Old Fashioned Fried Chicken

90 mins
Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Start with the batter: combine 1 cup all-purpose flour, 1 cup cornstarch, 2 teaspoons baking powder, 5 teaspoons black pepper, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon paprika, and 1 teaspoon Tony's seasoning.
  2. 2Add 1 and 3/4 cup cold water to the dry ingredients and mix well until combined and smooth.
  3. 3Refrigerate the batter to allow it to thicken.
  4. 4Prepare the brine: in a separate container, combine 1 quart of water, 1/4 cup of salt, and 1/4 cup of sugar. Stir well until dissolved.
  5. 5Add 4 pounds of chicken to the brine.
  6. 6Refrigerate the chicken in the brine along with the batter for 30 minutes to an hour.
  7. 7Once the brining time is complete, remove the chicken and thoroughly dry each piece, as wet chicken will not hold the batter effectively.
  8. 8Heat oil in a large pot to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
  9. 9Dip a few pieces of dried chicken into the prepared batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
  10. 10Carefully place the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil.
  11. 11Fry the chicken for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 170-175°F (77-79°C).
  12. 12Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
  13. 13Serve the crispy old-fashioned fried chicken and enjoy.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup cornstarch
  • 2 tsp baking powder
  • 5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp Tony's seasoning
  • 1.75 cup cold water
  • 1 quart water
  • 0.25 cup salt
  • 0.25 cup sugar
  • 4 pounds chicken (legs recommended)
  • peanut oil

Equipment

thermometerlarge potwire rack

Tips

  • Use a thermometer to ensure oil is at 350°F (175°C) before frying to prevent batter loss.
  • Brining the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour makes it juicy.
  • Thoroughly dry the chicken after brining so the batter sticks.
  • Cook chicken until internal temperature reaches 170-175°F (77-79°C).
  • Place fried chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil.