This deep fried whole chicken recipe is easy, quick, and straightforward. Succulent and crispy whole fried chicken is always a treat for everybody and it can be served on occasions like Christmas, Easter, Sunday dinner, special celebrations, and any time of the year. Let me show you how to deep fry whole chicken at home.
You don't have to have an oven, air fryer, or a grill before you can cook a whole chicken. You can simply fry it in a pot on the stove or in a deep fryer. This post will show you how to do that in easy steps.
Deep Fried Whole Chicken Recipe
This deep fried whole chicken recipe is easy to make and makes use of few ingredients.
The whole fried chicken comes out flavorful, the meat tender and moist, the skin crispy and tasty.
The chicken is seasoned with a simple dry rub that is packed full of flavor but you can also use any of your favorite seasonings be it homemade or store-bought.
Serve it with sides like potatoes, carrots, gravy for a festive feast or regular dinner.
Ingredients
Whole chicken
Black pepper
Garlic powder
Onion powder
Paprika
Vegetable oil or sunflower oil. You can also use peanut oil- All these listed have a high smoking point.
How To Deep Fry Whole Chicken
Place the chicken in a deep pan (that you'll be using for frying), add water into the pan till the chicken is fully immersed.
Take out the chicken then measure the water quantity. This is the quantity of oil you will need to deep fry the chicken.
Pat the whole chicken dry with a paper towel.
Make cuts on the chicken so as to properly marinate it with seasoning and spices.
In a small bowl, mix the black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
Add the mixed spices on and in all parts of the chicken ensuring every part is well seasoned.
If you have the time, put the chicken in the fridge to marinate for 1 hour up to 24 hours.
Pour the measured oil into the pan and heat it at 350F/175C. Put the chicken in a wire basket then gently place the basket into the pan.
You can also put the chicken directly into the deep pan instead of placing it in a wire basket. But it’s recommended to use the wire basket as it's easier to lift the chicken out of the oil after frying.
Fry chicken for 20 to 30 minutes or till it's golden brown and cooked through.
Check the internal temperature with a probe and ensure that it's at least 165F at the thickest part.
If you find any part of the chicken is not cooked through you can refry.
Take out the chicken from the oil and leave it to rest for 10 minutes before carving into it.
How Long To Deep Fry Whole Chicken
How long to deep fry whole chicken depends on the size of the chicken, and the temperature of the oil. For whole chicken that is about 1.4kg - 1.6kg, it will take 20 - 25 minutes to deep fry.
For one that is 1.6kg - 2kg. It will take 25 -35 minutes to fry.
It is best to check the internal temperature of the chicken at the thickest point to determine that it is at least 165F.
What To Serve with Whole Chicken
Potatoes
Rice
Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, carrots, Brussel sprouts
Gravy
Yorkshire pudding
Pasta
Storage Information
To store leftover deep fried whole chicken, first, leave it to completely cool, then put it in an airtight container or Ziploc bag, then store it in the fridge where it will keep well for up to 4 days.
To store it for longer, store it in the freezer where it will keep well for up to 6 months. Put in an airtight container or Ziploc, label with dates and name before putting it in the freezer.
It can be reheated in the microwave or re-fried on the stovetop. You can also reheat it in the oven, or air fryer.
To reheat in the microwave: Place the chicken on a microwave-safe dish, cover with microwave bowl cover, and set the microwave at a high temperature setting to cook for 2 minutes. Add additional time if the chicken is not warmed through after 2 minutes.
To reheat in the oven: Place the chicken on a baking tray and bake in the oven at a temperature of 180C/380F for 5 minutes or till heated through.
Leftovers can be repurposed and used in curries, stews, sandwiches, salads, wraps, and omelets.
Tips
- If using frozen chicken, you can leave it in the fridge to thaw overnight.
- Remember to remove all giblets inside the chicken before seasoning and frying.
- Pat the whole chicken dry and season adequately.
- You can use any other spice rub or seasoning mix of your choice.
- To fry, use oil with a high smoking point.
- Use enough oil to immerse the chicken so it deep fries and cook evenly.
- Use a pan deep enough to fit in the chicken with some space at the top to prevent oil spillage.
- Slotted basket makes it easier to lift chicken out of the oil when it's cooked.
- You can use the leftover oil used for frying to cook other foods for flavor.
- Place fried chicken on a paper towel lined plate to absorb any excess oil after frying.
More Fried Chicken Recipes
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Deep Fried Whole Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Deep Fryer or Pot
Ingredients
- 1 Whole Chicken
- 1 tablespoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Black pepper
- Salt to taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
- ½ teaspoon chicken stock powder Optional
Instructions
- Place the chicken in a deep pan (that you'll be using for frying), add water into the pan till the chicken is fully immersed. Take out the chicken then measure the water quantity. This is the quantity of oil you will need to deep fry the chicken.
- Pat the whole chicken dry with a paper towel.Make cuts on the chicken so as to properly marinate it with seasoning and spices.
- In a small bowl, mix the black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Add the mixed spices on and in all parts of the chicken ensuring every part is well seasoned. If you have the time, put the chicken in the fridge to marinate for 1 hour up to 24 hours.
- Pour the measured oil into the pan and heat it at 350F/175C. Put the chicken in a wire basket then gently place the basket into the pan.You can also put the chicken directly into the deep pan instead of placing it in a wire basket. But it’s recommended to use the wire basket as it's easier to lift the chicken out of the oil after frying.
- Fry chicken for 20 to 30 minutes or till it's golden brown and cooked through.Check the internal temperature with a probe and ensure it's at least 165F at the thickest part.If you find any part of the chicken is not cooked through you can refry.
- Leave whole chicken to rest for 10 minutes before carving into it.
Notes
- If using frozen chicken, you can leave it in the fridge to thaw overnight.
- Remember to remove all giblets inside the chicken before seasoning and frying.
- Pat the whole chicken dry and season adequately.
- You can use any other spice rub or seasoning mix of your choice.
- To fry, use oil with a high smoking point.
- Use enough oil to immerse the chicken so it deep fries and cook evenly.
- Use a pan deep enough to fit in the chicken with some space at the top to prevent oil spillage.
- A slotted basket makes it easier to lift the chicken out of the oil when it's cooked.
- You can use the leftover oil used for frying to cook other foods for flavor.
- Place fried chicken on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil after frying.
BT says
Something to try for thanksgiving❤️ I’m feeling the vibes already with da chicken.
Kemi says
Thank you. Do let me know when you've tried it.