In this article, we will throw some light on how to deep fry a whole chicken. It is actually a process of cooking food items such as fried chicken, French fries, and potato chips. During the cooking process, it is imperative to keep the entire food in the oil till the temperature reaches the desired level. The chicken is going to be hot as well as cooked inside and crispy outside in case it has been fried properly. In fact, the process of deep frying will result in the elimination of bacteria that might be present in the uncooked food items.
Materials that will be needed:
- A deep fryer along with a burner, stand and a container.
- Meat thermometer.
- Cooking oil.
- Oil thermometer.
Preparation before the cooking:
Go to the local shop and purchase the chicken which must be fresh and also attractive looking. After returning to your home, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator. When you place the frozen chicken in the hot oil, it will cause the hot oil to splatter. This splattering of the oil onto the lit burner is going to enhance the risk of fire, injury, and even death. Try to deep fry the chicken outdoors and also on a surface which is noncombustible like concrete, brick and so on. Surfaces like asphalt, plastic or wood are not appropriate for doing this job because they might result in a burn or even blister.
After that, you need to measure exactly how much oil is going to be required for frying the chicken in the fryer. The quantity of the oil is going to depend on the size of the meat. In case there is any deficiency in the amount of oil, then the chicken is not going to be cooked properly.
After the chicken has been placed inside, submerge the meat in the water so that the water level is approximately 2 inches above the chicken’s body. After marking the water level, use peanut oil over that mark. Once the chicken is submerged in the water, take care to dry it. You might take the help of paper towels to accelerate the procedure.
Now it is time to get your much coveted fried chicken. After tying the legs, remove the neck and the giblets. Also, make sure to get rid of any unwanted fat which you won’t like and then rinse it properly. Here, it might be advisable to cut open the skin from where the thighs meet the breast. This procedure will assist in eliminating any extra moisture while you’re cooking.
Steps for seasoning and flavoring:
While the chicken is still dry, use herbs and spices such as pepper, paprika, salt and so forth to season it properly. Also, rub the inside as well as the outside of the seasoning. This process ought to be done several times so that the chicken is able to absorb the flavoring properly. While injecting the flavors, try to make sure that it is spread all over the chicken and not only in one place.
Steps to make the perfect, deep-fried chicken:
Use deep fryer while drying the whole chicken. After keeping the whole chicken into the basket of the fryer, lower the meat into the pot. Sufficient quantity of water has to be poured for keeping the whole chicken covered with water in the pot. After that, remove the chicken meticulously.
Get rid of the excess quantity of water and make certain that no water is left in the container which will help to avoid any splattering while using the oil. Also, the burner must be placed on the ground after ensuring that the ground surface is firm and smooth. Never keep the burner close to a tree or curtain or just about anything that might cause a fire. The oil has to be added till it reaches the line which was marked by you and the fryer stand must be placed at the center of the burner.
Following this lit the burner and then the flame has to be adjusted to the optimum level. Utilize the thermometer inside the container. However, make certain that the thermometer’s tip is at the center of the oil. Refrain from touching the base of the pot. Wait till the temperature reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wipe the chicken both inside and outside till it is completely dry. Before keeping the chicken inside the fryer, refrigerate it while not using any cover over it. This can also be done while the oil is still hot. Slowly put the basket in the oil and this should be done carefully such that the oil does not splatter. Now that the chicken is within the basket, it is time to switch on the burner.
Deep fry the chicken inside the burner for approximately four minutes and the temperature should be around 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Turn off the burner once the cooking is finished and lift the lid carefully from the fryer. Allow all the oil to drip off and then place the basket on a smooth surface.
When the oil has stopped dripping, use the thermometer on the thigh region and also on the thickest portions of the breast. However, take care not to touch the bone. In this way, you’ll be able to comprehend whether the chicken has been properly cooked or not.
The temperature should be registered at 165 degrees F and 180 degrees F for the breast and the thighs respectively. There is no need to worry in case you find that the chicken is still not properly cooked. All you need will be to put the chicken once again into the fryer and then turn on the burner. In case the chicken was cooked properly, allow it to rest for approximately 15 minutes before relishing it along with your loved ones.
When the cooking process has been completed, turn off the fryer and also unplug it so that the oil becomes cool. It is imperative to ensure that the fryer is properly cooled in case you’d like to clean it.
If you have any intention of using the oil once again, use a filter to strain it. The oil can be stored in a light-proof container for about three months. It is advisable to refrigerate the used oil so that it remains in the best condition. In case you find that the oil emits a bad smell, discard it immediately to make certain that you don’t use it accidentally in future.
