Golden brown and blissfully crisp, fried chicken has a longstanding relationship with cast iron. Although there are as many recipes for fried chicken as there are Southern grandmothers, here are a few tips to help your fried chicken come out perfect, every time.
GET A HEAD START
Let the chicken stand at room temperature for 30 minutes before frying; it helps the meat cook quicker and more evenly.
LET IT REST
After dredging, let the chicken rest on a wire rack for 15 minutes before frying. This step yields an extra-crispy crust.
KEEP IT HOT
Heat the oil to 365° to make up for the temperature drop that occurs when you add the chicken to the skillet. Maintain the temperature at 350° for even cooking.
Now give it a try for yourself with our Classic Fried Chicken Recipe.