11 Street Food Classics You Can Make Safer (and Tastier) at Home

6. Fried Chicken: Crisp Crust, Correct Temperatures

Fried chicken brings joy but needs careful handling to be safe at home. Brining adds flavor and keeps meat juicy while helping it cook evenly, but keep brined poultry refrigerated at all times. Use a reliable oil thermometer and aim for about 350°F when frying; keeping the oil steady avoids burned crusts and raw centers. If you prefer less oil, use the oven finish technique: fry briefly to set the crust, then finish in a 375°F oven to ensure the interior reaches 165°F. Always rest chicken for a few minutes before slicing so the juices settle. For flavor, add pan-toasted spices to the flour mix or finish with a dusting of chaat masala for a savory lift. Filtering used oil and storing it properly extends its life and reduces off-flavors for future batches. These measures give you the legendary vendor crunch with kitchen-safe confidence.