Adding 1 common ingredient will instantly make fried chicken 'mouth-watering'

Cooking hearty, meaty dishes in winter is a comforting ritual, whether it's a slow-cooked stew, a warming casserole, or the perfect roast. There's something satisfying about preparing food that is both filling and full of flavour. Fried chicken, with its crisp exterior and tender interior, has long been a favourite, but achieving that ideal balance can sometimes feel elusive.

For those looking to improve their taste experience, the answer is a simple, everyday ingredient: chicken soup combined with cornstarch. Yes, the same condensed soup you may already have in your cupboard can transform ordinary chicken into a juicy, golden delight. The soup serves as both a marinade and a binder, creating a velvety coating that adheres perfectly to the meat. Meanwhile, the cornstarch helps achieve a crisp, crackling finish when fried. This method works well with skin-on thighs or drumsticks, and using pieces of similar size ensures they cook evenly.

The process is straightforward. First, mix the soup with an egg and a touch of seasoned salt, then coat your chicken thoroughly. The coated chicken should sit at room temperature until it develops a slightly doughy texture - a crucial step for achieving that irresistible crisp. Meanwhile, prepare a seasoned flour and cornstarch mixture with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. Each piece of chicken is then coated and left to rest briefly, ready to be fried in enough oil to cover it. When the oil is hot, the chicken sizzles immediately, locking in juices while forming a golden crust.

The result is chicken that is succulent inside, with a perfectly crisp exterior. You can also finish it in the oven if you prefer a gentler cook, or brown it lightly in a little oil first. Whether served with mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad, this method delivers a meal that is both comforting and highly impressive.

Reviewing the full recipe on Food.com, a satisfied reader said: "First, I want to clarify that I do not rate recipes 5 stars just to be nice or polite but only when it's spectacular. This was SPECTACULAR! The chicken was unbelievably tender and seasoned perfectly. I made chicken strips cut from breasts. Followed the recipe exactly except I reduced the garlic powder the 1/2 tsp (personal taste preference)."

Another added: "Delicious! I cut my chicken breasts into tenders, and they tasted just like ones from a restaurant. They were so good! I must admit I used about 3 pinches of cayenne (we like it spicy). We fried these in our deep fryer at 375 degrees for 4 minutes. They were perfect! Thank you for posting. I will definitely make these again!"