Who doesn’t love crispy, juicy fried chicken? I’ve made tons of different variations over the years and this Easy Fried Chicken is simply that – the easiest way to make juicy, crispy fried chicken with only one simple seasoning mix (no need to do all the separate dredging steps with egg)! And the best part is – it’s super delicious! Pair it with your favorite sauce, like my Raising Cane’s Sauce!.
Frying chicken in a deep fryer can yield some of the most moist, tender and flavorful chicken you’ve ever tasted. However, getting the timing right is crucial. Undercook the chicken and it will be dangerously underdone. Overcook it and you’ll end up with dry, rubbery chicken. So how long exactly should you fry chicken in a deep fryer? The cooking time depends on several factors.
Key Factors That Determine Deep Frying Chicken Cooking Time
-
Cut: Pieces without bones, like chicken breasts and tenders, cook faster than pieces with bones, like drumsticks and thighs. Pieces without skin also cook faster.
-
Size and thickness – Larger, thicker cuts take longer to cook than smaller, thinner ones.
-
Oil temperature – The hotter the oil, the quicker the chicken will cook. Ideal deep frying temperature is 350°F to 375°F.
-
Desired doneness – Cook longer for well done chicken. Take out earlier if you prefer it juicier.
-
Amount – Don’t overload the fryer. Cook chicken in batches if needed to maintain oil temperature.
A Handy Deep Frying Chicken Cooking Time Chart
You can use this chart to figure out how long to deep fry different types of chicken:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast – 5 to 7 minutes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken breast – 8 to 10 minutes
- Boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins or strips – 2 to 5 minutes
- Bone-in chicken wings – 8 to 12 minutes
- Bone-in chicken drumsticks and thighs – 10 to 15 minutes
Always use a deep fry or instant read thermometer to check internal temperature rather than relying solely on time Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F
If you don’t have a thermometer, look for the meat to turn white inside with clear juices. Pieces should be golden brown on the outside. Drumsticks and wings will feel firm when you wiggle them.
Handy Tips for Perfect Deep Fried Chicken Every Time
Follow these handy tips and tricks for foolproof deep fried chicken:
-
Let oil heat to the ideal 350°F to 375°F temperature before adding chicken This prevents greasiness
-
Dry chicken thoroughly before frying. Excess moisture causes splattering.
-
Fry chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature. Avoid overcrowding.
-
Coat chicken in cornstarch, flour or batter for extra crispy results.
-
Use tongs to gently lower and remove chicken. Avoid stabbing pieces.
-
Drain fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels before serving.
-
Allow oil to fully reheat between batches. Cook at a consistent temperature.
-
Don’t reuse oil more than a few times. It loses effectiveness. Strain out particles after each use.
-
For safety, fry in well ventilated area and keep kids and pets away. Don’t leave fryer unattended.
With the right timing, temperature and a few handy tricks, you’ll be whipping up restaurant-quality deep fried chicken from the comfort of your own kitchen in no time. Crispy, juicy and flavorful – that’s what perfectly deep fried chicken is all about.
Watch the Easy Fried Chicken Recipe Video Below!
Brining for Juicy, Tender Chicken
When you cook chicken, the lactic acid in dairy breaks down the proteins and collagen in the meat. This makes the meat more tender when it’s done. By piercing the chicken, you’re allowing the dairy to reach farther in and tenderize more of the meat! If you don’t have milk, water brining is still better than nothing. (Brining is optional but I always recommend it, if you have the time!).
Cooking Tips : How to Deep Fry Chicken
FAQ
How long does it take to fry chicken in a deep fryer?
Deep-frying chicken typically takes between 6 to 15 minutes, depending on the size and cut of the chicken. Drumsticks and thighs with dark meat usually take longer, 12 to 18 minutes. On the other hand, a boneless, skinless chicken breast can be cooked in as little as 7 to 10 minutes.
How long will it take to deep fry a whole chicken?
The chicken should be placed in basket neck end first. Slowly lower basket into hot oil to completely cover the bird. Maintain the temperature of the oil at 350 degrees, and cook chicken for 3 to 3- 1/2 minutes per pound. It doesn’t take long.