Fry then roast chicken for maximum convenience
Fried chicken is a timeless dish perfect for a Fourth of July celebration, and regardless of your culinary expertise, there’s always room to improve your skills. Ina Garten offers a unique approach to making perfectly crispy chicken while keeping convenience in mind: she cooks the chicken in the oven for 30 to 40 minutes after briefly frying it in hot oil. This method allows you to create a crust quickly, giving you ample time to enjoy a cocktail (or Garten's favorite caffeinated drink, which she affectionately calls "rocket fuel") while the bone-in pieces finish crisping up.
On her website, Garten explains, "I marinate the chicken in buttermilk for moisture, fry it quickly on the stove for crispiness, and then roast it in the oven to keep it from being greasy." She prefers to fry the chicken before guests arrive so she can simply pop it in the oven to finish cooking before dinner. This oil-to-oven technique doesn’t require immediate succession, allowing you to perfectly time your Fourth of July menu while still enjoying the festivities. If you’re not eating right away, you can even store the par-fried chicken in the fridge; just let it reach room temperature before placing it in the oven.
Other Barefoot Contessa-approved tips for fried chicken
Ina Garten is well-versed in preparing poultry, and she has some valuable tips to consider when frying up tasty chicken this Fourth of July. Before you even step into the kitchen, selecting the right bird is crucial. While some may believe that larger chickens are preferable, Garten advocates for smaller ones, as their meat is often more tender. Depending on your guest count, this might mean purchasing several smaller chickens, but the extra effort could lead to a superior meal.
Aligning with many poultry enthusiasts, Garten advises against removing the skin from chicken breasts. It's best to keep the skin on when frying, whether you're using light or dark meat. The combination of oil and oven heat will create a crispy exterior without excessive greasiness, while also locking in moisture for juicier fried chicken. Additionally, she sometimes intentionally undercooks the chicken to enhance flavor and moisture. However, this unconventional method requires careful monitoring with a meat thermometer to ensure food safety, which may not be ideal for a busy gathering. Regardless of the specific frying and roasting techniques you choose, the Barefoot Contessa's preferred method is sure to impress your guests and give you more time to unwind this Fourth of July.
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