How to Properly Cook Undercooked Fried Chicken

It's frustrating when you're looking forward to a delicious meal and end up with undercooked fried chicken. But fret not, as there are several methods you can use to salvage your dish. In this guide, we will explore how to cook undercooked fried chicken to perfection, ensuring it's both safe and delicious.

Method 1: Oven-Roasting the Undercooked Chicken

If you have undercooked chicken as a result of frying, don't despair. You can still cook it to perfection using an oven. Here's how:

Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Preparation: Place the undercooked chicken pieces on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Baking: Bake the chicken in the oven for 10-15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). It's essential to keep an eye on the chicken to avoid overcooking. Overcooked chicken can become dry and tough.

Note: The internal temperature of the chicken should not fall below 165°F (74°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. Undercooked chicken can lead to food poisoning due to harmful bacteria.

Method 2: Deep-Frying the Chicken Again

If the undercooked chicken was just removed from the fryer, you can easily finish cooking it by deep-frying it again:

Frying: Set your deep fryer to a suitable temperature and place the chicken in the fryer. Ensure the temperature is around 350°F (175°C). Timing: Reset the timer and let the chicken fry until it's fully cooked, which usually takes 5-7 minutes. Testing: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C).

Remember, it's crucial to keep the chicken in the fryer until it's fully cooked to avoid any risk of undercooking.

Method 3: Baking in the Oven (Alternative Method)

If you don't have access to a deep fryer, you can also bake the chicken in the oven:

Preheating the Oven: Preheat your oven to 325°F (165°C). Preparation: Place the chicken pieces onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. You can also cover the chicken with foil to help it retain moisture. Baking: Bake the chicken for 30-45 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Methods to Salvage Overcooked Fried Chicken

If you've accidentally overcooked your fried chicken, there are methods you can use to salvage it:

Buttermilk Soak: If you have buttermilk, soak the chicken in it for at least 24 hours. This will help tenderize the meat and make it crispier when you fry it again. The buttermilk also helps to balance the flavor. Spices: If buttermilk is not available, you can add spices such as paprika and cayenne pepper to the fryer. These spices will add a spicy kick and help crisp up the chicken. Grease Replacement: Drain off some of the excess grease and replace it with olive oil. This will give the chicken a healthier coating and prevent it from becoming too soggy.

Remember that patience is key. Rushing the process can result in a burnt and inedible piece of chicken.