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)

Love the Chicken? Then go grab the gear!

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