Description
Imagine sinking your teeth into golden, perfectly seasoned chicken legs with a crispy coating that gives way to juicy, tender meat inside. Crispy Fried Chicken Legs are the epitome of comfort food, loved for their irresistible crunch and rich flavor. This easy-to-follow recipe ensures restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen, making it perfect for family dinners, parties, or simply indulging in your fried chicken cravings.
Ingredients
For the Brine:
- 1 liter hot water (34 fl oz)
- 20 g salt (0.7 oz)
- 20 g sugar (0.7 oz)
- 10 g garlic, minced (0.4 oz)
- 6 chicken legs
For the Coating:
- 300 g flour (11 oz)
- 200 g corn starch (7.1 oz)
- 10 g sweet paprika (0.4 oz)
- 5 g black pepper (0.2 oz)
- 10 g salt (0.4 oz)
- 10 g oregano (0.4 oz)
For the Egg Wash:
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml water (3.4 fl oz)
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil (as needed)
Instructions
1. Brine the Chicken:
- In a large bowl, mix 1 liter of hot water with 20 g of salt, 20 g of sugar, and 10 g of minced garlic until fully dissolved.
- Submerge the chicken legs in the brine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In a mixing bowl, combine 300 g of flour, 200 g of corn starch, 10 g of sweet paprika, 5 g of black pepper, 10 g of salt, and 10 g of oregano. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
3. Make the Egg Wash:
- Beat 2 eggs in a separate bowl and mix in 100 ml of water. Whisk until smooth.
4. Prep the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken legs from the brine and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels.
5. Coat the Chicken:
- First, dredge each chicken leg in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.
- Next, dip the chicken legs into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off.
- Finally, dredge the chicken legs in the flour mixture again, pressing firmly to ensure the coating sticks.
6. Heat the Oil:
- Fill a deep skillet or pot with vegetable oil, about 2-3 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C).
7. Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully place the coated chicken legs into the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if needed.
- Cook the chicken legs for 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally for even browning. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
8. Drain and Serve:
- Remove the fried chicken legs from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve immediately while hot, paired with your favorite sides or dipping sauces.
Notes
- Brine Time: For the juiciest chicken, brine for at least 4 hours or overnight.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F (175°C) for even frying.
- Double Coating: Press the flour mixture firmly onto the chicken for an extra-thick, crispy coating.
- Reheating Leftovers: Reheat in the oven at 375°F (190°C) to maintain crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Deep Frying
- Cuisine: American