Get Ready for Some Crispy, Delicious Deep-Fried Chicken in Your Cast Iron Skillet
There’s nothing quite like the crispy, flavorful goodness of deep-fried chicken. And when you use a cast iron skillet, you can achieve that perfect golden-brown crust that makes this dish so irresistible. If you’re ready to take your fried chicken game to the next level, here’s how to do it with your trusty cast iron skillet.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before you get started, make sure you have the following ingredients on hand:
- Chicken pieces (such as thighs, drumsticks, or breasts)
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Milk
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Garlic powder
- Oil for frying (such as vegetable or peanut oil)
Steps to Deep Fry Chicken in Your Cast Iron Skillet
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, it’s time to start cooking. Follow these steps for perfectly deep-fried chicken:
- Prep the Chicken: Start by seasoning the chicken pieces with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. This will give your chicken a flavorful kick.
- Dredge in Flour: In a shallow dish, mix the all-purpose flour with a bit more salt and pepper. Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly.
- Dip in Egg Wash: In another dish, whisk together the eggs and milk to create an egg wash. Dip each floured chicken piece into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Heat the Oil: In your cast iron skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350-375°F. Use enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces halfway.
- Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, skin side down. Be sure not to overcrowd the skillet, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary.
- Flip and Cook: After a few minutes, the chicken should develop a golden crust on the bottom. Carefully flip each piece using tongs and continue frying until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Drain and Serve: Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain off any excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
To ensure your deep-fried chicken turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken for doneness.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet – this can lead to uneven cooking and a less crispy crust.
- Allow the chicken to rest after frying to help the crust set and the juices redistribute.
- Experiment with different seasonings and spices to customize the flavor of your fried chicken.
With these simple steps and tips, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of deep-frying chicken in your cast iron skillet. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious homemade fried chicken!