Of course I ate it! That’s what it’s for, right? Pre-tasting!
I looked online, and this video shows pretty much the level of bubbling you’re looking for when you put in the chicken. Actually, that oil seems a little bit hotter than what my ex would go for, but her chicken was also breaded. You want that kind of steady bubbling, but not such that the chicken just “explodes” when you put it in.
And, like he says, don’t use a lid. I did that once before and nearly started a grease fire as the evaporating water condensed on the lid and dripped back into hot oil, causing it to bubble up aggressively and overflow. Also, note that he does it on an electric stove. I don’t use electric stoves that often, but what I do to control heat when I overshoot is move the pan on-and-off the burner (after dialing it down), until it’s at the right temperature.
Because of this thread, I made fried chicken last night. Time was of the essence so I used the electric skillet. It has a small vent in the lid, so I would put that on as I put chicken in, and a couple of minutes later it would start to ‘whistle’, then I’d remove the lid for a while, usually until I rotated or turn the pieces, then put it back on. Repeat each time it whistles. On an electric stove, a heavy bottom pan like cast iron works fairly well. As **pulykamell **says, be prepared to move the pan from the burner if it gets too hot. You just have to know your stove, you’ll have to make heat adjustements before they’re needed.
BTW: It was delicious! Store bought is no substitute.
You are right! And “buck up, poultry soldier!” is bound to be oft repeated by me going forward.
The local Popeye’s is traditionally featured in the annual 'Restaurant Horrors" hidden camera news segment during sweeps week. I did not go there. I ended up getting 3 pieces at Royal Farms (regional convenience stores) which may be just as filthy and infested, but regularly wins “Best Fried Chicken” polls.
The itch is scratched for now, but my refrigerator seems to have given up the ghost over night so I may be frying a whole LOT of chicken this evening.