Tips for Stewing Fried Chicken to Keep it Juicy and Crispy on the Outside

Kapanlagi.com - Fried chicken has always been the star on the family dining table. Its savory taste and crispy texture on the outside, while remaining juicy on the inside, make it a favorite side dish. However, the biggest challenge is creating fried chicken that is tender and not tough. One common method is to stew the chicken with spices before frying. However, the right stewing technique is key to achieving tender and delicious fried chicken.

Recently, an Instagram user named @ummubalqishaura shared an interesting trick that could be a solution for fried chicken lovers. In her post on Tuesday (05/11), she recommended adding coconut milk when stewing the chicken. This trick immediately caught the attention of many Instagram users who often face the problem of tough fried chicken after cooking. Who wouldn't want to enjoy perfect fried chicken? Come on, try this trick and feel the difference!

1. Prepare the Spice Ingredients and Coconut Milk

One of the kitchen secrets that caught the attention of @ummubalqishaura is the use of coconut milk as the main liquid in the process of braising chicken. Coconut milk not only provides tenderness to the chicken meat but also keeps its flavor rich and appetizing. Prepare enough liquid coconut milk and combine it with basic spices such as shallots, garlic, galangal, ginger, and candlenuts that have been ground to create a perfect harmony of flavors.

Not only that, to enhance the enticing aroma, add aromatic ingredients such as lemongrass, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves. This complete combination of spices will ensure that every bite of your fried chicken is filled with flavor that seeps deep into the meat. Get ready to experience unparalleled deliciousness that will make anyone unable to stop enjoying it!

2. Add Coconut Milk to the Stewing Process

After the chicken is coated with tempting spices, it's time to add coconut milk as the special stewing liquid. According to @ummubalqishaura, coconut milk is not just an addition, but also plays an important role in tenderizing the chicken and maintaining moisture during the cooking process. Make sure the chicken is well submerged in the coconut milk so that every fiber of the meat can absorb the spices maximally, creating a mouthwatering flavor.

Not only coconut milk, but you can also experiment with broth or water as a mixture. However, the key remains the same: ensure the chicken is submerged in the liquid so that the cooked result is truly tender and delicious. With this technique, every bite of chicken will provide unmatched pleasure, making your dish even more special on the dining table!

3. Stew Chicken on High Heat

The process of cooking chicken on high heat is one of the key elements in this technique. High heat helps the spices and coconut milk to penetrate the fibers of the chicken faster. In this process, the chicken is stewed until the meat starts to cook but not until it falls apart. Cooking on high heat also results in more evenly cooked meat, so the chicken doesn't need to stay in the frying pan for too long later. Thus, the deliciousness of the chicken is preserved without compromising its tenderness.

However, it is important to note that when stewing on high heat, we must still stir the chicken gently to ensure the spices adhere and do not burn at the bottom of the pot. If left too long, the meat can become overcooked and the texture may not meet expectations. Therefore, stew the chicken just enough and check periodically to achieve optimal results.

4. Fry Immediately After Stewing Without Giving Rest Time

One common mistake that causes chicken to become tough is giving a "rest" time after stewing. In this tip, the chicken should be fried immediately after the stewing process is complete. By frying it right away, the tenderness and juiciness of the chicken can be well preserved. The oil used should also be in sufficient quantity to fully submerge the chicken, ensuring a crispy and crunchy exterior while remaining tender inside.

Also, make sure the oil is hot before the chicken is added to achieve optimal frying texture. Fry the chicken over medium heat until it turns brown and appears crispy. If the oil is too hot or too cold, the chicken can become too dry or even absorb too much oil. With the right technique, the fried chicken is ready to be enjoyed with a crispy texture and unmatched savory flavor.

5. Frequently Asked Questions About How to Fry Chicken

Why is coconut milk important in the fried chicken marinating process?

Coconut milk helps retain moisture and makes the chicken meat more tender and not dry after frying.

6. What are the spice ingredients needed in the marinating process for chicken?

Main spices include shallots, garlic, galangal, ginger, candlenuts, as well as additional ingredients like lemongrass, bay leaves, and kaffir lime leaves.

7. Can coconut milk be replaced with other ingredients when marinating chicken?

Yes, you can use broth or water, but coconut milk provides extra tenderness and a richer flavor to the meat.

8. What causes fried chicken to become tough?

Chicken can become tough if there is insufficient liquid during the marinating process or if it is fried over too high heat, causing the moisture in the meat to dry out.

9. How to keep chicken juicy when frying?

Make sure the chicken is submerged in enough liquid during the marinating process and fry in plenty of oil over medium heat to maintain a juicy texture.

(kpl/mnd)