If you’re on an expedition in search of the best fried chicken in Hamburg, PA, look no further than Redner’s Markets at 500 Hawk Ridge Road. Homemade or from our deli, the ingredients and ready-to-enjoy poultry found here are second to none. Read on to gain an expert-level understanding of what makes outstanding fried chicken as you judge the dish you buy, make, or serve.
Crispy, Golden-Brown Skin
The appearance of the cooked breading is the first indication of quality fried chicken. It should be a brilliant light brown and crispy – NOT greasy. The skin needs to be consistent without breaks in the coating and crunchy without being extremely hard. When fried chicken’s coating is soggy or greasy, it was either breaded improperly or cooked at too low of a temperature.
Tender, Juicy Meat
Once you’ve established the quality of the chicken’s skin, move on to the bite. Is the meat juicy and tender or dry and chewy?
Clearly, the chicken should be cooked completely without any blood, pink, or raw areas. Make sure that the interior temperature reaches 165° during preparation.
Beyond being cooked thoroughly without being dry, chicken meat must also be flavorful with every bite. Dry meat is generally overcooked, rubbery chicken is either undercooked or lesser quality poultry.
Seasoning and Flavor
Flavorless chicken is NOT the best. Seasoning needs to be infused throughout the meat, NOT just in the batter. The flavor should be balanced as well. Traditionally, seasonings for chicken include salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne. Heat also plays a role in some fried chicken recipes, depending on personal preference.
Excellently seasoned fried chicken tastes good with your favorite dipping sauce or can stand on its own as a flavorful, juicy mouthful of deliciousness.
Cooking Technique
The wrong technique can ruin fried chicken—even when the ingredients and their quality are perfect.
The temperature of the oil is of primary importance. The ideal temperature ranges from 325 – 375°F. If the temperature is too low, the result is a greasy, soggy mess, and when the temperature is too high, the outside will burn before the meat is cooked completely.
Cooks often choose to double dredge the chicken before frying to make sure the batter sticks well and doesn’t fall off during frying. Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking is also important to keep the chicken crispy and NOT greasy.
Redner’s Markets Fried Chicken
Take these new skills and evaluate the quality of the Redner’s Markets deli chicken! Order your bucket today to enjoy golden brown, crispy, and juicy fried chicken:
- 8 pieces (2 breasts, 2 wings, 2 thighs, 2 drumsticks – $9.99)
- 12 pieces (6 drumsticks, 6 thighs – $8.99)
- 16 pieces (4 breasts, 4 wings, 4 thighs, 4 drumsticks – $18.99)
- 20 pieces (5 breasts, 5 wings, 5 thighs, 5 drumsticks – $25.00)
- 32 pieces (8 breasts, 8 wings, 8 thighs, 8 drumsticks – $38.00)
- 50 pieces (12 breasts, 12 wings, 13 thighs, 13 drumsticks – $60.00)
- 100 pieces (24 breasts, 24 wings, 26 thighs, 26 drumsticks – $100.00).
Click here when you’re ready to order the best fried chicken in Hamburg, PA, from Redner’s Markets. Keep in mind that when you’re ready to master the art of preparing it yourself, we have the ingredients you’ll need.