How to Make Perfectly Crispy Fried Chicken

Fried chicken is a beloved comfort food that’s crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. While it may seem intimidating to make at home, it’s actually quite easy with these simple tips for ensuring deliciously crispy fried chicken every time.

Ingredients

These are the basic ingredients you’ll need:

  • Chicken pieces such as breasts, thighs, drumsticks and wings
  • 1-2 cups buttermilk
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • Salt, pepper, other spices like cayenne or oregano
  • Vegetable or peanut oil for frying

The Key Is Preparation

Proper preparation is crucial for creating that signature crispy coating:

  • Soak in buttermilk: Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for 30 minutes. This tenderizes the meat and imparts flavor.
  • Coat with flour: Drain chicken from buttermilk, then dredge pieces in flour seasoned with salt, pepper and spices.
  • Dip in egg wash: Beat eggs with 1 tablespoon water. Dip floured chicken in egg wash.
  • Cover in breadcrumbs: Finally press chicken pieces into breadcrumbs or panko to completely coat.

Frying Time

Now comes the fun part – frying:

  • Use 1-inch oil: Heat 1 inch of frying oil to 325-350°F in a heavy skillet or pan. The oil should shimmer but not smoke.
  • Fry in batches: Fry chicken in batches of 2-3 pieces to avoid overcrowding.
  • Flip once: Fry for 12-15 minutes turning halfway until golden brown.
  • Check internal temperature: Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Finishing Touches

These final steps lock in the flavor:

  • Drain on wire rack: Drain fried chicken on a wire rack over a baking sheet to remove excess grease.
  • Keep warm in oven: Place rack with chicken in a 200°F oven to keep pieces crispy while cooking remaining batches.
  • Optional sauce: Toss chicken in your favorite sauce. Honey mustard and BBQ sauce are great options.

Crisping Tips and Tricks

Follow these tips for optimally crispy chicken:

  • Use boneless, skin-on chicken thighs for ideal texture.
  • Chill chicken pieces for 1 hour before coating to reduce moisture.
  • Use freshly grated breadcrumbs, not panko, for maximum crunch.
  • Allow coated chicken to sit for 15-20 minutes before frying.
  • Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature. Overheating risks burning.
  • Avoid moving chicken pieces while frying to prevent batter shedding.
  • Let chicken drain for 5 minutes after frying before serving.

With this easy technique, you’ll be enjoying southern-style crispy fried chicken in your own kitchen. Adjust cook times and spices to your preference. Enjoy this crispy treat on its own or in sandwiches, salads and more!

Why Gaming Matters: The Benefits of Video Games

Video games are often criticized for supposedly rotting kids’ brains and being a waste of time. But the reality is, when played in moderation, video games can provide significant cognitive, social, emotional and even physical benefits. Here are 10 reasons why gaming is actually important and beneficial.

1. Improves Hand-Eye Coordination

Gaming involves actively using your hands to manipulate a controller or keyboard while observing on-screen actions. This enhances motor skills and hand-eye coordination. Studies find gamers have better reaction times and dexterity.

2. Boosts Problem-Solving Abilities

Many games involve solving puzzles, devising strategies, seeking solutions and overcoming obstacles. These gameplay mechanics exercise mental muscles and boost critical thinking. Gamers develop superior logic, resourcefulness and problem-solving skills.

3. Enhances Concentration

Focusing on objectives, processing information and making quick decisions during fast-paced games improves sustained attention span. Studies show that kids with attention deficits focus better when playing games.

4. Tests and Expands Creativity

Games with open-ended worlds and possibilities like Minecraft nurture imagination. Creating in-game content, building and exploring flexes creative muscles. Gaming provides outlets for innovation and ingenuity.

5. Teaches Perseverance

Games require learning skills, repeating levels and overcoming challenges to progress. This teaches gamers resilience when facing problems. By persevering through gameplay failure, gamers develop self-confidence.

6. Promotes Cooperation and Teamwork

Multiplayer games encourage communication, resource sharing, and problem-solving. Gamers learn team dynamics like assuming roles, collaboration, and group decision-making. These are valuable real-world skills.

7. Improves Memory

Gamers must remember controls, locations, characters, context and nuances of different games. A study found gamers had better working memory and retained more words than non-gamers.

8. Provides Exercise

Games involving physical movement like dance/exercise games or VR provide an engaging form of exercise. Sports-based games can also get gamers off the couch and moving. This promotes physical fitness.

9. Relieves Stress

The excitement, challenge and interactivity of games engages our minds, provides distraction from stressors and induces feelings of achievement. Gaming promotes relaxation and stress relief.

10. Connects People Socially

Co-op, multiplayer and online games enable social interactions with friends and make new connections. They build teamwork, communication and empathetic skills. Games create communities.

While excessive gaming has downsides, regular and moderate gameplay offers many benefits for mental and physical health. From improved cognition to social bonds, gaming positively impacts personal development when balanced with other activities. Overall, gaming matters and has value if responsibly integrated into life.

Top 5 Tips To Find Practitioners

Finding the right practitioner for your healthcare needs is a crucial step in maintaining your well-being. Whether you’re seeking a medical doctor, therapist, nutritionist, or any other healthcare professional, it’s essential to ensure they are well-qualified, experienced, and compatible with your needs. Here are the top 5 tips to help you find the right practitioner.

Research and Verify Credentials

One of the most critical steps in finding a reliable practitioner is to research and verify their credentials. Look for practitioners who are licensed and board-certified in their respective fields. For instance, when seeking a medical doctor, check if they are certified by the relevant medical board in your country. Ensure they have no history of malpractice claims or disciplinary actions against them. Reliable sources for verifying credentials include government licensing websites, professional association directories, and online review platforms like Healthgrades or Vitals.

Seek Recommendations

Word of mouth recommendations from friends, family, or colleagues can be invaluable when searching for a practitioner. Inquire about their experiences with healthcare professionals and ask for recommendations based on your specific needs. Additionally, you can seek advice from other healthcare providers, such as your primary care physician, who may be able to refer you to a specialist or recommend a practitioner based on your health concerns.

Read Reviews and Ratings

Online reviews and ratings can offer valuable insights into the quality of care provided by a practitioner. Websites like Yelp, Google, Healthgrades, and RateMDs can provide user-generated reviews and ratings, helping you gauge patient satisfaction and the practitioner’s overall reputation. While reviews can be informative, it’s essential to read multiple reviews and consider the overall consensus rather than relying on a single opinion.

Interview the Practitioner

Before committing to a practitioner, schedule an initial consultation or interview. This is your opportunity to ask questions and assess whether the practitioner is a good fit for your needs. Inquire about their experience with your specific condition, treatment options, and their approach to patient care. Assess their communication style and whether they listen to your concerns. A successful practitioner-patient relationship depends on good communication and mutual understanding.

Consider Compatibility

It’s crucial to find a practitioner with whom you feel comfortable and compatible. Trust your instincts when evaluating whether you can build a good rapport with the practitioner. Consider factors such as their location, office hours, and the ease of scheduling appointments. Ensure that you can easily access their services without any undue inconvenience.

Conclusion

Finding the right practitioner for your healthcare needs is a decision that should not be taken lightly. By following these top 5 tips—researching and verifying credentials, seeking recommendations, reading reviews, interviewing the practitioner, and considering compatibility—you can make an informed choice. Remember that your health and well-being are paramount, and a skilled and trustworthy practitioner can make a significant difference in your overall healthcare experience. Make use of the available resources and take your time to find the best fit for your specific needs.

Best Recliners For Relaxation

After a long day, there’s nothing more relaxing than sinking into a comfortable recliner and putting your feet up. A high-quality recliner can provide the perfect place to unwind, relieve aches and pains, or even catch a nap. When choosing the best recliner for relaxation, there are a few key features to consider.

Padding and Cushions

One of the most important factors in a relaxing recliner is the padding and cushions. Look for a recliner with thick, high-density foam padding on the seat, back, and armrests. The cushions should be firm but still have some give when you sink into them. Memory foam is a great choice for contouring to your body shape. The padding will prevent pressure points from developing while you recline.

Overstuffed recliners with plush pillow-top padding take comfort to another level. Check that the upholstery is made from soft, high-quality fabric that breathes well, such as leather or microfiber. The cushion covers should be removable for easy cleaning. Avoid recliners with wafer-thin padding that loses its support quickly.

Reclining Mechanism

A smooth reclining function is vital for maximizing relaxation. Search for recliners with easy-to-use levers that allow you to gently rock back to the desired position without sudden drops. The footrest should extend smoothly on guides.

Look for independent back and leg rest controls that allow you to find customized comfortable positions. The best recliners will also let you stop at any point between upright and fully reclined. An adjustable headrest that tilts forward to support your neck is also a useful relaxation feature.

Ergonomic Shape

An ergonomic shape optimized for lounging will help you fully relax in your recliner. Look for a curved silhouette that supports your body’s natural contours. A slightly arched lumbar region prevents slouching and aligns your spine. The seat should cradle your thighs with a waterfall front to take pressure off your legs.

Armrests positioned at a comfortable height and angle can reduce strain on your shoulders and neck. Soft upholstered side panels allow you to rest your arms. A headrest should be well-aligned with the neck area. Overall, the recliner should conform to your body rather than leaving uncomfortable gaps.

Material and Size

The recliner material affects both durability and relaxation. Top grain leather has a luxuriously soft feel that gets even more supple over time. Durable microfiber stands up well to daily use while providing a cozy, suede-like texture. Breathable mesh recliners conform to your body but don’t get overly hot like some padded fabrics.

Look for larger recliners that can fully accommodate your size. Taller and wider models are ideal for people over 6 feet or heavier-set body types. However, make sure the recliner isn’t too big for your room layout. Test different sizes at the furniture showroom. Consider rounding out your relaxation zone with a matching oversized ottoman.

Additional Features

Look for additional features that enhance in-chair lounging and napping. Pocketed coil springs in the seat and back provide cushioning comfort like a mattress. A rocking function gives a soothing gentle motion. Some high-end models even have built-in massage features that target pressure points in your back, legs, and feet.

Integrated cup holders, storage compartments, and USB charging ports create a user-friendly relaxation hub. Look for easy-clean features like scotchgard fabric protection and removable covers. Durably constructed frames and long-term warranties will ensure years of relaxed enjoyment.

Top 5 Relaxing Recliners

Here are 5 of the best and most comfortable recliners to consider for your home relaxation needs:

  1. Lane Home Furnishings Wallsaver Recliner – With thick rolled arms and a cozy box-seat design, this leather recliner is hugely comfortable. The easy-access side lever activates incredibly smooth rocking and leg rest motions.
  2. Ashley Yandel Power Lift Recliner – The oversized cushions and wide seat of this soft polyester-blend recliner cradle you in comfort. The remote-controlled power system gives you fingertip control over your positioning.
  3. Harper & Bright Designs Rocker Recliner – Sink back into the plush foam-filled cushions and headrest of this microfiber rocker recliner. Use the easy latch handle to rock gently or recline fully.
  4. FDW Wingback Recliner – The curved wingback shape provides head-to-toe support. Generously padded cushions, smooth reclining motions, and durable leather upholstery make this a relaxation haven.
  5. Divano Roma Furniture Recliner – With a sturdy steel frame and thick cushions wrapped in soft bonded leather, this oversized recliner is built for comfort. Recline gradually via the side-mounted classic lever.

Finding the perfect recliner for your relaxation needs doesn’t have to be difficult. Focus on generous padding, ergonomic shaping, smooth reclining motions, and durable upholstery fabrics. With the right chair, you’ll be able to melt away stress and unwind in comfort.