Crunchy on the outside, juicy on the inside, and bursting with irresistible flavors—the perfect fried chicken is a culinary masterpiece that has captured the hearts and taste buds of food lovers around the world. But what if you find yourself without one key ingredient: buttermilk? Don’t fret. We’re here to show you that best fried chicken recipe without buttermilk.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of creating the best fried chicken recipe without buttermilk. Whether you’re lactose intolerant, following a dairy-free diet, or simply looking to explore new culinary horizons, we’ve got you covered. Our expertise in the realm of fried chicken will equip you with the knowledge and techniques needed to create a truly remarkable dish.
Contents
Nutritional Information Per Serving
Here is an approximate nutritional breakdown for a 170g / 6oz fried chicken drumstick with skin:
Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
---|---|---|
Calories | 290 |
14% |
Total Fat | 15g |
23% |
– Saturated Fat | 4g |
20% |
– Trans Fat | 0.4g |
|
Cholesterol | 115mg |
38% |
Sodium | 590mg |
25% |
Total Carbohydrate | 0g |
0% |
– Dietary Fiber | 0g |
0% |
– Total Sugars | 0g |
|
Protein | 28g |
56% |
- Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
A piece of fried chicken offers a good amount of protein and fats, but is high in cholesterol and sodium. The skin adds quite a bit of fat and cholesterol, so removing it reduces those numbers.
Best Fried Chicken Recipe Without Buttermilk
To make crispy fried chicken without buttermilk, you can follow a simple recipe that results in juicy and delicious chicken with a crispy outer crust. Here are the key steps and ingredients based on the provided search results.
Ingredients
- 2lb of chicken parts (such as wings, breast nuggets, boneless thighs, or legs)
- Eggs (used for binding and moisture)
- Regular all-purpose flour
- Seasonings like salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, paprika, dried thyme, and rosemary
Recipe Steps
- Seasoning: Season the chicken with salt before battering to ensure it’s well-seasoned.
- Coating: Coat the chicken in flour, then an egg mixture, and finally in the flour mixture again to create a crispy crust.
- Frying: Fry the chicken in hot oil until crispy and golden brown. Cook white meat together and dark meat together for even cooking.
- Finishing: If needed, finish cooking in a 375-degree oven to ensure the meat is fully cooked while maintaining a crispy crust.
- Tips: Double dredge the chicken for extra juiciness and crispiness. Use a carrot in the frying oil to help gauge temperature and keep it clean.
Healthier Cooking Methods
Deep-frying chicken adds a lot of delicious flavor and crunch, but also extra calories and fat. Here are some healthier cooking methods to consider:
- Air Fryer: Air frying uses a fraction of the oil for a crisp texture without deep-frying. Reduce temperature to 370°F and cook for 18-22 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Oven Baked: Coat chicken in breadcrumbs or flour and bake at 425°F for 35-45 minutes until cooked through and crispy.
- Grilled: Get nice char marks by grilling over medium-high heat for 4-6 minutes per side. Brush with oil to keep moist.
- Stovetop Pan-Fried: Fry in just 1-2 Tbsp oil over medium-high heat in a skillet for 4-6 minutes per side. Drain on paper towel.
Vegetarian/Vegan Substitutes
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Vegans and vegetarians don’t have to miss out on crispy, juicy, fried chicken style flavor. Try these substitutes:
- Cauliflower: Roast florets to get tender then coat in flour/spices and fry for “Chicken” wings.
- Jackfruit: Green unripe jackfruit has a meaty texture similar to chicken. Marinate and fry for “Chicken” drums.
- Seitan: Wheat gluten gets deliciously crispy when fried. Flavor the seitan with poultry seasoning.
- Tempeh: Marinated then breaded and fried tempeh makes great “Chicken” tenders.
Wine and Beverage Pairings
What should you sip alongside some finger-lickin’ fried chicken? Here are some winning pairings:
- Brut Sparkling Wine – Bubbles cut through the crispy skin for a refreshing combo.
- Off-Dry Riesling – A touch of sweetness counters salty, crispy flavors.
- Beer – Pick a hoppy IPA or a crisp lager to match the crunch.
- Sweet Tea – Mellow out the seasoning with a sweet iced tea.
- Lemony Soda – The bright citrus balances the rich fried coating.
Safety Tips for Frying at Home
Frying chicken can get tricky – hot oil can easily splatter and cause burns or even fires. Follow these important safety tips:
- Use a deep, heavy pot and keep oil between 325-375°F.
- Keep kids and pets away when frying on the stovetop.
- Don’t overfill the pot – oil bubbles up when food is added.
- Turn exhaust fan on high and open windows if possible.
- Use long cooking tongs and wear long sleeves/oven mitts.
- If oil starts smoking, turn off heat and carefully remove pot from burner.
- Keep a pot lid nearby to cover the pot and smother fire in case of ignition.
Seasoning Variations
The basic flour dredge, buttermilk soak, and fry method works for all kinds of flavored coatings. Get creative with seasonings like:
- Spicy: Cayenne, chili powder, red pepper flakes
- Herby: Rosemary, thyme, sage, oregano, basil
- Smokey-Sweet: Paprika, brown sugar, smoked paprika
- Lemon-Pepper: Lemon zest, cracked black pepper
- Nashville Hot Chicken: Cayenne pepper and brown sugar.
Environmental Impact
When buying chicken, consider choosing organic and pasture-raised which has less impact on the environment than conventional poultry farms. Benefits include:
- Healthier, freer chickens.
- No GMOs or antibiotics.
- Improved soil health through rotational grazing.
- Reduced chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Michael J. Fanola is the chef and owner of Joe’s French Italian Inn Restaurants. He has over 30 years of culinary experience, and his restaurants have been voted “Best Italian Restaurant” by the readers of the Staten Island Advance for many years in a row. Michael is a graduate of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, and he has worked in some of the most highly acclaimed kitchens in the country.