There's something truly satisfying about biting into crispy fried chicken. Now, imagine that classic comfort food elevated with a sophisticated twist – the sharp, peppery bite of freshly ground black pepper combined with the salty, nutty goodness of Parmesan cheese. This isn't your average fried chicken; it’s a culinary experience designed to tantalize your taste buds. We pair it with a simple, refreshing arugula salad to cut through the richness, creating a balanced and unforgettable meal. I once made this for a picky eater friend, and even they couldn't get enough! It was so fun seeing their face after the first bite
This recipe isn't just about the incredible flavor; it's also about the experience of making something special in your own kitchen. From the satisfying crunch of the coating to the vibrant freshness of the arugula, every element contributes to a dish that's both comforting and elegant. Plus, it's surprisingly easy to make! Don't be intimidated by the name; with a few simple steps, you can achieve restaurant-quality fried chicken that will impress your family and friends. Its amazing how much better this is then anything you'd find in a drive through.
Required Equipments
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Whisk
- Shallow Dishes
- Large Skillet or Deep Fryer
- Tongs
- Wire Rack
Black Pepper Parmesan Fried Chicken with Arugula Salad: Frequently Asked Questions
Black Pepper Parmesan Fried Chicken with Arugula Salad
Elevate your fried chicken game with this recipe for Black Pepper Parmesan Fried Chicken, paired with a fresh and zesty arugula salad. Crispy, flavorful, and surprisingly easy to make, this dish is sure to impress!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 4 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- First, prep the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere better.
- Make the Black Pepper Parmesan Coating: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, grated Parmesan cheese, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and paprika. Ensure everything is evenly distributed. This blend creates a flavor profile, okay?
- Set up for breading: Prepare three shallow dishes. In the first dish, place the seasoned flour mixture. In the second dish, whisk the eggs with a splash of milk or water. The third dish should be empty – ready for the coated chicken.
- Coat the chicken: Take each piece of chicken and dredge it thoroughly in the seasoned flour, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off. Finally, return the chicken to the flour mixture and coat it again, pressing gently to ensure the coating sticks well. This double coating is key for a crispy crust.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil or canola oil over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of flour dropped into it sizzles immediately.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes on each side, or until it's golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and rest: Remove the fried chicken from the skillet or fryer using tongs and place it on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Prepare the Arugula Salad: While the chicken is resting, prepare the arugula salad. In a medium bowl, toss the fresh arugula with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and shaved Parmesan cheese. Adjust amounts to taste.
- Serve immediately: Serve the Black Pepper Parmesan Fried Chicken hot, accompanied by the fresh arugula salad. A squeeze of lemon over the chicken can really enhance the flavors! Enjoy your meal!
📝 Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture.
- If you like a stronger Parmesan flavor, use a higher quality, aged Parmesan cheese.
- Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken; otherwise, it will absorb too much oil and become greasy.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 550 kcal
Protein: 30g
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Calcium: 150mg
