Not Buttermilk, Not Pickle Juice: Grab This Canned Pantry Staple For Juicier Fried Chicken

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You already knew that briny pickle juice was a game-changer when it came to fried chicken, but we're proposing a more unorthodox marinade for your poultry. Why not grab that can of sweetened condensed milk that's been sitting in your pantry since your baking binge? It sounds a bit daft, but this ingredient (which is a form of evaporated milk mixed with cane sugar) is actually an unsung superstar when it comes to achieving the most tender, juicy fried chicken ... and it works for a similar reason that buttermilk does. Although the exact pH varies, the product is indeed acidic, which means that it helps break down tough proteins. At the same time, it lends a subtle sweetness to the chicken that can actually be very desirable.

Adding condensed milk to a fried chicken marinade may have its roots in Asian tradition. Almost every Southern or Eastern Asian culture cooks some form of fried chicken. For instance, you may know that Korean fried chicken has wartime origins dating back to the '50s U.S. military occupation, for instance. Condensed milk has been popular in many Asian kitchens since its inception, thanks to the fact that regular milk historically went bad quickly in hot, humid climates. Condensed milk was a longer-lasting option, and today, sweetened condensed milk has its place not just in desserts and coffee, but also in fried chicken! Simply use a moderate amount (perhaps half a cup) in your chicken marinade and pop it in the fridge for an hour. Your chicken will be juicy, succulent, and, most importantly, deeply flavorful.

Perhaps our favorite aspect of tender fried chicken with sweetened condensed milk is the fact that this marinade plays so nicely with our other favorite hacks for scrumptious chicken. Dredging your chicken in rice flour as opposed to all-purpose flour or breadcrumbs, for instance, produces a crispy crust — and it's made all the better when the chicken underneath is extra-juicy and moist. Like to fry your chicken in bacon grease or duck fat? This marinade won't stand in your way. No matter how you prefer to bread or fry your chicken, the marinade of sweetened condensed milk provides a great basis for building appealing texture and flavor. It's an effortless, appealing trick that adds almost nothing in the way of extra effort but pays off big-time when it comes to the toothsome flavor of your hot, crispy chicken.

Speaking of flavor, let's talk about what else we can put in our fried chicken marinade to best capitalize on that supremely tender meat! We've seen liquid seasoning like Maggi or liquid aminos used to great effect in the bowl. If you aren't familiar with liquid seasoning — you can pick up the Knorr brand online for well under $10 — you can use fish sauce, soy sauce, or Worcestershire to provide a salty contrast to the sweetness of canned milk. As always, we recommend garlic powder, since it's a fried chicken must in our books. Beyond that, feel free to experiment. If you really like the sweetness of condensed milk, you could augment that profile with a little brown sugar, but add only small amounts at a time until you know what you prefer.