The Secrets to Perfect Fried Chicken: Tips from Arnold’s, The Coconut Club, and Summer Hill
What makes fried chicken great? Is it the juicy har cheong kai from your favorite zichar stall, the ayam goreng berempah with nasi lemak, or the Korean and southern fried chicken spots across the island? Most of us can agree that perfect fried chicken should be succulent, well-marinated, and encased in a crisp, flavorful batter.
## The Expert Opinions
### Chef Daniel Sia of The Coconut Club
Chef Daniel Sia believes that good fried chicken starts with quality chicken and thorough marination. The spices should stick to the skin without burning, ensuring a moist and flavorful end product. At The Coconut Club, the ayam goreng berempah is a testament to this philosophy, with a just-crisp-enough crust that complements their umami-sweet sambal and coconut milk-infused rice.
### Chef Anthony Yeoh of Summer Hill
Summer Hill’s French fried chicken is a popular choice for fried chicken enthusiasts. Chef Anthony Yeoh emphasizes the importance of using high-quality, hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken that has been raised well. The brining process and the infusion of butter with herbs and honey add layers of flavor and aroma to the dish, making it a unique and delightful experience.
## Arnold’s Fried Chicken Legacy
Arnold’s Fried Chicken, a household name in Singapore, has been serving up delicious fried chicken for over 30 years. Despite a short marination time, Arnold’s chicken remains succulent and flavorful, thanks to the right mix of seasoning, seasoned flour, clean oil, and precise cooking techniques. Using a deep-fat fryer at the perfect temperature ensures that each piece of chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside.
## The Perfect Bite
According to Musta’ein Ahmad, Arnold’s operations manager, the key to enjoying the best fried chicken is to have it hot and fresh off the fryer. This is where you can truly appreciate the rich spices and flavors that have infused the meat, resulting in a perfect balance of succulent meat and crunchy skin that we all crave.
In the end, the secrets to perfect fried chicken lie in quality ingredients, precise cooking methods, and a passion for delivering a delightful dining experience. Whether you prefer traditional flavors or innovative twists, the essence of good fried chicken remains the same: a harmony of taste, texture, and aroma that leaves you craving more.