Homemade Fried Chicken

1. Prepare the Brine

• Ingredients: Water, sugar, salt
• Step: In a large bowl, add 2 glasses of water, ¼ cup sugar, and ¼ cup salt. Whisk the ingredients together until both the sugar and salt are completely dissolved in the water. The brine will help to tenderize the chicken and add flavor to the meat.

2. Brine the Chicken

• Step: Add the chicken pieces (1½ kg) into the brine mixture, ensuring the chicken is completely submerged. You can use a plate to weigh the chicken down if needed. Let the chicken soak in the brine for 45 minutes. This will allow the chicken to absorb moisture and flavors, making it juicier and more flavorful.

3. Prepare the Coating Mixture

• Ingredients: Flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper
• Step: In another large bowl, combine 2 cups of flour, 2 cups of cornstarch, 2 tbsp baking powder, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp paprika, ½ tsp cayenne pepper, and 5 tsp black pepper. Whisk these dry ingredients together until they are evenly mixed. This mixture will create the crispy coating for the chicken.

4. Make the Batter

• Step: Gradually add 1 cup of cold water into the dry ingredients while whisking. Continue whisking until the batter is smooth and lump-free. The batter should have a thick consistency, but not too thick. Once mixed, refrigerate the batter for 30 minutes. Chilling the batter helps to ensure a crispier coating when frying.

5. Rinse and Dry the Chicken

• Step: After the chicken has finished brining, carefully remove it from the brine. Rinse the chicken thoroughly under cold water to remove any excess salt. This will help balance the flavor of the chicken. Then, pat the chicken dry using paper towels. It’s essential to remove any excess moisture from the chicken so the batter sticks properly.

6. Coat the Chicken and Fry

• Step: Take each piece of chicken and dip it into the chilled batter, making sure it is fully coated on all sides. You can use your hands or a pair of tongs to dip the chicken into the batter. Heat cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat (enough oil to submerge the chicken). Carefully drop the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil. Fry the chicken until it becomes golden brown and crispy on all sides, which should take about 7-10 minutes depending on the size of the pieces. Make sure to fry the chicken in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the pan.

7. Bake the Chicken

• Step: Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F) while frying the chicken. Once all the chicken pieces are fried, transfer them to a baking tray lined with parchment paper or a wire rack. Place the chicken in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Baking the chicken will ensure it is fully cooked inside while maintaining the crispy coating on the outside.

8. Serve and Enjoy

• Step: Once the chicken is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. Serve the fried chicken hot with your choice of dipping sauces, sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or a fresh salad. Enjoy your crispy, juicy fried chicken!