Looking to add a crunchy twist to your traditional fried chicken recipe? Learn how to make crispy and flavorful fried chicken using baking soda. This simple technique will help you achieve a golden, crispy coating that seals in the juicy goodness of the chicken. Let’s get cooking!
### Fried Chicken Using Baking Soda
**Ingredients:**
– 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon baking soda
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– Salt and black pepper to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying
**Instructions:**
1. **Prepare the Chicken:** Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Set aside.
2. **Mix the Dry Ingredients:** In a shallow dish, combine the flour, baking soda, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the flour.
3. **Coat the Chicken:** Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, making sure to coat it thoroughly on all sides. Shake off any excess flour and place the coated chicken on a wire rack set over a baking sheet. This step helps the coating adhere better and promotes crispy results.
4. **Let it Rest:** Allow the coated chicken to rest for about 10-15 minutes. This resting period helps the coating adhere to the chicken and ensures a crispy finish when fried.
5. **Heat the Oil:** In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (180°C). Use enough oil to submerge the chicken halfway. You can check if the oil is hot enough by dropping a pinch of the flour mixture into the oil; if it sizzles and bubbles, it’s ready.
6. **Fry the Chicken:** Carefully place the chicken pieces, skin-side down, into the hot oil. Be cautious not to overcrowd the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make the chicken greasy. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary.
7. **Cook Until Golden Brown:** Cook the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking process, until each piece is golden brown and has reached an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
8. **Drain and Serve:** Once the chicken is cooked through and crispy, remove it from the oil using a slotted spoon or tongs and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before serving.
9. **Enjoy:** Serve the fried chicken hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread. This crispy and flavorful fried chicken will delight your taste buds and become a family favorite in no time.
10. **Store Any Leftovers:** If you have any leftover fried chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat it in a preheated oven to maintain its crispy texture.
Get ready to impress your family and friends with this delicious fried chicken recipe using baking soda. The secret ingredient will elevate your dish to a new level of crunchiness and flavor. Enjoy every bite of this homemade classic dish that is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection. Happy cooking!
