Crispy and Juicy: Knott’s Berry Farm Fried Chicken Recipe
Listen up, my fellow home chefs, have I got a recipe for you! If you’ve ever tasted the finger-licking-good fried chicken from Knott’s Berry Farm restaurant in Buena Park, California then you know what I’m talking about. This farm-fried chicken recipe is a true gem from Mrs. Knott’s cookbook, passed down from generation to generation.
Now, I know there are plenty of fried chicken recipes out there, but let me tell you why this one stands out – it’s all in the details! The secret to that iconic crispy coating is the flour mixture that coats each piece of chicken. And don’t even get me started on the magic of soaking the chicken in salted water before your fry it up – it makes all of the difference!
This recipe is perfect for any occasion – a cozy family dinner, a backyard barbecue, or even to celebrate National Fried Chicken Day on July 6th! Trust me, once you try this recipe you will be impressed by just how much it tastes like the real deal from Knott’s Berry Farm. So grab some frying chickens and let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for the perfect fried chicken recipe that will tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests wanting more? Look no further than the Knott’s Berry Farm Fried Chicken Recipe. This recipe has been handed down for generations and is a true family favorite. But what makes this chicken so special?
Firstly, it all starts with the selection of fresh and high-quality frying chickens. At Knott’s Berry Farm, only the best chickens are selected for this one-of-a-kind recipe. The chickens are then cut into perfectly portioned pieces, making them easy to prepare and even easier to eat.
Secondly, the secret to this recipe lies within the three-step process of soaking in salt water, coating in flour, and frying in oil. This allows each piece of chicken to be juicy on the inside and crispy on the outside, ensuring maximum flavor with every bite.
But perhaps what makes this recipe truly stand out is its connection to history. Hailing from the world-renowned Knott’s Berry Farm restaurant in Buena Park, California, this recipe has been enjoyed by millions of people over the years. The farm restaurant was once a small berry stand run by Mrs. Cordelia Knott, who developed her own chicken recipe that became famous throughout Southern California.
Now you too can enjoy this famous recipe in your very own kitchen thanks to the Knott’s Berry Farm Cookbook by Dorothy Simpson Sikking. This cookbook includes not only the original fried chicken recipe but a wide variety of other farm favorites like fried steak, chicken noodle soup, and more.
So why settle for any old chicken dinner when you can celebrate National Fried Chicken Day (July 6th) with a true classic? With its juicy flavor, irresistible crispness, and rich history, Knott’s Berry Farm Fried Chicken Recipe is sure to become an instant family favorite.
Ingredient List
Before we dive into making the famous Knott’s Berry Farm Fried Chicken Dinner, let us first prepare the ingredients that we need. This recipe will require you to do a bit of grocery shopping, but I promise you that it will be worth it! Here is the list:
Frying Chickens
- 3 lbs frying chickens, cut into pieces
- 2 cups flour
- 1 quart oil for frying
Salt Water Soak
- 1 tablespoon salt
- Enough water to cover chicken
Dry Coat
- 2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1/4 tablespoon pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika
- Optional: add your favorite spices
Make sure that you have all these ingredients before starting with the recipe. Trust me when I say that this dish is worth driving down to Buena Park for, but with this recipe, you can save yourself the gas and enjoy Knott’s Berry Farm Fried chicken in the comfort of your own home!
The Recipe How-To
Now that we have all our ingredients out, it’s time to get started on the most exciting part – cooking the Knott’s Berry Farm Fried Chicken! Here is my step-by-step guide to creating the mouthwatering masterpiece.
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs. frying chickens, cut into pieces
- 2 cups flour
- 1 quart oil
Directions:
Step 1: Soak chicken in salt water
First and foremost, soak your frying chickens in salt water for at least 1 hour. This will make the meat tender and juicy. Do remember to cover your chicken completely in salted water and let it soak for at least an hour.
Step 2: Pat dry and coat
After an hour, drain the chicken and pat it dry. Then coat the piece of chicken completely in flour by shaking off any excess flour.
Step 3: Bring oil temp to ER (375 F)
Bring a quart of oil to smoking point, this usually takes about ten minutes over medium heat; you’ll know the oil is ready when it reaches a temperature of around 375°F.
Step 4: Fry chicken
Slowly add chicken to the hot oil, (do not overcrowd). Make sure all sides are fully submerged and let the chicken cook for about 45 minutes or until crispy brown.
Make sure your chicken is cooked before serving it as fully-cooked chicken will ensure you don’t have any stomach trouble. Once all cooked remove from oil with tongs and let rest on paper towels lined on a plate
Step 5: Serve:
Congratulations! You’ve made some delicious Knott’s Berry Farm Fried Chicken. Now it’s time to enjoy hot crispy fried chicken dinner with family or friends.
Substitutions and Variations
Are you looking to mix up the traditional Knott’s Berry Farm Fried Chicken recipe? There are a variety of substitutions and variations that you can add to switch it up and make it your own.
For a healthier option, try using whole wheat flour or almond flour instead of white flour. You can also lower the oil content by baking your chicken in the oven at 375°F for 45 minutes. This will also give your chicken an equally crisp texture without the excess oil.
If you’re feeling a little bolder, consider adding different spices or sauces to the recipe. Try using smoked paprika, garlic powder or onion powder to add another layer of flavor. For a spicy kick, consider adding cayenne pepper or chili flakes.
For those who prefer boneless chicken options, the recipe works well with chicken breast as well. You can also substitute bone-in chicken thighs if frying chickens are not easily available in your area.
Additionally, if you want to create an entirely new dish from this classic recipe, consider creating a “fried steak” by using cube steak in place of chicken pieces or add more vegetables like onions, carrots and green peppers.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different substitutions and variations until you find a version that speaks to your palate. Just remember to keep track of any changes you make so that you can recreate your favorite version again and again.
Serving and Pairing
After going through the trouble of making this delicious Knott’s Berry Farm Fried Chicken Recipe, it’s important to know how to best serve and pair it. A dinner at Knott’s Berry Farm restaurant is not complete without mashed potatoes, country gravy, and biscuits! You can certainly recreate that restaurant dining experience at home.
My favorite serving tip is to add some steamed vegetables or a crisp green salad as an additional side dish. This not only adds color to your plate but also provides a nice contrast in texture and flavor with the crispy chicken.
If you want to take your dinner up a notch, pair your fried chicken with a light and refreshing coleslaw or potato salad. The tangy flavors will cut through the richness of the chicken and round out your plate beautifully.
As for beverages, a classic sweet iced tea is perfect as it complements the savory flavors of the chicken. And if you like to add a little kick to your meal, try pairing it with a cold beer or even a glass of dry white wine.
Overall, this dish can be served on its own for a casual dinner with friends or family, but don’t forget to add some wonderful sides to make it more special. And if you’re feeling fancy, go ahead and set the table – this is no average “chicken dinner” kind of night!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Let me tell you, this Knott’s Berry Farm Fried Chicken Recipe is so delicious that it’s unlikely that you’ll have any leftovers, but in the event that you do, here are some tips on how to store and reheat it.
The best way to ensure your fried chicken reheats well is to store it properly. Once your fried chicken has cooled down, place it in an airtight container or tightly wrap it in aluminum foil or plastic wrap. It’s important to keep air out of the container so that the chicken doesn’t absorb any unpleasant odors from your refrigerator. Then, store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
If you prefer to make the fried chicken ahead of time and reheat later, it is entirely possible. Simply let the chicken cool down on a wire rack for a few minutes after frying and then transfer to an airtight container or plastic bag and refrigerate. You can reheat by placing it into a 350°F preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until heated through.
A word of caution: microwaving leftover fried chicken can leave it tasting soggy and unappetizing. It’s best to avoid this method if possible. In case you must resort to microwaving it, heat it at low power for short intervals of time, flipping halfway through until heated through.
If you want to enjoy its full crispy glory, consider reheating the fried chicken in a toaster oven. The dry heat will keep the crust crispy while reheating the meat.
Remember to store your Knott’s Berry Farm Fried Chicken Recipe properly so that all of its textures and flavors stay intact, even after reheating.
Tips for Perfect Results
As a home chef and party aficionado, I can tell you that nothing impresses guests like homemade Knott’s Berry Farm fried chicken. After perfecting this recipe, I have some tips to share with you to ensure your chicken is perfectly crispy and seasoned every time.
First, it’s important to shake off any excess flour after coating the chicken. A heavy flour coating can result in a greasy and clumpy crust. To avoid this, simply shake off any excess before frying.
Next, make sure the oil is at the right temperature before adding the chicken. If the oil is too hot, it can burn the outside of the chicken while leaving the inside raw. If it’s not hot enough, the chicken will absorb more oil as it cooks, becoming greasy and heavy. To check if the oil is ready, drop a small piece of bread into the oil. If it sizzles immediately and turns golden in about 60 seconds, then the oil is at the right temperature.
Another essential tip is to allow your chicken to rest for several minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in moist and tender chicken with every bite.
When making this chicken recipe, I recommend only using frying chickens. These are typically younger and more tender than regular chickens, making them ideal for frying. Also be sure to cut them up into smaller pieces such as thighs or wings to ensure even cooking.
Finally, don’t be afraid to get creative with your seasonings! While salt water brine is a classic option, adding different herbs and spices like paprika or cayenne pepper can add a punch of flavor to your fried chicken.
By following these tips and tricks, you’ll achieve that perfectly crispy exterior and juicy interior that makes Knott’s Berry Farm fried chicken so famous. Trust me, your guests won’t be able to get enough of it!
Bottom Line
So there you have it – the Knott’s Berry Farm Fried Chicken Recipe, straight from the farm cookbook. This recipe is perfect for celebrating National Fried Chicken Day or any chicken dinner event you may have planned.
The secret to the delicious taste of this chicken lies in the salty water soak and the dry coat of flour. These two steps work together to create a juicy and crispy texture that will have your taste buds singing.
This recipe is also versatile, allowing for substitutions or variations based on personal preference. Whether you use a mixture of spices or stick to salt and pepper, this dish can be adapted to suit your taste buds.
Serve this farm-fresh fried chicken with your choice of sides and enjoy a delightful meal that will transport you to the Knott’s Berry Farm restaurant in Buena Park. And don’t forget to check out the other dishes on their famous menu!
If you want to recreate this mouth-watering experience at home, be sure to follow these instructions closely and adhere to the tips provided. And always remember, practice makes perfect – so don’t give up if your first attempt doesn’t live up to your expectations.
Lastly, I highly recommend you get yourself a copy of the Knott’s Berry Farm Cookbook by Lynn Renee Chin and Amelia Parks Sikking, available on Amazon.com. It’s packed with fantastic recipes just like this one that will transport you to the farm with each bite.
In conclusion, I hope that you’ll re-create this amazing Knott’s Berry Farm Fried Chicken Recipe for your next gathering or celebration. Trust me, it will be worth all the effort put in!
Knott’s Berry Farm Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs frying chickens, cut up
- salt water, to soak chicken in
- 2 cups flour
- 1 quart oil
Instructions
- Soak chicken for at least 1 hour and pat dry.
- Coat each piece of chicken with flour and shake off any excess flour.
- Bring oil up to temp in an iron skillet or large frying pan and carefully drop in chicken pieces.
- Cover and fry for 45 minutes or until golden brown and juices run clear.
- Remove chicken when done and drain on paper towels.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
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Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!