Chicken pieces 1 whole chicken3-4 lbs, cut into 8 pieces
Kosher salt 2 tablespoons
Sugar 1 tablespoon
Buttermilk 2 cups
Hot sauce 2 tablespoons
Garlic powder 1 tablespoon
Onion powder 1 tablespoon
Paprika 2 teaspoons
Cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon
All-purpose flour 2 cups
Cornstarch 1/4 cup
Baking powder 1 tablespoon
Salt 1 tablespoon
Black pepper 1 tablespoon
Garlic powder 1 tablespoon
Onion powder 1 tablespoon
Paprika 2 teaspoons
Cayenne pepper 1/2-1 teaspoon
Instructions
Proper Chicken Brining❶ Thoroughly dissolve salt and sugar in water to create a balanced brine solution❷ Completely submerge all chicken pieces in the prepared brine❸ Refrigerate for 4-6 hours (being careful not to exceed 8 hours)❹ Remove chicken from brine and meticulously pat completely dry with paper towels
Flavorful Chicken Marination❶ Thoroughly whisk together all marinade ingredients in a spacious bowl❷ Add chicken pieces to marinade, ensuring each piece receives complete coating❸ Cover container securely and refrigerate for minimum 4 hours, ideally overnight❹ Extended marinade time significantly enhances the complex flavor profile of authentic New York fried chicken
Coating Preparation❶ Comprehensively combine all coating ingredients in a large shallow dish❷ Whisk ingredients thoroughly to guarantee even distribution of all seasonings❸ Establish an efficient dredging station: marinade bowl, coating dish, and clean plate for prepared chicken
Specialized Dredging ❶ Carefully remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess liquid to properly drip off❷ Dredge chicken comprehensively in flour mixture, pressing coating firmly into chicken surface❸ Gently shake off excessive flour and place on prepared clean plate❹ Allow coated chicken to rest undisturbed for 15 minutes before frying (absolutely crucial for proper New York fried chicken crust development)
Expert Frying Methodology❶ Heat oil precisely to 350°F (175°C) in heavy-duty cast iron skillet or Dutch oven❷ Carefully introduce chicken pieces, skin side down, without overcrowding the cooking vessel❸ Vigilantly maintain oil temperature between 325-350°F throughout cooking process❹ Fry dark meat pieces approximately 15 minutes, turning occasionally for even cooking❺ Fry white meat pieces approximately 12 minutes, turning occasionally for consistent results❻ Verify safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) with reliable meat thermometer❼ Transfer fried chicken to prepared wire rack to properly drain and rest before serving
Notes
Nutritional Information
While New York fried chicken undeniably delivers exceptional flavor, understanding its nutritional composition is important: