When it comes to comfort food, few things compare to a plate of hot, golden fried chicken. Achieving the ideal balance between crispiness and juiciness may seem tricky, but with the right techniques, it’s absolutely possible. At Habibs, chefs have mastered this balance through years of refinement, turning every piece into a bite of perfection. Let’s explore how they make fried chicken so irresistibly good — every single time.
Start with the Best Ingredients
The foundation of juicy fried chicken begins with choosing quality meat. Habibs always uses fresh, never frozen chicken. Fresh chicken retains its natural juices, ensuring tenderness after frying. The pieces are cleaned carefully and cut evenly, allowing them to cook uniformly. Quality ingredients guarantee that no matter how it’s cooked, the result is flavorful and moist.
The Magic of Marination
Marination gives fried chicken its signature taste. At Habibs, marination starts with buttermilk — a time-tested secret that softens the meat while locking in moisture. The buttermilk base is seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, and a special spice blend inspired by Middle Eastern flavors. The chicken soaks in this mixture for hours, absorbing every bit of flavor. This ensures that when fried, it’s not just crispy on the outside but bursting with taste inside.
Creating the Perfect Coating
The crunch that defines great fried chicken depends on its coating. Habibs uses a double-dip method — dredging the marinated chicken in seasoned flour, dipping it back into buttermilk, and coating it again. This layering builds a thick crust that fries into a golden, crispy shell. The flour mixture is seasoned with a balance of herbs and spices, giving each bite a distinct, savory punch.
The Right Oil and Temperature
Oil temperature is crucial. If the oil is too hot, the crust burns before the chicken cooks; too cold, and it absorbs excess grease. At Habibs, the oil is kept between 175°C and 180°C — the sweet spot for crispy, evenly cooked chicken. Each batch is fried separately to keep the temperature consistent, ensuring perfection from the first to the last piece.
Timing and Patience
Good fried chicken cannot be rushed. The chefs at Habibs cook each batch for the ideal amount of time — just long enough for the coating to turn golden and the inside to reach the perfect tenderness. After frying, the chicken is rested on wire racks to drain excess oil, preserving its crispiness.
The Secret to Juiciness
The true secret to juicy fried chicken lies in moisture retention. The combination of buttermilk marination, even cooking, and resting time ensures the meat stays tender. At Habibs, every detail — from preparation to presentation — is designed to protect that juicy bite inside the crispy exterior.
Flavor Enhancements
While traditional fried chicken is always a winner, Habibs elevates it with subtle Arabic and Mediterranean influences. A hint of cumin or coriander in the coating adds warmth, while a touch of lemon enhances freshness. This fusion of flavors gives their fried chicken a unique identity that’s both familiar and exciting.
Serving It Right
Presentation adds to the experience. At Habibs, fried chicken is served hot, paired with sides like coleslaw, garlic sauce, or fries. The aroma, the golden color, and the first crunch all work together to create pure satisfaction. Every element, from plating to seasoning, reflects the restaurant’s dedication to quality.
Why Habibs’ Fried Chicken Stands Out
What makes Habibs special is its consistency. Each dish is prepared fresh to order, never pre-cooked or reheated. This commitment ensures that customers always get the best possible experience — crispy, hot, and flavorful. It’s not just about cooking chicken; it’s about crafting happiness on a plate.
Conclusion: Crispy and Juicy, Every Time
The dream of perfect fried chicken — crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside — becomes reality at Habibs. Through expert marination, precise frying, and passion for quality, the restaurant redefines what fried chicken should taste like. Every bite celebrates craftsmanship, care, and love for flavor — the true hallmarks of Habibs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What makes Habibs’ fried chicken special?
Habibs’ fried chicken is known for its perfect balance of crispiness and juiciness. Expert marination, fresh ingredients, and precise frying techniques ensure each piece delivers unmatched flavor and texture.
2. Does Habibs use fresh or frozen chicken?
We use only fresh, never frozen chicken. Fresh meat retains natural juices, ensuring tenderness and superior taste in every bite.
3. How is the chicken marinated?
Chicken is soaked in a buttermilk-based marinade infused with salt, pepper, garlic, paprika, and a special Middle Eastern-inspired spice blend to enhance flavor and tenderness.
4. What makes the coating so crispy?
Habibs uses a double-dip method: marinated chicken is dredged in seasoned flour, dipped in buttermilk, and coated again, creating a golden, crunchy shell.
5. What oil temperature is used for frying?
The oil is maintained at 175°C–180°C, the ideal range for crispy, evenly cooked chicken without excess grease.
6. How does Habibs ensure the chicken stays juicy?
Moisture retention comes from buttermilk marination, even cooking, and resting the chicken after frying to preserve tenderness inside the crispy exterior.
7. Are there unique flavors in Habibs’ fried chicken?
Yes. Subtle Arabic and Mediterranean spices like cumin, coriander, and a hint of lemon enhance the traditional fried chicken flavor, creating a distinctive taste.
8. How is the fried chicken served?
Chicken is served hot with sides such as coleslaw, garlic sauce, or fries, presented to maximize aroma, color, and texture.
9. How does Habibs maintain consistency in fried chicken?
Every piece is prepared fresh to order, never pre-cooked or reheated. Each batch is carefully fried, rested, and served immediately to ensure consistent quality.
10. Can I enjoy the same quality of fried chicken every time?
Absolutely. Habibs’ attention to detail, precise techniques, and passion for quality guarantee that every visit delivers the same crispy, juicy, and flavorful experience.