{"id":7295,"date":"2017-05-25T14:06:32","date_gmt":"2017-05-25T14:06:32","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.bellenza.com\/party-ideas\/?p=7295"},"modified":"2019-03-20T16:01:11","modified_gmt":"2019-03-20T16:01:11","slug":"host-fried-chicken-party-summer-tips-recipes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bellenza.com\/party-ideas\/menu-ideas\/host-fried-chicken-party-summer-tips-recipes","title":{"rendered":"Host a Fried Chicken Party This Summer: Tips + Recipes!"},"content":{"rendered":"

While the summer heat sizzles, a Fried Chicken Party<\/strong> would be just the thing for a patio, pool or picnic bash! Fried chicken is a sure hit with grownups and kids alike, easy to serve and just as easy to eat\u2014in individual baskets, using the fingers. Perfect for casual, outdoor entertaining. The perfect comfort food! So, to help you prep for the party, we\u2019ve gathered tips for great chicken frying and serving, and an amazing array of recipes to choose from. (*this post contains affiliate links<\/em>.)<\/p>\n

Updated: March 20, 2019 with healthier, low-fat options.<\/em><\/p>\n

Tips for the Crispiest, Juiciest Fried Chicken Ever!<\/h2>\n
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  1. Take the time to brine the chicken<\/strong> (for example: in seasoned buttermilk) for at least 4 hours, and ideally 24 hours. This will ensure moist meat in every bite!<\/li>\n
  2. For best frying results, use a heavy-bottomed cast-iron skillet<\/strong> or Dutch oven. No need to spend on a deep fryer.<\/li>\n
  3. Olive oil is too pricey for the amount you need for frying. Instead, choose a neutral-tasting oil<\/strong> with a high smoke point, like canola, vegetable, or peanut oil.<\/li>\n
  4. The ideal breading procedure<\/strong> is: 1) brine, 2) dip in flour, beaten egg and\/or buttermilk, and 3) roll in more flour\u2014with a little cornmeal mixed in to add texture and crunch.<\/li>\n
  5. Season at every step. Examples: salt and pepper on the chicken pieces, cayenne in the flour, hot sauce in the buttermilk. <\/strong><\/li>\n
  6. For healthier options, you can remove the chicken skin<\/strong> or use breast meat<\/strong>, and substitute chips or crushed toast<\/strong> for packaged breading mix.<\/li>\n
  7. Use 2 thermometers: one to watch that the oil temperature<\/strong> is maintained at a steady 350 degrees, the other to check the chicken\u2019s internal temperature<\/strong>, ideally 165 degrees.<\/li>\n
  8. Don\u2019t crowd too many chicken pieces<\/strong> in the pan at once. This will lower the oil’s temperature, lengthen the cooking time, and make the breading greasy.<\/li>\n
  9. Drain the fried pieces on a wire rack over a baking sheet<\/strong>. Using paper towels to absorb excess oil actually turns the crust from crisp to soggy.<\/li>\n
  10. Serve with a selection of dipping sauces, ketchup, hot sauce, lemon slices<\/strong> in handy single-serve containers\u2014and lots of paper napkins!<\/li>\n
  11. Ideal side dishes would be corn on the cob, buttered rolls or biscuits, and a cole slaw salad or crispy greens<\/strong> with a tangy vinaigrette dressing.<\/li>\n
  12. For drinks, offer ice cold beer, fresh fruit juices, iced tea<\/a>, fruit-infused water or cocktails<\/a>, sangrias, and sparkling soda<\/strong>.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    10 Fab Fried Chicken Recipes to Choose From<\/h2>\n

    Now, for frying time! Will you opt for a classic recipe everyone\u2019s sure to love? Or surprise guests with a fried chicken variant they\u2019ve never tried\u2014something with Asian or Caribbean flavors, delicious dipping sauces, cheese or nuts? Take your pick below!<\/p>\n

    \"Tips<\/p>\n

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    1. Classic Southern Fried Chicken<\/strong> – Maybe it\u2019s the frying in vegetable shortening that\u2019s the secret to this well-loved Southern dish? Or the egg, milk and flour coating? Whichever, try this recipe courtesy of Food and Wine<\/a>!<\/li>\n
    2. Oven-Fried Chicken<\/strong> – Keeping it healthy in this recipe from Food Network<\/a>\u2014using lean chicken parts, a coating of yogurt, dijon mustard, crispy rice cereal and bagel chips, and a misting of extra virgin olive oil before baking.<\/li>\n
    3. Turmeric Fried Chicken – <\/strong>Try something different from Nonna\u2019s Cooking<\/a>, with the flavors of Malaysia\u2014turmeric, coriander, ginger, chili powder, light soy sauce, garlic and fresh curry leaves!<\/li>\n
    4. Thai Fried Chicken<\/strong> – True to Thai taste, this recipe we found on Rasa Malaysia<\/a> marinates the chicken with cilantro, garlic and Asian seasonings, and recommends a sweet chili sauce for dipping.<\/li>\n
    5. Buttermilk Fried Chicken<\/strong> – Simply Recipes<\/a> presents this well-loved version that uses a buttermilk marinade for extra moist meat, and a flour coating with herb seasonings for great flavor and crunch.<\/li>\n
    6. Caribbean Fried Chicken<\/strong> – A marinade of \u201cgreen seasoning\u201d paste and mustard gives this version by Jehan Can Cook<\/a> a flavorful kick!<\/li>\n
    7. Korean Fried Chicken<\/strong> – This Asian take on fried chicken via Serious Eats<\/a> has an eggshell-thin crust that crackles and crunches, thanks to a thin batter with a dash of vodka. Best served with sweet soy sauce or sweet and spicy chili sauce.<\/li>\n
    8. Nutty Oven-fried Chicken<\/strong> – Chopped pecans add texture and another touch of the South to this baked version of fried chicken from Taste of Home<\/a>.<\/li>\n
    9. Oven-fried Four Cheese Chicken<\/strong> – Using their own shredded four-cheese product as coating, Kraft Recipes<\/a> offers this easy bake-in-the-oven option.<\/li>\n
    10. Skillet Fried Chicken<\/strong> – This classic recipe from Betty Crocker<\/a> uses just flour, paprika, salt and pepper, then 12 minutes to fry and 20 minutes to simmer.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

      Be creative when planning the menu of your fried chicken party! Add an ethnic twist, provide dipping sauces, or have different flavors of fried chicken set out for guests to choose from!<\/p>\n

      What to Serve with Fried Chicken at a Party<\/h2>\n

      Still need more ideas on what goes great with fried chicken? Here are more options:<\/p>\n

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      1. mashed potatoes<\/li>\n
      2. potato salad<\/li>\n
      3. kale salad<\/li>\n
      4. tater tots<\/li>\n
      5. macaroni and cheese<\/li>\n
      6. rice pilaf<\/li>\n
      7. buttered carrots<\/li>\n
      8. baked string beans<\/li>\n
      9. sweet potato casserole<\/li>\n
      10. roasted squash<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n