How To Fry Chicken In Olive Oil

5 from 1 vote

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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!

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!
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Can You 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! 
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 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.

Can You Fry Chicken With Extra Virgin Olive Oil?

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. 

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!

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.

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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!
5 from 1 vote

Fried Chicken In Olive Oil Recipe

By: Chris
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 will share how you can do it!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Rest time: 5 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 2

Ingredients 

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

Instructions 

  • 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!

Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.

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