What To Season Fried Chicken With for Maximum Flavor
Fried chicken is a beloved dish around the world known for its crispy exterior and juicy interior. However what truly sets a good fried chicken apart from a great one is the seasoning. Choosing the right blend of herbs, spices, and other flavorings can take your fried chicken from basic to sensational. In this article, we’ll explore the secrets to seasoning fried chicken for maximum flavor.
The Basics: Salt and Pepper
While fancier seasoning blends definitely have their place, you can’t go wrong with a simple coating of salt and black pepper. The salt enhances the chicken’s natural flavors and the pepper provides a subtle heat. For even coverage, season the chicken pieces before dredging in flour.
Amp Up the Aromatics
Aromatic ingredients like garlic, onion, celery, and carrots build a flavor base. Blend powdered versions of these with salt, pepper, and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors. This homemade blend seasons the flour so the crust gets an extra kick. You can also marinate raw chicken in buttermilk mixed with fresh minced aromatics.
Bring on the Herbs
Fresh or dried herbs add a flavorsome punch to fried chicken. Popular choices include thyme, rosemary, sage, and oregano. Mix chopped fresh herbs into the buttermilk marinade or blend dried herbs right into your seasoning mix. Basil, dill, and tarragon are great options too.
Spice It Up: Spices make fried chicken taste even better. Onion powder, chili powder, mustard powder, paprika, and cayenne add a little heat. Smoked paprika has a richer taste. Add Cajun or Creole seasoning to make Southern soul food taste like it should. But don’t use too much spice; you still want the chicken’s flavor to stand out.
Get Citrusy
Fresh lemon and lime zest brighten up fried chicken seasoning. For even distribution, use a microplane grater to finely grate the zest before mixing it in. Bottled lemon and lime juice also provide acidity to balance and enhance the other flavors. Buttermilk marinades benefit from a good squeeze of citrus.
Say Yes to UmamiIngredients like soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce fish sauce mushrooms, and nutritional yeast contain savory umami flavors that boost meatiness. Consider adding a splash of soy/Worcestershire to buttermilk or blend dried mushrooms into your seasoning. A light umami touch deepens fried chicken flavor satisfaction.
Sweeten the Deal: A little sugar balances out the sour, spicy, and salty tastes in fried chicken seasoning. Honey, maple syrup and molasses lend fuller sweetness and complexity. You can quickly turn honey or maple syrup into a glaze by heating it up. Fruity tastes, such as pineapple juice, peach preserves, or orange marmalade, also add sweetness.
Get Cheesy: Sharp, crumbly cheeses like Parmesan, feta, or Cotija make a tasty crust for fried chicken. Grate or crumble the cheese very finely before adding it to the flour coating. Melted cheeses like cheddar or Monterey Jack make tasty dipping sauces. Cheese and fried chicken are a match made in heaven.
Bacon It Up: Crispy bacon adds umami flavor to any dish. Cut up some bacon and sprinkle it on the chicken before you coat it in flour. For extra points, cook the bacon ahead of time and fry the chicken in the fat that is left over. The bacon-y essence will infuse the chicken skin. Crumble more bacon on top when serving.
Get Nutty
Chopped roasted nuts add crunch and rich flavor to fried chicken breading. Almonds, pecans and walnuts pair especially well. Blitz nuts in the food processor so they grind down into the flour for adherence. Go ultra-decadent by adding nutella to the buttermilk marinade.
Make it Crispy
A perfectly crispy crust is key. Use finely milled flour like Wondra combined with cornstarch and baking powder. Vodka makes a great marinade substitute for even crispier chicken. Allow dredged chicken pieces to sit for 5-10 minutes before frying so the crust firms up. Maintain oil temperature and don’t crowd the pan.
Finishing Touches
Even after frying, you can add flavor boosters. Drizzle the fried chicken with honey-butter, ranch dressing or hot sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs. Serve with flavorful dipping sauces like barbecue sauce, honey mustard or blue cheese dressing. Take your chicken to new heights with creative toppings and condiments.
With the right blend of seasonings and cooking technique, your fried chicken can go from forgettable to extraordinary. Whether using tried-and-true herb and spice blends or getting adventurous with unique flavors, properly seasoned chicken guarantees finger-lickin’ satisfaction. So grab an apron and experiment with these flavor-packing tips for fried chicken that’s unforgettable. Just be prepared for requests for second helpings!
The Secret Ingredient: Mayo!
I know, I know—it sounds weird, BUT trust me on this. Mayo makes the chicken very crispy and tasty, and it keeps you from having to buy buttermilk. You can also combine mayo and buttermilk for extra crunch!.
Best Cuts for Fried Chicken
When making fried chicken, I stick to drumsticks, thighs, and wings—but honestly, you can fry any part of the chicken.
Best Fried Chicken Recipe | Sink Your Teeth into the Crispiest Fried Chicken Recipe
FAQ
What seasonings are good for fried chicken?
Mixing spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper together can make fried chicken taste great and get crispy. You can also add cayenne pepper for a bit of heat, and dried herbs like thyme, basil, or oregano for added depth.
Should I season chicken before frying?
Yes, you should always season your chicken before cooking when it’s raw.
What is the best thing to season fried chicken with?
I like to rub my chicken with salt and pepper as well as a little paprika, onion powder and garlic powder and let it sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours or even better overnight. Then I coat it in flour and dip it in buttermilk. I fry it on the stove, and the best fried chicken is ready to be eaten.
What are some good seasonings to put on my piece of fried chicken?
Combine flour, paprika, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne in a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken pieces to the bag and toss to coat.
How do you season Fried Chicken?
When mixed together, these ingredients make a seasoning that is well-balanced and full of flavor. It takes the taste of your fried chicken to a whole new level. In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Why is seasoning important in pan fried chicken?
In conclusion, seasoning is an essential part of pan-fried chicken. The right blend of spices can make all the difference in creating a delicious and flavorful dish. From the classic Southern-style seasoning to the more exotic spice rubs, there are countless options to choose from.
What is the best fried chicken seasoning?
Here’s a general rule of thumb for the best fried chicken seasoning: Start with a base: Use paprika and black pepper as your foundational spices. Build up the flavor: Add garlic powder and onion powder to introduce a savory richness. Add some herbs: Include thyme or oregano to bring a fresh herbal note.
Can You season chicken before frying?
Yes it’s best to season chicken before frying and you can also season with some spices after cooking. Seasoning like suya spice, and are some seasoning that can be added to chicken after frying. Spices that pair well with chicken include paprika, rosemary, garlic, and onion. Salmon seasoning Roast potato seasoning Shrimp seasoning Steak rub
Can you use fried chicken seasoning mix on chicken thighs?
You can use this fried chicken seasoning blend on all parts of chicken including chicken thighs, chicken breasts, wings, chicken legs, and whole chicken so it’s one to have in the kitchen cupboard at all times. Be it fried chicken with no breading or Southern fried chicken style, this seasoning mix will give it amazing flavor.
What spices go well with fried chicken?
It brings together an array of flavors, including paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, basil, oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and a touch of cayenne pepper. This blend sets itself apart by adding depth and complexity to fried chicken, making it a standout dish on Southern tables.