America’s beloved fried chicken has been passed down through generations, with restaurants and family recipes alike creating this classic dish. One of the nation’s top chefs is sharing two secrets to making great fried chicken – quality ingredients and time. This West Virginia native, who grew up watching his grandparents farm livestock and preserve their fruits of labor, has perfected a winning recipe for fried chicken.
Quality Chicken: The most important ingredient when making fried chicken is the bird itself. Using high-quality chicken can make all the difference in the taste and texture of the final product.
Time: Another essential aspect of creating great fried chicken is allowing enough time for the breading to adhere to the chicken properly. After breading, let the chicken rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This will help ensure a crispy crust on the finished chicken.
Dissen’s recipe involves seasoning the chicken with a blend of kosher salt, black pepper, thyme, paprika, and cayenne pepper. He then dredges it in a mix of flour, powdered milk, garlic powder, and more seasoning blend. The chicken is then coated in a mixture of buttermilk and eggs before being dipped back into the flour mixture for a second coat.
Powdered Milk: This surprising ingredient adds an extra layer of flavor to the chicken while also ensuring that the skin stays crispy and the meat tender and juicy. When combined with the flour mixture, it creates a coarse texture similar to wet sand, which helps the coating stick to the chicken more effectively.
After breading the chicken, let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour to allow the breading to adhere properly. When frying, use canola oil with a high smoke point and ensure that the oil is hot before adding the chicken. Do not overcrowd the pan or deep fryer to maintain a consistent temperature for optimal crust crispiness.
Frying Technique: Fried chicken requires careful attention when frying. Overcrowding the pan can lead to a drop in oil temperature, resulting in a soggy crust on the chicken. When the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, it is ready to be served.
Cooking for Connection: For Mr. Dissen, fried chicken represents more than just a meal; it’s an opportunity to slow down and connect with others over shared experiences and intimate conversations around the table. By taking the time to prepare and enjoy this classic dish together, we can reconnect with where our food comes from and strengthen our relationships with those we share it with.
In conclusion, making great fried chicken involves quality ingredients, proper breading techniques, allowing enough time for the breading to adhere, and careful attention while frying. By following these steps and embracing the slower pace of preparing a homemade meal, you can create not only delicious fried chicken but also foster meaningful connections with those you share it with.
