How To Make Crispy, Juicy Fried Chicken — Cooking Lessons from The Kitchn

Let me walk you through the pleasure of eating this crispy, juicy fried chicken: You've got this glistening drumstick with a coating so full of crunchy ripples that it is hard to determine where to hold on. You decide fingertips are best for maneuvering this chicken from the plate to your mouth. As you bring it closer you can smell the spices — garlic, onion, pepper, and even the smoky paprika. That first bite is a real stunner. As you dig in, the crust cracks audibly and reveals juicy chicken that is as flavorful as that irresistible crust. You'll taste the herbs that made that chicken so fragrant and enjoy a mouthful that is equal parts crispy and juicy. Pieces of the crispy coating fall away.

I'm going to need a bigger stack of napkins, you think to yourself, and then you grab another piece.

The very best part of eating this chicken is that you made it yourself. You didn't swing by the local KFC, you didn't fork over 20 bucks at some trendy chicken joint. Nope — you, my friend, made this honest-to-goodness, crispy, juicy, finger-licking delicious chicken at home. Whether you're a first-time fryer or your skillet is well-seasoned, this is the step-by-step guide for making the very best fried chicken at home.

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