In the realm of comfort food, nothing quite hits the mark like perfectly fried chicken. Its ideal profile is a beautifully golden, crunchy exterior encasing a tender, succulent, and perfectly cooked interior.
However, achieving this perfect balance isn’t always easy. One common hiccup in the process is ending up with undercooked fried chicken.
Not only is it a letdown from a taste and texture perspective, but it also carries food safety risks. In this comprehensive guide, we will focus on ‘How To Fix Undercooked Fried Chicken.’
From understanding why your chicken may be undercooked to discovering various techniques to safely and deliciously remedy this culinary predicament, we aim to enhance your confidence and proficiency in the kitchen.
Whether you are a novice cook or a seasoned chef, these tips and tricks will help you rescue your dish and ensure that your fried chicken is always crispy, juicy, and perfectly cooked.
How to Fix Undercooked Fried Chicken?
Fixing undercooked fried chicken can be achieved in several ways, depending on your resources and time constraints. Here are some methods:
1. Baking
This method is the most foolproof way to ensure your chicken gets cooked through without burning the exterior.
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the undercooked pieces on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption.
2. Refrying
This can be a quick fix but needs careful attention to prevent burning. Heat your oil to a lower temperature than you used initially – around 325°F (165°C) is ideal.
Then fry your undercooked pieces again for 4-5 minutes, turning them over once. The lower temperature allows the heat to penetrate the chicken without burning the exterior.
3. Microwaving
Although this method may affect the crispiness of the fried coating, it’s a handy last resort. Place the undercooked chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a paper towel to avoid splatter, and microwave it for 1-2 minutes on high, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Pressure Cooking / Instant Pot
If you have a pressure cooker or Instant Pot, you can add the chicken pieces with a cup of chicken broth or water and cook it on high pressure for 5 minutes, then quickly release the pressure.
Note: Whenever fixing undercooked chicken, it’s important to monitor the chicken’s internal temperature. Use a food thermometer and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F (74°C) as recommended by the USDA to kill any bacteria and make the chicken safe to eat.
In addition, if the chicken is significantly undercooked, or if you are at all unsure about its safety, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and discard it. Food safety should be the top priority.
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Can You Recook Undercooked Fried Chicken?
Yes, you can recook undercooked fried chicken. However, it should be done as soon as possible after you discover that it’s underdone, preferably within 2 hours, to prevent the potential growth of harmful bacteria. Here’s how to do it:
1. Oven Baking
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the undercooked pieces on a baking sheet and bake for about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the pieces.
You’ll want to check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer. It should reach 165°F (74°C) to be safe for consumption.
2. Refrying
Heat your oil to a lower temperature than you used initially – around 325°F (165°C). Then fry your undercooked pieces again for 4-5 minutes, turning them over once.
The lower temperature allows the heat to penetrate the chicken without burning the exterior.
3. Microwaving
Though not the preferred method due to loss of crispiness, you can microwave the chicken in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes on high, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
4. Pressure Cooking / Instant Pot
Add the chicken pieces to your pressure cooker or Instant Pot along with a cup of chicken broth or water and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then quickly release the pressure.
How Do You Finish Undercooked Fried Chicken in the Oven?
Finishing undercooked fried chicken in the oven is an effective and relatively easy method that ensures the chicken is fully cooked without over-browning or burning the exterior. Here’s how to do it:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is a good balance for finishing off the cooking process without drying out the chicken.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Arrange the undercooked pieces on a baking sheet lined with a wire rack if available. Using a wire rack keeps the chicken off the pan and allows the heat to circulate more freely around the chicken, promoting even cooking and maintaining the crispness of the chicken.
- Bake the Chicken: Bake the undercooked chicken for about 15-20 minutes. The time can vary depending on the size of the pieces and how undercooked they are, so it’s a good idea to start checking a bit earlier.
- Check the Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the largest piece of chicken, inserting it into the thickest part without touching the bone. The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), as per USDA guidelines.
- Rest and Serve: Once the chicken reaches the correct internal temperature, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making your chicken moist and flavorful.
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Conclusion
If your fried chicken is undercooked, there’s an easy fix. Just pop it back in the fryer for a few minutes until it’s cooked through. If you’re worried about it being too dry, you can always brush it with some oil before frying it again.
