The 7 Best Pots to Fry Chicken [Buying Guide 2021]

The 7 Best Pots to Fry Chicken [Buying Guide 2021]

Is there anything more mouth-watering than a plate of chicken freshly fried to perfection? Just imagine biting into a crispy breast or a succulent wing and feeling that crunch on your teeth while the supple meat inside practically melts in your mouth. 

Now, come back to reality. Do you have a good pot to fry chicken in? Whether you prefer deep or shallow frying you need a quality pot to fry to perfection. So without further ado, here are the 7 best pots to fry chicken in. 

Best

Presto 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet

Presto 16-inch Electric Foldaway Skillet

 Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars 

Ok so the first pot on our list isn’t actually a pot at all. But we had to add this electric skillet because it makes it super easy to fry chicken and prepare sides. The cast aluminum liner of the skillet is durable and nonstick. 

And all you have to do with this skillet is fill it with the oil of your choice, plug it in and set it to your desired temperature. It comes with a glass lid so you can see the color of your chicken as it fries. Teh skillet itself is about 15” long, 11” side and 2.8 inches deep.

Pros
  • Saves cooktop space
  • Fries quickly
  • Fries evenly
Cons
  • A bit shallow
2

Lodge Enameled Dutch Oven

Lodge Enameled Dutch Oven

 Editors’ Choice: 4.8 out of 5.0 stars 

You don’t have to spend a ton on a Le Creuset Dutch oven for quality. This 6 quart Lodge brand enameled Dutch oven does the same job at a fraction of the cost. This is a great choice because it allows you to do deep or shallow frying.

This Dutch oven comes with a heavy lid so you can seal in all the flavor when you fry or when you braise. This is a versatile pot that can be used for frying chicken or pretty much anything else.

Pros
  • High-quality enamel coat
  • Comes in many colors
  • Very affordable
Cons
  • Heavy
3

Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 2-In-1 Multi Cooker

Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron 2-In-1 Multi Cooker

 Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars 

For fans of shallow frying, this skillet will be a nice addition to your kitchen arsenal. Shallow frying allows you to closely monitor the bubbles which helps you fry to your desired level of crispiness. And this cast iron skillet is 3 inches deep for effective shallow frying.

The diameter of the skillet is 10 inches and it has a helper handle on the opposite side of the standard handle. Plus, it comes with a handled lid so you can use it as a Dutch oven as well. This is a great option for campfire cooking too. 

Pros
  • Pre-seasoned
  • 30-day money back guarantee
  • 3 quart cooking capacity
Cons
  • Not dishwasher safe
4

Joyce Chen Flat Bottom Wok

Joyce Chen Flat Bottom Wok

 Editors’ Choice: 4.7 out of 5.0 stars 

Again, not a pot but still a great option if you are looking for a deep frying pan. This heavy gauge carbon steel walk from Joyce Chen is 14 inches in diameter and has a depth of 5.5 inches so it can certainly used for deep frying chicken. 

It has modern style handles including a helper handle. The handles are both made from plastic so they stay cool to the touch no matter how hot your oil gets. The wide, flat base also makes this a good wok to use on electric ranges. 

Pros
  • Good for all frying
  • Can be hung
  • Wide, flat bottom
Cons
  • Needs regular seasoning
5

Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Dutch Oven with Lid

Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Dutch Oven with Lid

 Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars 

If you like to cook a lot of chicken at once, then this 5 quart Amazon Basics Dutch oven will be perfect for you. It is made of 18/8 grade stainless steel and it features an aluminum core bottom that helps distribute heat evenly. 

This is a feature that is usually reserved for more expensive cookware but you can score one of these Dutch ovens for under $40! The glass lid and pot handles are also made of stainless steel and are riveted.

Pros
  • Sturdy design
  • Very affordable
  • Oven safe
Cons
  • Not very versatile
6

Backcountry Cast Iron Skillet

Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Dutch Oven with Lid

 Editors’ Choice: 4.6 out of 5.0 stars 

This cast iron skillet is very durable. It comes with a nonstick coating so if you need to use it for sauteeing or shallow frying, the cleanup is easy. This is a 6 inch frying pan so it wold be good if you usually make a small amount of chicken. 

It can fit an average sized leg and breast for frying but it comes at a very low price for such a high-quality frying pan. 

Pros
  • Pre-seasoned
  • Induction cooktop safe
  • Nonstick coating
Cons
  • Small frying capacity
7

Landhaus Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven

Landhaus Enameled Cast Iron Covered Dutch Oven

 Editors’ Choice: 4.5 out of 5.0 stars 

With a cast iron heart and an enameled skin, this Landhaus Dutch oven is sure to last you for decades. This is a 6 quart capacity Dutch oven that is 5 inches thick which makes it one of the best pots for deep frying. 

You can use it in your oven up to 450 degrees and glass-fired enamel coating is easy to clean by hand. It also comes in a lovely “merlot” finish. 

Pros
  • Great for baking
  • Deep frying capacity
  • 10” diameter
Cons
  • The enamel can chip

Pots to Fry Chicken in Buying Guide

The best pot to fry chicken in will have a few essential features that will make the task easier and ensure optimal results.

Good Depth

You should be able so submerse your chicken in oil at least a half inch below the surface whether you prefer deep or shallow frying. 

Good Width

In general, you should opt for a pot, frying pan or Dutch oven that has a diameter of at least 10 inches across. 

Pouring Spout

While not essential to the quality of the finished result, a pouring spout can help you safely dump spent oil in the sink. 


Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What pot is best for frying?

A: If you are looking to deep fry, you should opt for a pot that is made of cast iron or is lined with enamel. Metal woks are also good for frying so long as they are wide and deep enough.

Q: Is it better to fry chicken in a pot or pan?

A: Pots and Dutch ovens are usually your best bet because of the high walls. But deep pans can do the trick for shallow frying.

Q: Can you fry chicken in a stainless steel pot?

A: Yes. Stainless steel is a viable solution if you don’t have a  cast iron/enamel pot or Dutch oven handy.


Some Final Advice

Besides pots, woks and skillets you should also make sure to have a good set of tongs that are long enough to pull your chicken out safely and securely. Having a drying rack and paper towels handy will also help ensure a crispy texture. 

 

But of course, you have to start with the cookware. And our list of the best pots to fry chicken will be a great starting point for your shopping. So be sure to give them a look and enjoy your delicious fried chicken!

OrbReviews Editorial Team

The OrbReviews Editorial Team (OET) is made out of experts in the product research and engaging content creation space. In addition, OET is passionate about researching kitchen related products and sharing the learning with our readers.