Fried chicken is a staple of Southern cuisine, and there’s nothing quite like a juicy, crispy piece of fried chicken hot out of the fryer. That’s enough to get anyone wondering about how to know when fried chicken is done correctly.

Here are some tips to help you avoid undercooking your fried chicken, that way you can enjoy it at its best!

A Complete Guide on How to Know When Fried Chicken Is Done

Fried chicken is one of the most popular and delicious dishes out there. When done right, it is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.

However, when not cooked properly, it can be dry, rubbery, and even burnt. So, how do you know when your fried chicken is done and ready to eat?

The Skin Should Be Crispy

Crispy skin is a reliable sign that the chicken is done. The batter will cook and form a crispy crust, meaning the chicken has been cooked long enough. 

This is a reliable way to assess if fried chicken is done because it will ensure that the chicken is cooked to perfection. The skin should also be a golden brown color all over as well.

The Meat Should Be Cooked Thoroughly

One of the best ways to tell if your fried chicken is done is by examining the meat and determining whether it’s cooked thoroughly or not. By cutting into the thickest part of the chicken, you can make sure that the meat is cooked all of the way, with no pink or red areas remaining. 

The juices should also be clear, signifying that the chicken is fully cooked. This method is a surefire sign and will help ensure that your fried chicken is done perfectly every time.

Consider the Time

Another thing to consider when trying to determine if your fried chicken is done is the time and temperature. Depending on how thick the chicken pieces are, it can take anywhere from 3-5 minutes per side to cook through. If you are cooking at a lower temperature, it will take longer for the chicken to cook properly.

It is important to keep this in mind so that you can adjust the cooking time accordingly. Pay attention to the time, that way you’ll get a good gauge on how to know when fried chicken is done.

The Meat Should Spring Back When Pressed

Another way to check if your chicken is done is by pressing down on it with your finger. If the flesh springs back when pressed, it is most likely cooked through. However, if the flesh feels soft or mushy, it needs to be cooked for longer.

The Chicken Should Be Easy to Cut

When you are trying to determine if your fried chicken is done, one of the signs that it may be ready is if it is easy to cut. This means that the chicken has been cooked through and is no longer tough or rubbery. 

This method is not the most effective, as some factors, such as the thickness of the chicken on cuts like the chicken breast, can affect how easily it can be sliced. However, if the chicken seems to be cooked through and is still relatively moist, then it is likely that it is done.

Tips to Avoid Overcooking Your Fried Chicken

Now that you know how to tell when your fried chicken is done, it is important to know how to avoid overcooking it. Overcooked chicken can be dry, rubbery, and even burnt. To avoid this, here are some tips:

• Keep an eye on the skin. The skin should be golden brown all over and crispy. If it starts to get dark brown or black, the chicken is most likely overcooked.
• Don’t rely solely on time. Time is only a guide and can vary depending on factors such as the thickness of the chicken. Check the chicken regularly to make sure it isn’t overcooking.
• Be careful of hot spots. When frying chicken, hot spots can form in the pan. This means that some areas will cook faster than others. To avoid this, move the chicken around occasionally so that all the pieces are cooked evenly.

By following these tips, you can avoid overcooking your fried chicken and ensure that it is perfectly cooked every time.

Tips to Avoid Undercooking Your Fried Chicken

Undercooked chicken can be dangerous to eat, as it can contain bacteria that causes food poisoning. To avoid undercooking your chicken, here are some tips:

• Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. The chicken is cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Cut into the thickest part of the chicken to check that it is cooked all the way through and no pink meat is visible.
• Make sure that the juices of the chicken run clear when you cut into it. If the juices are still pink, then the chicken is not fully cooked.
• Avoid using a marinade or seasoning that contains raw eggs, as this can increase the risk of salmonella contamination.
• Cook chicken immediately after it has been thawed to prevent the growth of bacteria.

By following these tips, you can ensure that the chicken you are eating is safe and cooked just right. To make things safe, you should also always make sure that the kitchen you are working in is kept clean and tidy to avoid cross-contamination and poisoning.

How to Check Your Chicken Using a Food Thermometer

A food thermometer is an important tool for ensuring that your food is cooked to a safe temperature. This is a type of thermometer that is specifically designed for use in the kitchen, and it is calibrated to measure the internal temperature of food. 

A food thermometer is much more accurate than a typical one, making it an essential too when figuring out how to know when fried chicken is done.

When using a food thermometer, it is important to make sure that the probe is inserted into the thickest part of the food. This will give you the most accurate reading.

You should also make sure that the thermometer is properly calibrated and that it is not damaged in any way. The temperature on the inside of the chicken is supposed to be above 165 degrees Fahrenheit, so you know that it is done.

When frying chicken, you can also use a thermometer to ensure that the oil temperature is in the right range. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will cook too quickly on the outside and will be raw on the inside. The ideal temperature for frying chicken is between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

There are several reasons why you should use a food-safe thermometer when cooking chicken. First of all, it is important to ensure that the chicken is cooked to a safe temperature. A food thermometer can help you do this accurately.

Secondly, using a food thermometer can help you achieve better results when frying chicken. The chicken will be evenly cooked and will not be overcooked or undercooked. 

Finally, using a food thermometer can help prevent food poisoning. By cooking chicken to a safe temperature, you can reduce your risk of getting sick.

The Perfect Fried Chicken Recipe to Try Out!

Now that you know how to tell when your fried chicken is done, why not try your hand at making it? This recipe for Southern-style fried chicken is sure to be a hit with the whole family! This is the most reliable basic method to cook chicken, so make sure to follow all of the steps to get the best results!

Ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
• 2 cups of all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Preheat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat and add enough vegetable oil to coat the bottom.
2. In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, and black pepper.
3. Dip each piece of chicken in the buttermilk, then coat evenly with the flour mixture.
4. Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil and cook for about 10 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. You can use a deep fryer or an air fryer for a healthier recipe.
5. Drain on paper towels to get rid of the excess oil.
6. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce! Enjoy!

Another last tip for making perfect fried chicken is to let the pieces of chicken sit in one or two cups of buttermilk for at least 30 minutes before putting the chicken in flour. This will help the flour to stick better and will also result in a crunchier coating. 

Conclusion

Now you can understand exactly how to know when fried chicken is done. We hope that these tips have helped you create the perfect balance in cooking fried chicken. Now your chicken will have a crunchy exterior on the outside. It’ll make for the perfect chicken needed for a warm, homely meal!