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Learn how to make the ultimate crispy fried chicken using a self‑rising flour blend, pickle‑juice brine, and a double‑fry technique. This recipe from YouTube chef Danny Kim guarantees a crunchy, crackly crust and juicy meat every time.
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Everything you need to know about this recipe
Fried chicken became a staple of Southern cooking in the 19th century, blending Scottish frying techniques with African seasoning traditions. It is celebrated as comfort food and is often served at family gatherings, holidays, and church potlucks.
In the South you’ll find buttermilk‑marinated chicken, while Nashville hot chicken adds a spicy cayenne glaze. Korean fried chicken uses a double‑fry method similar to Danny Kim’s recipe, resulting in an ultra‑crisp crust.
It is typically served hot with sides such as coleslaw, biscuits, mashed potatoes, and sweet tea. In many Southern homes, the chicken is presented on a platter with pickles and fresh lemon wedges.
Fried chicken is a centerpiece at Thanksgiving, Christmas, Fourth of July picnics, and church fundraisers. It’s also a popular dish for birthday parties and backyard barbecues.
Traditional recipes use all‑purpose flour, buttermilk or pickle brine, and a blend of salt, pepper, and paprika. Substitutes like corn starch for extra crispness or chipotle powder for heat are modern twists that still work well.
Classic pairings include creamy coleslaw, buttery cornbread, mac & cheese, and sweet potato fries. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the chicken.
Common errors include skipping the brine, not drying the chicken before coating, overcrowding the oil, and failing to control oil temperature between the two fry stages. Each mistake leads to soggy or unevenly cooked chicken.
The first low‑temperature fry cooks the meat through without browning the crust, while the second high‑temperature fry creates a golden, crackly exterior. This two‑step process yields a consistently crisp texture that single‑fry methods often miss.
Yes. Brine the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, and you can also fry it fully, then freeze. Store refrigerated leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat in a 350°F oven to restore crispness.
The YouTube channel Danny Kim focuses on practical, technique‑driven cooking tutorials that blend Korean influences with classic Western comfort foods, offering clear step‑by‑step guidance for home cooks.
Danny Kim emphasizes scientific temperature control, the use of a brine for tenderness, and a double‑fry method, whereas many channels rely on a single fry or buttermilk soak without precise temperature monitoring.
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