Can you make fried chicken on a Blackstone griddle? -

When most people think about frying chicken, they picture a deep fryer or a skillet filled with oil. However, have you ever thought about making fried chicken on a Blackstone griddle? The answer is yes—you absolutely can! With some simple adjustments and the right approach, you can make perfectly crispy fried chicken on your outdoor flat-top grill. Let’s explore exactly how you can do that in a comprehensive step-by-step guide.

The Blackstone griddle has gained significant popularity for its versatility, allowing home cooks to prepare everything from breakfast staples to elaborate dinner feasts. Cooking fried chicken outdoors on a griddle is not only convenient but also adds a fun, unique twist to traditional frying. To make the most of outdoor cooking, be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to Outdoor Cooking on a Griddle. Additionally, maintaining your griddle properly is crucial for consistent cooking results; you can find more useful information at Tips for Maintaining a Blackstone Griddle.

What is a Blackstone Griddle?

Features of a Blackstone Griddle

A Blackstone griddle is an outdoor flat-top grill that provides a large cooking surface, allowing you to cook a wide range of dishes, from pancakes and eggs to steak and fried chicken. Unlike traditional grills, the griddle’s smooth, flat surface helps distribute heat evenly, which makes it ideal for cooking multiple items simultaneously.

The griddle’s design includes several features that make it especially versatile:

Large Cooking Surface: It can accommodate multiple ingredients at once, making it great for batch cooking or hosting outdoor gatherings.
Uniform Heat Distribution: The steel surface of the Blackstone griddle ensures even heat, so you won’t end up with hot spots that could burn your food.
Adjustable Heat Zones: Many griddles come with independently controlled burners, allowing you to cook at different temperatures across the cooking surface.

Advantages of Cooking on a Blackstone Griddle

Versatility: You can cook a wide range of meals, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and even desserts—all on one flat surface.
Even Heating: The griddle’s ability to provide even heat is crucial for achieving perfectly seared and evenly fried chicken. The flat surface allows oil to spread uniformly, ensuring each piece cooks perfectly.
Ease of Cleaning: When properly seasoned, the griddle is easy to clean after cooking. This means you spend less time cleaning up and more time enjoying your meal.

Can You Make Fried Chicken on a Blackstone Griddle?

The question of whether you can make fried chicken on a Blackstone griddle is one that many home chefs have pondered. The answer is yes—you can make delicious fried chicken on a Blackstone griddle, and the results are absolutely satisfying.

Unlike traditional deep frying, frying chicken on a Blackstone griddle involves shallow frying. You use less oil, which makes the process a bit healthier without sacrificing the crispy texture.
Adjusting the heat properly is key to successfully frying chicken on a griddle. To learn more about how cooking chicken on a griddle compares to other cooking methods like using cast iron pans, you can refer to Benefits of Cooking with Cast Iron.

Preparing to Cook Fried Chicken on a Blackstone Griddle

Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken

The first step to making great fried chicken is choosing the right cut. Here are some considerations:

Thighs and Drumsticks: These cuts contain higher fat content, which helps keep the meat juicy during the cooking process. They are also more forgiving in terms of cooking times.
Chicken Breasts: Breasts are leaner and cook more quickly. If you use chicken breasts, monitor the cooking time closely to prevent them from drying out.
Boneless vs. Bone-in: Bone-in chicken tends to retain moisture better, whereas boneless pieces cook faster. Choose based on your personal preferences and the time you have available.

Ingredients You Need

To prepare delicious fried chicken on a Blackstone griddle, you’ll need:

Chicken Pieces: Choose either bone-in or boneless, depending on your preference.
Flour for Coating: Use all-purpose flour as the base for the breading. It helps create the crispy exterior.
Seasonings: A good mix includes salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Adjust the spices to your taste, but don’t skimp—seasoning is key to great fried chicken.
Egg Wash: Combine beaten eggs with a splash of milk or water. This helps the flour coating adhere to the chicken, creating a thicker crust.
Oil for Frying: Choose an oil with a high smoke point, like peanut or canola oil. The high smoke point ensures the oil won’t burn while you’re frying at higher temperatures. For more guidance on selecting the best oil, visit Best Oils for High Heat Cooking.

Setting Up the Griddle

Before frying chicken on a Blackstone griddle, you need to set it up properly:

Preheat the Griddle: Turn your griddle on and let it preheat to medium-high heat. You want the temperature to reach about 350-375°F.
Add the Oil: Pour enough oil to create a shallow layer across the cooking surface. This is critical for proper frying; too little oil may cause the chicken to stick, while too much will make it more akin to deep frying.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Fried Chicken on a Blackstone Griddle

Preheating and Oil Use

Preheat the Griddle: The griddle should be preheated to approximately 350-375°F. Keeping the temperature consistent is crucial for perfectly fried chicken. Use a thermometer to ensure that you achieve the right heat.
Choosing the Right Oil: Oils like canola, peanut, or sunflower have high smoke points, which means they won’t burn easily and will help you achieve a golden, crispy crust.

Bread the Chicken

Season and Flour the Chicken: Coat the chicken pieces thoroughly in flour mixed with your favorite seasonings—salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. The seasoning should be bold enough to give the chicken lots of flavor.
Egg Wash and Flour Coating: Dip each piece of chicken into the egg wash and then back into the seasoned flour for a double coat. This helps create a thick crust that crisps up beautifully on the griddle.

Frying the Chicken on the Griddle

Place the Chicken on the Griddle: Add the chicken pieces to the hot oil on the griddle. You should hear a satisfying sizzle as soon as the chicken hits the oil—this sound means your oil is hot enough for frying.
Cook Evenly: Let each piece fry for about 7-10 minutes on each side, depending on the thickness. Keep the temperature steady to ensure an even, golden crust.

Flipping and Monitoring Internal Temperature

Flip the Chicken: Flip the chicken only once or twice to maintain the integrity of the crispy crust. Use tongs to avoid piercing the chicken, which could cause juices to escape.
Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. This is the FDA-recommended safe temperature for chicken, guaranteeing that it’s cooked through without being overdone.

Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken on a Blackstone Griddle

Temperature Control

Consistent temperature is essential for frying chicken. If the temperature is too high, the crust will burn before the interior is cooked. If it’s too low, the chicken will absorb too much oil, becoming greasy. Keeping your griddle between 350-375°F provides the best results.

Preventing Sticking

Properly Oil the Griddle: Make sure to oil the surface thoroughly before adding the chicken. Let the oil heat up to the right temperature—placing the chicken too early can cause sticking.
Use a Spatula to Test: Before adding the chicken, use a spatula to ensure the oil is hot and that food won’t stick.

Achieving Crispy Texture

Spacing: Don’t overcrowd the griddle. Leaving space between the pieces ensures even cooking and allows the heat to circulate, which helps achieve a crispy crust. For an alternative to griddle frying, try these Chicken Fries in Air Fryer: Crispy & Delicious for another method to get perfectly crispy chicken.

Additional Recipes and Variations

Southern-Style Fried Chicken

For a classic southern taste, marinate your chicken in buttermilk for a few hours or even overnight. The buttermilk breaks down the proteins, tenderizing the meat and adding a tangy flavor.

Marinating Tips: Add paprika, garlic powder, and a bit of hot sauce to the buttermilk for extra flavor.
Cooking Tip: Ensure the buttermilk is thoroughly shaken off before breading so that the coating doesn’t get soggy.

Spicy Fried Chicken

For those who love a little heat, spicy fried chicken is the perfect variation.

Add Heat: Mix cayenne pepper, chili powder, or even crushed red pepper into the flour mixture. You can also add hot sauce to the egg wash for extra kick.
Cooking Note: Spicy coatings may require a slightly longer cooking time to fully cook through the spices without burning.

Healthy Variations

If you’re looking for a lighter version, consider grilled chicken on the griddle. Here’s how:

Marinate the Chicken: Use a marinade with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs. This keeps the chicken moist and adds lots of flavor without breading.
Grill Instead of Fry: Simply cook the marinated chicken on a hot, oiled griddle without flour or an egg wash for a healthy alternative.

Advantages of Cooking Fried Chicken on a Blackstone Griddle

Flavor Retention and Crispiness

Cooking chicken on a flat-top griddle allows excess moisture to evaporate, which is crucial for achieving a crispy crust. Unlike in a skillet, where steam can be trapped, the open surface of the griddle allows for perfect crisping.
You can also add extra flavor to the oil by including garlic, herbs, or spices. The oil will infuse these flavors into the chicken while it cooks, enhancing the overall taste.

Versatility of the Griddle

Cooking Side Dishes: You can cook vegetables like asparagus, bell peppers, or corn on the cob on the same griddle, creating a complete meal without extra dishes. If you’re in the mood for something sweet afterward, consider making the German Chocolate Pecan Pound Cake Recipe on the griddle for a dessert treat.
Cooking for a Crowd: The large cooking surface allows you to prepare more food at once, making the Blackstone ideal for gatherings.

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Uneven Cooking

One common challenge when frying chicken on a griddle is uneven cooking. Here’s how to tackle this:

Move Chicken Pieces: Don’t be afraid to move the chicken around if you notice hot spots. If one part of the griddle is cooking faster, adjust accordingly to ensure everything cooks evenly.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To make sure each piece reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F, a meat thermometer is essential. This guarantees safety while preventing overcooking.

Oil Management

Managing the oil while frying on a griddle is another challenge.

Add Oil as Needed: The flat surface of the griddle means oil may spread out, reducing the amount around the chicken. Keep an eye on the oil level and add a bit more if needed.
Maintain Oil Quality: If the oil starts to burn, replace it. Burnt oil will affect the flavor of your fried chicken and could make it taste bitter.

Keeping the Chicken Moist

Marinade Before Cooking: Marinating the chicken, whether in buttermilk or a simple brine, helps keep it moist while frying.
Don’t Overcook: Overcooking chicken leads to dryness, so it’s important to monitor both the internal temperature and cooking time.

Cleaning and Maintaining Your Blackstone Griddle

Cleaning After Cooking Chicken

After you finish frying the chicken, you need to clean your Blackstone griddle properly:

Scrape Off Residue: Allow the griddle to cool slightly and then use a scraper to remove leftover food particles.
Wipe with a Damp Cloth: Use a damp cloth to wipe away oil and food bits. If there’s a lot of buildup, use a small amount of dish soap and rinse with water.

Seasoning the Griddle

Seasoning your griddle regularly is crucial to maintaining its non-stick surface.

Apply a Light Coat of Oil: After cleaning, apply a light layer of cooking oil to the griddle surface. Wipe off any excess oil with a cloth or paper towel. This helps protect the steel from rusting and keeps it ready for your next cooking adventure.

FAQs

Can you deep fry on a Blackstone griddle?

No, you can’t traditionally deep fry on a flat-top griddle. However, you can shallow fry, which uses enough oil to cook the chicken thoroughly without fully submerging it.

What oil is best for frying chicken on a Blackstone griddle?

The best oils for griddle frying are those with high smoke points, such as canola, peanut, or sunflower oil. These oils handle high temperatures without breaking down, ensuring your chicken fries properly.

How do you keep fried chicken crispy on a griddle?

The key to maintaining crispiness is to control the temperature. Make sure you fry at a consistent 350-375°F and avoid covering the chicken, as steam can make the crust soggy. For more tips, check out How to Keep Fried Food Crispy.

Is griddle-fried chicken healthier than deep-fried chicken?

Yes, griddle-fried chicken uses much less oil compared to traditional deep frying, making it a healthier option. The reduced oil content means fewer calories while still achieving a crispy, flavorful result.

Conclusion: Why You Should Try Fried Chicken on a Blackstone Griddle

Making fried chicken on a Blackstone griddle provides a unique and rewarding experience compared to traditional frying methods. The griddle’s versatility, even heat distribution, and ability to produce a crispy exterior make it an excellent option for both family meals and outdoor parties. Whether it’s a casual weekend barbecue or a special dinner, the Blackstone griddle can handle it all.

Using the techniques outlined above, you can create fried chicken that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside—all while cooking outdoors and enjoying the process. With the right preparation, you can impress your friends and family with perfect fried chicken without needing a deep fryer.

Whether you are a seasoned chef or someone new to griddle cooking, making fried chicken on a Blackstone griddle is a must-try. It’s a delicious way to expand your outdoor cooking skills, try something new, and create mouth-watering meals that everyone will love.