How to Make Fried Chicken

By Food & Wine
Updated January 13, 2017
Photo © Matthew Armendariz (mattbites.com)
Crunchy, juicy fried chicken is the ultimate comfort food and can be prepared in just 10 easy steps.
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The Mission: DIY Fried Chicken

Photo © Matthew Armendariz (mattbites.com)
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Click through the slideshow for the step-by-step guide.

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Photo © Matthew Armendariz (mattbites.com)
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In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of the milk with 3/4 cup of kosher salt and the sugar and stir over moderate heat just until the sugar and salt dissolve.

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Photo © Matthew Armendariz (mattbites.com)
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Transfer to a large, deep bowl and add the remaining 3 cups of milk.

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Add the chicken pieces and refrigerate for 4 hours.

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Drain the chicken and pat thoroughly dry.

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In a bowl, mix the buttermilk, eggs, 2 tablespoons of salt, the paprika, hot sauce and pepper. Whisk in the baking powder and baking soda.

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Photo © Matthew Armendariz (mattbites.com)
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Put half of the flour in a large bowl. Working with a few pieces at a time, dredge the chicken in the flour, tapping off any excess. Top off the flour in the bowl as needed.

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Photo © Matthew Armendariz (mattbites.com)
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Dip the chicken in the buttermilk, letting the excess drip off; return the chicken to the flour and turn to coat.

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Photo © Matthew Armendariz (mattbites.com)
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Heat the oil in 2 large, deep skillets until shimmering. Working in batches, add the chicken to the skillets in a single layer, without crowding, and fry over moderate heat, turning occasionally, until deep golden and cooked through.

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Photo © Matthew Armendariz (mattbites.com)
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Drain the chicken on wire racks lined with paper towels; fry the remaining pieces. Serve hot or warm.

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