Crispy, juicy fried chicken is one of life’s great pleasures, and the birds are on the rise nationwide. That’s because fried chicken is a convenient, fast, relatively affordable comfort food (all of which have been growing trends since the pandemic).

The takeout fried chicken market is set to reach $9.85 billion by 2030 according to Market Research Future, so consider this a sign to add fried chicken to your menu or improve your existing offerings. Here are some tips for fried chicken success.

Brine Time

For the juiciest, most tender fried chicken, the secret is in the brining process. Brining is a technique of adding salt and other seasonings to meat before cooking it, and there are several different kinds of brines, some with or without salt, some dry, some wet. A buttermilk brine is a sure bet for fried chicken because, in addition to giving the meat added flavor, it also tenderizes the meat, so it stays moist throughout the cooking process.

Buttermilk isn’t the only liquid that’s great for brining chicken. Some fast-casual chicken chains are known for brining their chicken in pickle brine, which imparts a ton of crave-worthy flavor. Play around with finding a brine that complements the flavors you love at your restaurant to make something that’s your own.

Spice is Nice

Using Magellan® spices and seasoning blends to create your own spice blend is a smart way to streamline the fried chicken process. Again, it’s all about dialing in those flavors that align with your brand, whether it’s a classic mix of cayenne pepper, paprika, and garlic powder or something more unique, like a blend of cumin, cinnamon, and white pepper. Whichever blend you choose, create a standardized recipe, and make your blend in advance to make prep and service easier.

To make service even easier, take a bite out of Perfectly Southern Fried Chicken®. The result of a unique proprietary breading process developed by Southern culinary experts, Perfectly Southern delivers the most tender, flavor-rich fried chicken in the industry. And if you happen to be the operator of a c-store or entertainment venue, Performance offers a one-stop-shop turnkey program that can have you serving up craveable, authentically seasoned fried chicken in no time.

We Trust in Crust

Fried chicken should have a nicely crispy crust that adheres well to the meat. There are many different techniques for accomplishing this, but a reliable method involves adding cornstarch and baking soda to the flour for breading.

Another technique is double dredging, which requires dipping in liquid (like buttermilk or beaten eggs) and then flour, resting the chicken, and then dipping again in liquid and flour right before breading. You can do the first dredge, store the chicken pieces in a single layer in a low-boy cooler, and then dredge the pieces again to order for a crust that’s thick and crunchy. And keep top-quality fry oil in mind: Brilliance® Premium Oils produce crisp, golden-brown, full-flavored chicken your guests will make return trips for.

Cue the Cutlet

When you think of fried chicken, the bone-in variety probably comes to mind first, but we are living in the golden age of chicken cutlets, whether it’s the German-inspired schnitzel or a Japanese-inspired katsu. Chicken cutlets have some advantages because they are boneless and typically thinner cuts, which means they cook more quickly (though they can dry out quickly too). And they’re also easier to eat, especially for kids, which makes them an especially good choice for kids’ menus.

Bird is the Word

Fried chicken is a quintessential comfort food and a great jumping off point for introducing your own unique flavors. Here are a few ideas:

• Smoke it first! Smoking chicken before frying adds incredible flavor, and the low and slow cooking in the smoker ensures a tender, juicy final product.
• Add Asian flavors: Korean fried chicken, with spicy gochujang sauce puts a whole new spin on lip-smacking good. Add sesame seeds for an extra crunch and sliced scallions for a pop of color and flavor.
• Serve it with fun sides: One of the best parts of eating fried chicken is enjoying all the great sides that accompany it, whether it’s a fluffy biscuit or a crispy waffle. Get creative with your side selection to give the star of the show some worthy back-up singers.
• Go birdless! With the trend of plant-based dining on the rise, it would be wise to consider adding a meatless option to your fried ‘chicken’ menu. You can go with a pre-made fried chicken substitute or use mushrooms — the chicken of the woods — or a patty of your own creation with tofu, seitan, or tempeh.