The 1-Ingredient Fix For Soggy Fried Chicken (It’s Already In Your Fridge)

Achieving perfectly crispy fried chicken can be a challenge, but a simple, often overlooked ingredient, likely already in your fridge, can make all the difference. That secret weapon is cornstarch.

Why Cornstarch?

Cornstarch works wonders in fried chicken for several reasons:

1. Inhibits Gluten Development: Cornstarch is gluten-free, so adding it to your flour mixture inhibits gluten development as the chicken is tossed from buttermilk to flour. This results in a snappier, crispier breading after frying.
2. Absorbs Excess Oil and Moisture: Cornstarch absorbs both excess oil and moisture from the chicken, leading to a less greasy coating.

How to Use Cornstarch for Crispy Fried Chicken

Here’s how to incorporate cornstarch into your fried chicken recipe:

1. Measure Properly: Add one tablespoon of cornstarch for every 1 1/2 cups of flour in your dredge mixture.
2. Combine Thoroughly: Whisk the cornstarch into the flour along with your other seasonings, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
3. Fry as Usual: Proceed with your regular fried chicken recipe, whether you brine the chicken in buttermilk and then dredge it in flour or use a batter coating.

Additional Tips for Crispy Fried Chicken

• Double Frying: Consider double-frying the chicken for extra crispiness. Fry the chicken once, then fry it again for a shorter period at a higher temperature to crisp it up.
• Wire Rack: Place the fried chicken on a wire rack to allow air to circulate around it, preventing it from steaming and becoming soggy. Avoid placing the hot, cooked chicken on a paper towel because it will cause the crust to steam and turn soggy.
• Dry the Chicken: Ensure the chicken is as dry as possible before dredging it in flour. Moisture is the enemy of anything that you want to brown.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent the oil temperature from dropping too drastically.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the oil temperature around 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Rest Time: After frying, allow the fried chicken to rest for 10 minutes before enjoying it, giving its juices time to redistribute.

By incorporating cornstarch and following these additional tips, you can transform your fried chicken from soggy to irresistibly crispy.