Are you looking for a way to repurpose your leftover chicken? Frying already cooked chicken is a great way to add some crispy texture and a new flavor to your meal. Plus, it’s a quick and easy way to make a delicious dish without having to start from scratch.
To fry already cooked chicken, you’ll need some basic ingredients and equipment. You’ll need to cut the chicken into pieces, season it with salt and black pepper, and coat it in flour or breadcrumbs. Then, you’ll need to heat up some oil in a skillet and carefully drop the chicken pieces into the hot oil. With a little bit of patience and some careful attention, you’ll have a delicious and crispy dish in no time.
Choosing the Right Chicken
When it comes to frying already cooked chicken, choosing the right chicken is key to achieving a delicious and safe meal. Here are some factors to consider before you start cooking.
Consider the Type of Chicken
Different types of chicken may require different cooking methods. For example, bone-in chicken may take longer to cook than boneless chicken. Additionally, skin-on chicken may result in a crispier texture than skinless chicken. It’s important to choose the type of chicken that best suits your preferences and cooking style.
Check the Expiration Date
Before purchasing chicken, it’s important to check the expiration date to ensure that it’s fresh and safe to eat. Expired chicken can cause foodborne illnesses and should be avoided. Additionally, if you’re using leftover chicken, make sure that it has been stored properly and hasn’t been sitting in the fridge for too long.
When choosing chicken for frying, it’s also important to consider factors such as the cut of the chicken, the seasoning, and the coating. For example, boneless, skinless chicken breasts are a popular choice for fried chicken, but you may also consider using chicken thighs or drumsticks for a different flavor and texture. Ultimately, the key to choosing the right chicken is to consider your personal preferences and cooking style, while also ensuring that the chicken is fresh and safe to eat.
Preparing the Chicken
Before frying already cooked chicken, it’s important to prepare it properly. This section will cover the steps you need to follow to prepare the chicken for frying.
Thaw the Chicken, if Frozen
If you’re using frozen chicken, you’ll need to thaw it before frying. The best way to thaw chicken is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re in a hurry, you can also thaw it in the microwave or in a bowl of cold water.
Cut the Chicken into Bite-Sized Pieces
Once the chicken is thawed, you’ll need to cut it into bite-sized pieces. This will help the chicken cook evenly and make it easier to handle. You can use a sharp knife or kitchen scissors to cut the chicken into pieces.
Season the Chicken
Before frying the chicken, you’ll need to season it. You can use any seasoning you like, but salt, pepper, and garlic powder are good choices. You can also add other spices and herbs to give the chicken more flavor. To make sure the seasoning sticks to the chicken, you can mix it with a little bit of flour or cornstarch.
In summary, to prepare the chicken for frying, you’ll need to thaw it if it’s frozen, cut it into bite-sized pieces, and season it with your preferred seasoning. Following these steps will ensure that your fried chicken is delicious and evenly cooked.
Frying the Chicken
When it comes to frying already cooked chicken, there are a few steps you need to follow to ensure that the chicken is crispy, juicy, and cooked to perfection. Here are the steps to follow:
Heat the Oil
The first step to frying already cooked chicken is to heat the oil. Use a deep frying pan or a heavy-bottomed pot and fill it with enough oil to submerge the chicken pieces. Heat the oil to 350°F to 375°F, which is the ideal temperature for frying chicken. You can use a thermometer to check the temperature of the oil.
Coat the Chicken in Flour or Breading
Once the oil is heated, the next step is to coat the chicken in flour or breading. You can use your favorite flour or breading mix to coat the chicken. To ensure that the chicken is crispy, you can add some cornstarch to the flour or breading mix. The cornstarch will help create a crispy crust.
To coat the chicken, you can follow these steps:
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
- Dip the chicken in beaten eggs.
- Roll the chicken in the flour or breading mix until it’s completely coated.
Fry the Chicken
The final step is to fry the chicken. Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for 5-8 minutes or until it’s golden brown and crispy. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack to drain the excess oil.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when frying already cooked chicken:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. This will lower the temperature of the oil and make the chicken less crispy.
- Use a wire rack to drain the excess oil from the chicken.
- Season the chicken with salt and pepper before serving.
Following these steps will help you fry already cooked chicken that’s crispy, juicy, and delicious.
Serving the Chicken
Drain the Chicken
Before serving the fried chicken, it is important to drain it properly. To do this, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel-lined plate. This will help to remove excess oil and prevent the chicken from becoming soggy.
Serve the Chicken
Once the chicken has been drained, it is ready to be served. There are many ways to serve fried chicken, and it can be enjoyed as a main dish or as part of a larger meal. Here are a few ideas:
- Serve with mashed potatoes and gravy for a classic Southern meal.
- Pair with coleslaw and cornbread for a delicious barbecue feast.
- Serve with a side of macaroni and cheese for a comforting and indulgent meal.
- Enjoy with a simple green salad for a lighter option.
No matter how you choose to serve your fried chicken, be sure to season it with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add additional seasoning, such as paprika or cayenne pepper, for a little extra kick.
Overall, fried chicken is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed in many different ways. By following these simple tips for draining and serving the chicken, you can ensure that your fried chicken is crispy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to pan-fry already cooked chicken?
To pan-fry already cooked chicken, heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cut the chicken into small pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Dip the chicken pieces in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in breadcrumbs. Place the chicken pieces in the skillet and cook them for 3-4 minutes on each side until golden brown and crispy.
How to make crispy fried chicken with already cooked chicken?
To make crispy fried chicken with already cooked chicken, start by cutting the chicken into small pieces and seasoning them with salt and pepper. Dip the chicken pieces in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in a mixture of breadcrumbs and cornmeal. Heat a large amount of oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 375°F. Fry the chicken pieces in batches for 3-4 minutes until crispy and golden brown. Drain the fried chicken on paper towels to remove excess oil.
What is the best way to reheat already cooked fried chicken?
The best way to reheat already cooked fried chicken is in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through and crispy. Alternatively, you can reheat the chicken in a toaster oven or on the stovetop in a skillet with a small amount of oil.
How to oven-fry already cooked chicken?
To oven-fry already cooked chicken, preheat the oven to 425°F. Cut the chicken into small pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Dip the chicken pieces in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Place the chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
How to make Korean-style fried chicken with already cooked chicken?
To make Korean-style fried chicken with already cooked chicken, cut the chicken into small pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Dip the chicken pieces in flour, then in beaten egg, and finally in a mixture of cornstarch, flour, and baking powder. Fry the chicken pieces in hot oil until crispy and golden brown. Toss the fried chicken in a sauce made with gochujang (Korean chili paste), soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger.
How to batter already cooked chicken for frying?
To batter already cooked chicken for frying, cut the chicken into small pieces and season them with salt and pepper. Dip the chicken pieces in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, baking powder, and spices. Then dip the chicken pieces in a mixture of beaten egg and milk. Finally, coat the chicken pieces in breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs. Fry the chicken pieces in hot oil until crispy and golden brown.
