Batter-Fried Chicken
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Ingredients
For the Brine:
- 1/3 cup (50 g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt; if using table salt use half as much by volume or same weight
- 3 tablespoons (40 g) sugar
- 2 quarts (1.9 L) water
- 3 1/2 pounds (1.6 kg) skin-on, bone-in chicken pieces (split breasts cut in half, drumsticks, and/or thighs)
For the Batter:
- 3/4 cup (145 g) potato starch
- 1 cup (5 ounces, 140 g) all-purpose flour, such as Gold Medal Blue or Brown Label
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons (6 g) baking powder
- 1 teaspoon (3 g) Diamond Crystal kosher salt; for table salt use half as much by volume or the same weight
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 3/4 cup (420 ml) water
- 2 quarts (1.9 L) vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- 1
For the Brine: - In a large bowl or container large enough to hold all the chicken, whisk salt and sugar in the water until salt and sugar are dissolved. Add chicken, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours and up to 4 hours. Drain chicken and pat dry with paper towels.
- 2
To Batter and Fry: - Adjust oven rack to middle position and preheat oven to 200°F (95°C). In a large Dutch oven or wok, heat oil over medium-high heat to 375°F (190°C). In a large bowl, thoroughly whisk together potato starch, all-purpose flour, black pepper, baking powder, salt, paprika, and cayenne, about 30 seconds. Whisk in the water until a smooth batter forms, about 30 seconds.
- 3
To Batter and Fry: - Set a wire rack in a second rimmed baking sheet. Add half of chicken to batter and toss until well coated. Working with one piece at a time, lift chicken from batter, allowing any excess batter to drip back into bowl, and carefully add to hot oil, lowering it gently from as close to the oil's surface as possible to minimize splashing; repeat with remaining battered pieces of chicken. Fry chicken, turning occasionally, until thickest part of breast pieces registers 155°F (68°C) and drumsticks/thighs registers 165°F (74°C) on an instant-read thermometer, 8 to 12 minutes for breast pieces and 10 to 14 minutes for thighs and drumsticks; adjust burner as necessary to maintain oil temperature between 325°F (160°C) and 350°F (175°C). Transfer chicken to prepared wire rack, season with salt, and place in oven to keep warm. Return oil to 350°F (177°C) and repeat battering and frying with remaining chicken. Serve.
