or until crispy and cooked through.
Tip 2: Use a mix of breadcrumbs and flour
Instead of using only flour, switch to a combination of breadcrumbs and flour to create a crunchier coating that doesn’t require as much oil. Dip the chicken thighs in egg mixture and then into the breadcrumb mixture. Place the chicken in the air fryer and cook for 15-20 minutes at 350°F.
Tip 3: Bake before frying
Baking chicken thighs before frying helps to crispy up the skin without relying on oil. Bake the chicken at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, then let it cool for a few minutes before frying in oil for a crispy texture.
Top Secret Techniques: Tips and Tricks from Professional Chefs on Frying Chicken Thighs
If you want to take your fried chicken game to another level, take some tips from professional chefs and their secret techniques:
Tip 1: Brine the chicken overnight
Brining chicken is an excellent way of making sure your fried chicken stays juicy. Brine a mix of salt, sugar, and water in a ziplock bag overnight and let the chicken thighs soak in the brine. This technique will also help to infuse flavors into the meat.
Tip 2: Use buttermilk or yogurt to marinate
A buttermilk or yogurt marinade is an excellent way of tenderizing the meat of the chicken thighs and making sure it’s packed full of flavor. Leave the chicken in the marinade overnight, then dip them in flour and fry to create an extra juicy interior without sacrificing the crispy exterior.
Tip 3: Finish with a seasoning mix
After frying the chicken, toss it in a seasoning mixture like salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. This will add flavor, complexity, and texture to the chicken and take it to the next level.
Spice it Up: How to Add Flavor to Your Fried Chicken Thighs
When it comes to flavoring fried chicken, the sky is the limit. Below are some suggestions on how to add flavor to your chicken thighs:
Tip 1: Experiment with spice blends
A blend of spices like cumin, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper can add a lot of depth and complexity to chicken. Mix up your spice blends that go into the flour and breadcrumb mixture or add a spice rub to the chicken post-frying for an added burst of flavors.
Tip 2: Use fresh herbs
Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, and basil can add a lot of fragrance and earthy aromas to the chicken. Add the herbs into the egg mixture that goes onto the chicken or chop them finely and sprinkle them over the chicken before frying for an added texture.
Experiment with Breading: Different Kinds of Breading to Fry Chicken Thighs
The breading makes all the difference when it comes to fried chicken. Here are some options you can experiment with:
Tip 1: Panko breading
Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb that gives a light and delicate crispiness to fried chicken. Use panko as a substitute for regular breadcrumbs or mix both panko and breadcrumbs together to add another layer of texture.
Tip 2: Cornmeal breading
Cornmeal is a great substitute for flour and breadcrumbs, especially for those who prefer their chicken with an extra crunch. Mix cornmeal and flour together or use it by itself as a gluten-free option.
From Basic to Gourmet: Ideas and Recipes to Elevate Your Fried Chicken Thighs
Take your fried chicken game from basic to gourmet with the following ideas and recipes:
Idea 1: Korean Fried Chicken
A sweet and spicy Korean fried chicken recipe involves a double-fry method, coating the chicken in a cornstarch and flour mixture and brushing the thighs with a spicy honey garlic sauce.
Idea 2: Moroccan Fried Chicken
A Moroccan twist to classic fried chicken involves marinating chicken thighs in a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and turmeric. Coat the chicken in panko breadcrumbs and fry until crisp and golden.
Conclusion
Frying chicken thighs can be daunting, but with the tips and techniques from this guide, you can create perfectly crispy, juicy, and flavorful fried chicken thighs every time. Use the traditional method for a reliable option, try out healthier alternatives, learn secret tricks from professional chefs, experiment with breading and flavoring, and take your fried chicken game to another level with gourmet recipe ideas.
