This take-out style fried chicken recipe delivers a crispy, flavorful chicken, just like you'd get at your favorite Asian eatery. It combines a deliciously seasoned batter, coated in cornstarch for extra crunch. The chicken is then fried to golden perfection, resulting in a dish that's sure to become a family favorite.
Photos of Pioneer Take-Out Fried Chicken Recipe
This recipe calls for peanut oil, which may not be a staple in every kitchen. It's chosen for its high smoke point and slightly nutty flavor, which adds to the overall taste of the dish. You can find it in the oil section of most supermarkets. Another ingredient you'll need is cornstarch. It's a key component in achieving the crispy texture typical of take-out style fried chicken. It's usually located in the baking aisle.
Pioneer Take-Out Style Fried Chicken Ingredients
Chicken: Provides the main protein of this meal. Simply, it cannot be a chicken dish without chicken.
Cornstarch: Helps to create a crispy coating for the chicken.
Flour: Combined with cornstarch, it forms the base for the batter.
Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and a rich color.
Onion powder: Enhances the flavor of the chicken.
Salt: Essential for seasoning.
Celery salt: Gives a distinctive taste with a hint of celery.
Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and balances the flavor.
Baking soda: Creates a light and airy texture in the batter.
Baking powder: Helps the batter to rise and become fluffy.
Water: Used to create the batter.
Peanut oil: Used for frying due to its high smoke point.
One reader, Hana Whiteman says:
This pioneer take-out style fried chicken recipe is a game-changer! The crispy coating is perfection, and the flavors are out of this world. It's so easy to make, and my family absolutely loved it. I'll definitely be making this again and again. Highly recommend trying it out!
Techniques Required for Making Pioneer Take-Out Style Fried Chicken
How to coat the chicken: The chicken should be coated in cornstarch before being dipped into the wet batter to ensure an even and crispy coating.
How to fry the chicken in small batches: Frying the chicken in small batches ensures that the oil temperature remains consistent and allows the chicken to cook evenly and become crispy.
How to drain the fried chicken on a metal rack: Draining the fried chicken on a metal rack helps to keep the chicken crispy by allowing excess oil to drip off, rather than letting it sit in its own oil.
How to serve the fried chicken: The fried chicken should be served warm to enjoy it at its best.
How To Make Pioneer Take-Out Fried Chicken
Recreate this crispy fried chicken dish that tastes just like how Pioneer Take-Out makes theirs! Serve these with your favorite sides for a hearty meal.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1chickencut into 8 pieces
- 1¼cupcornstarch
- ¼cupflour
- 1paprika
- 1½tbsponion powder
- 1¾tspsalt
- ¾tspcelery salt
- ½tspblack pepper
- 1tspbaking soda
- ½tspbaking powder
- ¾cupwater
- 3cupspeanut oilor canola oil
Instructions
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Mix the 1 cup of cornstarch, the flour, paprika, onion powder, salt, celery salt, black pepper, baking soda, and baking powder in a bowl.
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Add the water and whisk until combined.
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Put the ¼ cup of cornstarch in a shallow pan.
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Coat the chicken in the cornstarch.
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After coating, dip the chicken into the wet batter until completely coated.
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Let drip for a couple of seconds.
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In a pot filled with peanut oil, fry the chicken at 350 degrees F for 8 to 10 minutes until cooked through in small batches.
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Drain on metal rack.
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Serve warm, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 1512.54kcal
- Fat: 138.22g
- Saturated Fat: 26.90g
- Trans Fat: 0.19g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 62.39g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 41.06g
- Carbohydrates: 30.05g
- Fiber: 0.73g
- Sugar: 0.13g
- Protein: 38.03g
- Cholesterol: 150.00mg
- Sodium: 866.95mg
- Calcium: 62.29mg
- Potassium: 405.98mg
- Iron: 2.22mg
- Vitamin A: 82.31µg
- Vitamin C: 3.63mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Pioneer Take-Out Style Fried Chicken
To ensure your fried chicken is crispy and not greasy, make sure your peanut oil is at the correct temperature before adding the chicken. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will absorb the oil and become soggy instead of crispy. Using a cooking thermometer can help maintain the right temperature. Also, do not overcrowd the pot as it can lower the oil's temperature and result in uneven cooking.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Take-Out Style Fried Chicken
Prep ahead: Prepare the dry coating and wet batter in advance and store them separately. When ready to cook, simply coat the chicken and fry, saving time on the day of cooking.
Use a thermometer: Invest in a kitchen thermometer to ensure the oil reaches the correct temperature for frying, resulting in perfectly cooked fried chicken every time.
Organize your workspace: Set up a dredging station with the dry coating, wet batter, and a space for the coated chicken to streamline the breading process.
Batch cooking: Fry the chicken in small batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking, saving time and yielding a consistent result.
Clean as you go: Wash and dry utensils and equipment as you progress through the recipe to minimize cleanup time at the end.
Substitute Ingredients For Pioneer Take-Out Fried Chicken Recipe
chicken - Substitute with tofu: Tofu can be used as a plant-based alternative for fried chicken, providing a similar texture and absorbing the flavors of the seasoning and batter.
cornstarch - Substitute with potato starch: Potato starch can be used as a gluten-free alternative to cornstarch, providing a similar light and crispy texture when used as a coating for fried chicken.
flour - Substitute with gluten-free flour blend: For those with gluten sensitivities, a gluten-free flour blend can be used to coat the chicken, providing a similar texture and helping the seasoning adhere.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika can add a deeper, smokier flavor to the fried chicken, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
onion powder - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used as a substitute for onion powder, adding a savory flavor to the seasoning blend for the fried chicken.
salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can be used as a substitute for regular salt, providing a slightly different flavor profile and a coarser texture.
celery salt - Substitute with celery seed and salt: A combination of celery seed and salt can replicate the flavor of celery salt, providing a similar taste to the fried chicken seasoning.
black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper can be used as a substitute for black pepper, providing a milder and slightly different flavor to the seasoning blend.
baking soda - Substitute with baking powder: Baking powder can be used as a substitute for baking soda, helping the batter to rise and achieve a light, crispy texture when frying the chicken.
water - Substitute with buttermilk: Buttermilk can be used to marinate the chicken, adding flavor and helping to tenderize the meat before coating and frying.
peanut oil - Substitute with vegetable oil: Vegetable oil can be used as a substitute for peanut oil, providing a neutral flavor and high smoke point for frying the chicken.
How to Present Pioneer Take-Out Style Fried Chicken
- Elevate the plating: Arrange the fried chicken pieces in a visually appealing manner, ensuring that each piece is placed with precision and care on the plate.
- Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley or chives to add a pop of color and a touch of freshness to the presentation.
- Incorporate a dipping sauce: Serve the fried chicken with a side of house-made honey mustard or spicy mayo in a small ramekin to add an extra layer of flavor and sophistication to the dish.
- Utilize unique serving ware: Present the fried chicken on a rustic wooden board or a stylish ceramic plate to add a touch of elegance and elevate the overall dining experience.
- Add a touch of edible flowers: Place a delicate edible flower, such as a nasturtium or pansy, on the plate to introduce a subtle yet visually stunning element to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Take-Out Style Fried Chicken
- Mixing bowl: A large, round bowl used for mixing ingredients, often made of stainless steel, glass, or plastic.
- Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for whipping and mixing ingredients such as eggs, batter, and sauces.
- Deep fryer: A kitchen appliance used for deep frying foods, typically equipped with a basket and temperature control.
- Metal rack: A rack made of metal wires, used for cooling fried or baked foods and allowing air to circulate around the food.
Storing and Freezing Pioneer Take-Out Style Fried Chicken
Here are the storing and freezing guidelines for pioneer take-out style fried chicken:
- Allow the fried chicken to cool completely to room temperature before storing or freezing. This will take about 30 minutes.
- For short-term storage, place the cooled fried chicken in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To keep the fried chicken crispy, place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb excess moisture. Avoid stacking the pieces on top of each other to prevent sogginess.
- For longer storage, freeze the cooled fried chicken by wrapping each piece individually in plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped pieces in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag, removing as much air as possible.
- Label the container or bag with the date and contents for easy reference. Fried chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 3-4 months.
- To reheat refrigerated fried chicken, place the pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until heated through and crispy.
- For frozen fried chicken, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the frozen pieces on a wire rack set over a baking sheet and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until heated through and crispy. No need to thaw before reheating.
- Alternatively, you can reheat fried chicken in an air fryer. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the pieces for 5-7 minutes (if refrigerated) or 10-12 minutes (if frozen), until heated through and crispy.
How To Reheat Leftover Fried Chicken
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the leftover fried chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This allows the hot air to circulate around the chicken, helping it reheat evenly and maintain its crispy exterior. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
For a quicker method, use an air fryer. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and place the leftover fried chicken in the basket, ensuring there's space between each piece. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through and the skin is crispy.
If you prefer a microwave method, place the leftover fried chicken on a microwave-safe plate lined with paper towels. Microwave on high for 30-second intervals, checking the temperature after each interval. Be aware that microwaving may result in a softer, less crispy exterior.
For a stovetop method, heat a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat. Add a small amount of oil or butter to the pan. Once hot, add the leftover fried chicken and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until heated through and the skin is crispy.
Regardless of the reheating method you choose, always ensure that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) to guarantee food safety. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature before serving.
Interesting Fact About Pioneer Take-Out Style Fried Chicken
The Pioneer Take-Out Style Fried Chicken Recipe is a popular dish that originated in the southern United States. It is known for its crispy and flavorful coating, achieved through a combination of cornstarch, flour, and a variety of spices. This dish is a delicious and indulgent treat that is perfect for a special occasion or a comforting meal. It's a great way to enjoy a taste of classic southern cuisine in the comfort of your own home.
Is Making Take-Out Style Fried Chicken at Home Cost-Effective?
The cost-effectiveness of this fried chicken recipe is quite high, as it uses simple and affordable ingredients. The use of basic pantry staples and minimal meat makes it a budget-friendly option for a household. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $10-$15, depending on the current market prices. In terms of flavor and satisfaction, this recipe rates a solid 8 out of 10. It offers a delicious and satisfying meal at a reasonable cost, making it a practical choice for home cooking.
Is This Take-Out Style Fried Chicken Healthy or Unhealthy?
This recipe for pioneer take-out style fried chicken is undoubtedly delicious, but it falls short in terms of healthiness. The main culprit is the deep-frying process, which involves submerging the battered chicken in hot oil. This cooking method significantly increases the fat content of the dish, particularly unhealthy saturated and trans fats. Additionally, the batter itself contains a high amount of cornstarch and flour, which are refined carbohydrates that offer little nutritional value.
However, there are several ways to make this recipe healthier without compromising on taste:
- Instead of deep-frying, consider oven-baking the chicken. Coat the chicken in the batter and place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Spray the chicken with cooking oil and bake at a high temperature until crispy and cooked through.
- Replace some of the cornstarch and flour with whole wheat flour or almond flour. These alternatives offer more fiber, protein, and nutrients compared to refined flours.
- Reduce the amount of salt in the recipe, as excessive sodium intake can lead to health issues like high blood pressure. Instead, opt for more herbs and spices to add flavor.
- Serve the fried chicken with a side of fresh vegetables or a salad to increase the overall nutritional value of the meal.
Editor's Opinion on This Take-Out Style Fried Chicken Recipe
The pioneer take-out style fried chicken recipe is a delightful blend of spices and textures, resulting in a crispy and flavorful dish. The combination of cornstarch and flour creates a light and crunchy coating, while the seasoning adds depth to the flavor profile. The use of peanut oil for frying enhances the overall taste, giving the chicken a rich and savory essence. However, it's important to note that frying in small batches is crucial to ensure even cooking. Overall, this recipe offers a satisfying and indulgent take on classic fried chicken, perfect for a comforting meal.
Enhance Your Pioneer Take-Out Fried Chicken Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Pioneer Take-Out Fried Chicken Recipe:
This recipe is a tried and true pioneer take-out style fried chicken that has been passed down through generations. The combination of cornstarch and flour creates a crispy and flavorful coating, while the blend of paprika, onion powder, and other seasonings infuses the chicken with a rich and savory taste. The use of peanut oil for frying ensures a perfect golden brown finish. With its classic and authentic approach, this recipe promises to deliver a delicious and satisfying fried chicken experience that users can trust and enjoy.
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