Who doesn’t love crispy, juicy fried chicken? I’ve made tons of different variations over the years and this Easy Fried Chicken is simply that – the easiest way to make juicy, crispy fried chicken with only one simple seasoning mix (no need to do all the separate dredging steps with egg)! And the best part is – it’s super delicious! Pair it with your favorite sauce, like my Raising Cane’s Sauce!.
Frying chicken in a deep fryer can yield some of the most moist, tender and flavorful chicken you’ve ever tasted. However, getting the timing right is crucial. Undercook the chicken and it will be dangerously underdone. Overcook it and you’ll end up with dry, rubbery chicken. So how long exactly should you fry chicken in a deep fryer? The cooking time depends on several factors.
Key Factors That Determine Deep Frying Chicken Cooking Time
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Type of cut – Boneless cuts like chicken breasts and tenders cook faster than bone-in pieces like drumsticks and thighs Skinless pieces cook quicker too
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Size and thickness – Larger, thicker cuts take longer to cook than smaller, thinner ones.
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Temperature of the oil—The chicken will cook faster if the oil is hot. Ideal deep frying temperature is 350°F to 375°F.
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Desired doneness – Cook longer for well done chicken. Take out earlier if you prefer it juicier.
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Amount – Don’t overload the fryer. Cook chicken in batches if needed to maintain oil temperature.
A Handy Deep Frying Chicken Cooking Time Chart
Use this handy chart as a guide for how long to fry different chicken cuts in a deep fryer:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast – 5 to 7 minutes
- Bone-in, skin-on chicken breast – 8 to 10 minutes
- Boneless, skinless chicken tenderloins or strips – 2 to 5 minutes
- Bone-in chicken wings – 8 to 12 minutes
- Bone-in chicken drumsticks and thighs – 10 to 15 minutes
Always use a deep fry or instant read thermometer to check internal temperature rather than relying solely on time Chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F
If you don’t have a thermometer, look for the meat to turn white inside with clear juices. Pieces should be golden brown on the outside. Drumsticks and wings will feel firm when you wiggle them.
Handy Tips for Perfect Deep Fried Chicken Every Time
Follow these handy tips and tricks for foolproof deep fried chicken:
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Let oil heat to the ideal 350°F to 375°F temperature before adding chicken This prevents greasiness
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Dry chicken thoroughly before frying. Excess moisture causes splattering.
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Fry chicken in batches to maintain oil temperature. Avoid overcrowding.
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Coat chicken in cornstarch, flour or batter for extra crispy results.
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Use tongs to gently lower and remove chicken. Avoid stabbing pieces.
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Drain fried chicken on a wire rack or paper towels before serving.
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Allow oil to fully reheat between batches. Cook at a consistent temperature.
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Don’t reuse oil more than a few times. It loses effectiveness. Strain out particles after each use.
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Fry in a place with good air flow, and keep kids and pets away. Don’t leave fryer unattended.
With the right timing, temperature and a few handy tricks, you’ll be whipping up restaurant-quality deep fried chicken from the comfort of your own kitchen in no time. Crispy, juicy and flavorful – that’s what perfectly deep fried chicken is all about.
Watch the Easy Fried Chicken Recipe Video Below!
Brining for Juicy, Tender Chicken
MILK BRINE The lactic acid in dairy breaks down the proteins and collagen in the chicken, which softens the flesh and will make it more tender when cooked. By piercing the chicken, you’re allowing the dairy to reach farther in and tenderize more of the meat! If you don’t have milk, water brining is still better than nothing. (Brining is optional but I always recommend it, if you have the time!).
Cooking Tips : How to Deep Fry Chicken
FAQ
How long does it take to fry chicken in a deep fryer?
Deep-frying chicken typically takes between 6 to 15 minutes, depending on the size and cut of the chicken. Dark meat like thighs and drumsticks generally take longer, around 12-18 minutes, while boneless, skinless chicken breast can cook in as little as 7-10 minutes.
How long will it take to deep fry a whole chicken?
The chicken should be placed in basket neck end first. Slowly lower basket into hot oil to completely cover the bird. Make sure the oil stays at 350 degrees and cook the chicken for 3 to 3 1/2 minutes per pound. It doesn’t take long.