If you’re a beginner in the kitchen, frying chicken may seem like a daunting task. But with the right ingredients and some simple steps, you can make delicious fried chicken that will impress your family and friends. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll show you how to fry chicken step-by-step, so you can enjoy this classic comfort food at home.
First, you’ll need to gather your ingredients. You’ll need chicken pieces, flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, eggs, and oil for frying. Once you have your ingredients ready, you can start preparing your chicken by seasoning it with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Then, dip each piece in the beaten eggs and coat it well with flour.
Next, it’s time to fry your chicken. Heat the oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Carefully add the breaded chicken pieces to the hot oil one by one, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 12 to 15 minutes or until the coating is golden and the chicken is no longer pink. Drain the chicken on paper towels, and you’re ready to enjoy your delicious homemade fried chicken!
Essential Ingredients
When it comes to frying chicken, there are a few essential ingredients that you’ll need to make sure you have on hand. Here are the key ingredients you’ll need to get started:
Choosing the Right Chicken
When it comes to choosing the right chicken for frying, it’s important to select fresh, high-quality chicken that is free from any blemishes or discoloration. You can use any part of the chicken, such as the breast, thighs, or drumsticks, but keep in mind that each part will require a slightly different cooking time.
You can also choose to use a whole chicken and cut it into pieces yourself, or you can purchase pre-cut chicken pieces at your local grocery store. If you’re buying pre-cut chicken, make sure to check the expiration date and look for chicken that has been stored properly.
Types of Oil for Frying
The type of oil you use for frying your chicken can make a big difference in the final result. Here are a few of the most common types of oil used for frying chicken:
- Vegetable oil: This is a neutral-flavored oil that is commonly used for frying due to its high smoke point and affordability.
- Peanut oil: This oil has a high smoke point and a nutty flavor that can add a delicious depth of flavor to your fried chicken.
- Canola oil: Another neutral-flavored oil that has a high smoke point, making it a good choice for frying chicken.
No matter which type of oil you choose, make sure to use a deep skillet or fryer and fill it with enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C) before adding the breaded chicken pieces. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can result in uneven cooking.
Preparation Steps
Before you start frying chicken, there are a few preparation steps that you need to follow to ensure that your chicken is juicy and flavorful. Here are the two most important steps:
Cleaning and Cutting the Chicken
The first step is to clean and cut the chicken. Rinse the chicken pieces under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Use a sharp knife to cut the chicken into pieces of the desired size. You can cut the chicken into wings, drumsticks, thighs, or breasts, depending on your preference. Make sure that the pieces are of uniform size so that they cook evenly.
Seasoning and Marinating
The second step is to season and marinate the chicken. You can use a store-bought seasoning mix or make your own by combining salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Rub the seasoning mix all over the chicken pieces, making sure that each piece is well coated.
Marinating the chicken is optional, but it can add an extra layer of flavor and moisture to the meat. You can marinate the chicken in buttermilk, yogurt, or a mixture of herbs and spices for a few hours or overnight. The acid in the marinade helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
By following these preparation steps, you will be able to fry chicken that is juicy, flavorful, and crispy.
Frying Techniques
When it comes to frying chicken, there are a few important techniques to keep in mind. In this section, we’ll cover breading the chicken, temperature and timing, and safety tips for frying.
Breading the Chicken
Before you start frying, you’ll need to bread your chicken. This involves coating the chicken in a mixture of flour, spices, and other ingredients. You can use a pre-made breading mix, or make your own by combining flour, salt, pepper, and any other spices you like.
To bread the chicken, start by coating each piece in flour. Then dip it in a mixture of beaten eggs and milk. Finally, coat it in the breading mixture, making sure to press the mixture firmly onto the chicken so it sticks.
Temperature and Timing
Getting the temperature and timing right is crucial for perfectly fried chicken. You’ll want to use a deep skillet or fryer and fill it with enough cooking oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C).
When you add the chicken to the hot oil, be sure not to overcrowd the pan, which can result in uneven cooking. Cook the chicken in hot oil for 12-15 minutes, or until the coating is golden and the chicken is no longer pink. Use tongs to carefully remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Safety Tips for Frying
Frying can be dangerous if you’re not careful, so it’s important to take some safety precautions. Here are a few tips to keep in mind:
- Never leave hot oil unattended.
- Use a deep skillet or fryer to minimize the risk of oil splatters.
- Use long tongs to add and remove chicken from the hot oil.
- Keep a fire extinguisher nearby, just in case.
- Don’t reuse oil that has been used to fry chicken or any other food. Discard it and start fresh each time.
By following these frying techniques, you’ll be well on your way to making delicious, crispy fried chicken at home.

Serving and Storage
Best Practices for Serving
Once your fried chicken is cooked to perfection, it’s time to serve it up! Here are some tips to ensure your chicken is served at its best:
- Serve hot: Fried chicken is best enjoyed hot and fresh out of the fryer. Be sure to serve it as soon as it’s ready for optimal taste and texture.
- Pair with sides: Fried chicken pairs well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and corn on the cob. Consider serving a few sides to round out your meal.
- Garnish: Add a pop of color and flavor to your dish by garnishing your fried chicken with herbs such as parsley or chives.
Storing Leftovers Properly
If you have leftovers, it’s important to store them properly to maintain their quality and freshness. Follow these guidelines for storing your fried chicken:
- Refrigerate promptly: Store your leftover fried chicken in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking. This will help prevent the growth of harmful bacteria.
- Use airtight containers: Store your fried chicken in airtight containers to prevent it from drying out or absorbing odors from other foods in the fridge.
- Reheat properly: When reheating your fried chicken, be sure to heat it to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it’s safe to eat. You can reheat it in the oven, microwave, or on the stovetop.
- Use within 4 days: Fried chicken is best consumed within 4 days of cooking. If you have leftovers that you won’t be able to eat within that time frame, consider freezing them for later use.
- Freeze for longer storage: To freeze your leftover fried chicken, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it using your preferred method.
