Description
Kettle Fried Chicken is a crispy, juicy, and flavorful dish made by frying seasoned chicken in a deep kettle. This method ensures even cooking and an extra crunchy coating while keeping the inside tender and moist.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken:
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional)
For the Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
For Frying:
- 4 cups vegetable oil (or peanut oil)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix buttermilk and hot sauce.
- Add chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Heat the Oil:
- Pour oil into a deep kettle or heavy-bottomed pot. Heat to 350°F (175°C) over medium heat.
Coat the Chicken:
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off.
- Dredge in the flour mixture, pressing firmly to adhere. Let sit for 10 minutes for better crust formation.
Fry the Chicken:
- Fry in batches, 4-5 pieces at a time, to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and internal temp reaches 165°F (75°C).
Drain & Serve:
- Transfer to a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken by dredging it again in flour after a second dip in buttermilk.
- Maintain oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) to prevent greasy chicken.
- Best served with coleslaw, biscuits, or mashed potatoes.
- Prep Time: 4 hours (including marination)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 pieces
- Calories: ~450 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Crispy fried chicken, buttermilk fried chicken, kettle cooking, Southern fried chicken, deep-fried chicken