How long to fry chicken in olive oil

08/10/2022

Fried chicken is a delicious dish loved by many! One of the key ingredients is, of course, the oil! Because fried chicken cooks over high heat, the oil you use must have a high smoke point, so can you use olive oil to fry chicken? Below, we explore this topic in more detail, so read on!

How long to fry chicken in olive oil

Yes, as long as you choose light or refined olive oil which has a smoke point of about 465°F. Extra virgin olive oil, on the other hand, has a lower smoke point of 325-375°F. This kind of olive oil is better suited to salad dressings or for lower heat frying. 

Ingredients You’ll Need

  • chicken breast 
  • salt and pepper
  • light or refined olive oil

(Note: Full recipe is at the bottom of the post)

How To Fry Chicken In Olive Oil

  • Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings as desired. 
  • Pour the olive oil into a skillet over medium heat.
  • When the oil is hot, add the chicken.
  • Fry the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  • Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool for about 2 minutes.
  • Serve and enjoy! 
How long to fry chicken in olive oil

How Much Olive Oil To Use To Fry Chicken?

The answer depends on the amount of chicken you’re frying, the type of pieces, and whether the chicken has a coating. It’s best to follow the directions in the recipe you’re using. Generally speaking, you’ll need 2-4 tablespoons of olive to shallow-fry boneless chicken breasts or about 1 cup of olive oil to deep-fry wings or drumsticks.  

How Long Does It Take To Fry Chicken In Olive Oil?

Boneless white meat will take less time to cook than bone-in dark meat. Be sure to fry a few pieces at a time to ensure the pan isn’t overcrowded. As a general rule, wings will take about 12 minutes to cook, drumsticks about 16-18 minutes, and thighs will take 18-20 minutes depending on the size. 

The best way to test the chicken for doneness is to use an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is ready when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Extra virgin olive oil can be used to fry chicken but with caution. You’ll have to maintain a lower heat because the smoke point of extra virgin oil ranges from 325-375°F, and olive oil that’s heated beyond its smoke point can give off toxic smoke. Light or refined olive oil is a better choice for frying chicken. 

How long to fry chicken in olive oil

Can You Fry Chicken In Olive Oil Without Flour?

Yes. Chicken doesn’t have to be breaded or battered when fried. Instead, it can be seasoned and then shallow-fried. The chicken will still have lovely crisp skin. 

Is It Better To Fry Chicken In Olive Oil Or Vegetable Oil?

As long as you use light or refined olive oil, it is suitable for frying chicken. With its neutral flavor, vegetable oil will also work well, while olive oil obviously tastes like olives.

How long to fry chicken in olive oil

  • 1 pound sliced chicken breast
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons light or refined olive oil

  • Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and any other seasonings as desired.

  • Pour the olive oil into a skillet over medium heat.

  • When the oil is hot, add the chicken.

  • Fry the chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until golden brown.

  • Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to cool for about 2 minutes.

  • Serve and enjoy!

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How do you pan fry chicken in olive oil?

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, place flour coated chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown on both sides and cooked through, turning once between cooking, about 8-10 minutes.

Is it healthier to fry chicken in olive oil?

If you're planning to fry something up but want to cut a few calories, your first thought might be to reach for the olive oil. However, contrary to popular belief, frying foods with olive oil isn't any healthier. According to EatingWell, this is due to the fact that frying is done at a high temperature.

How long does chicken need to fry for?

How long does chicken take to fry? Typically, chicken should be fried for about 7-8 minutes per side. But keep in mind that pieces can vary in size and thickness. The chicken is fully cooked when the thickest part of the meat registers at 165° and the skin is crispy and dark golden-brown in color.