KFP Test Kitchen Fried “Chicken” Recipe
Ingredients
Yield: Approximately 8 pieces of chicken
For the Dry Brine (1:1:1 ratio):
- 25g salt (about 2 tablespoons)
- 25g baking powder (about 2.5 tablespoons)
- 25g MSG (about 2.5 tablespoons)
NOTE: Differences in density creates the volumetric weighing differences
For the Seasoned Flour:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons (45g) smoked hot paprika(regular paprika works too)
- 1 tablespoon (10g) powdered chicken bouillon
- 1 tablespoon (10g) garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon (10g) onion powder
- 1 teaspoon (3g) white pepper powder
- 1 teaspoon (3g) ginger powder
- 1 teaspoon (5g) salt
- 1 teaspoon (3g) MSG
- 1/2 tablespoon (3g) black pepper
- 1 teaspoon (2g) celery seed
For the Batter:
- 12 fl oz (355ml) cold sparkling water
- 1 fl oz (30ml) soy sauce
- 3 large eggs
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
Additional:
- 2 cups (240g) all-purpose flour (for first coating)
- Frying Oil
- Chicken Thigh, Leg, Breast, etc
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken (Dry Brine)
- Mix equal parts salt, baking powder, and MSG
- Sprinkle dry brine onto chicken pieces evenly
- Place on a wire rack over a baking sheet(no wire rack ok!)
- Refrigerate uncovered for minimum 45 minutes, up to 12 hours
2. Prepare the 3 Coating Stations
- Station 1: Plain all-purpose flour in a bowl or plate
- Station 2:
- Whisk together soy sauce and eggs first
- Slowly incorporate flour until smooth
- Whisk in cold sparkling water right before you need it
- Station 3: Mix all seasoned flour ingredients in a large bowl
- 3 stations: Plain flour, batter, seasoned flour
3. Heat the Oil For First Fry
- Fill a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer with oil. Oil must be enough to cover the chicken completely, with about 1 inch or 2.5cm of room.
- Heat oil to 175°C (350°F)
4. Coating Process
- Coat each piece of chicken in plain flour, gripping firmly to make sure it adheres well
- Dip in batter, allowing excess to drip off (thin layer is crucial to a crispy coating)
- Coat thoroughly in seasoned flour mixture, pressing firmly to ensure coating adheres
- Immediately fry for best results
5. Frying
- Fry at 175°C (350°F) for 10 minutes
- OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED: Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes on a wire rack, or on paper towels
- OPTIONAL BUT RECOMMENDED: Second fry: Increase oil temperature to 204°C (400°F)
- Return chicken to oil and fry until internal temperature reaches the temperature recommended by your local health jurisdiction
- Drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet
- Optional: Sprinkle with lemon salt
Notes
- Use a reliable thermometer for both oil and meat temperatures
- Don't overcrowd the pot; fry in batches if necessary
- Let chicken rest 5-10 minutes before serving
- Best served hot and fresh
- For the dry brine, use equal weights if measuring (e.g., 10g each of salt, baking powder, and MSG)