Chef notes If Elizabeth has said it once on the show, she’s said it a hundred times: “Honey, you need to get the oil as hot as the hinges of hell.” That’s how you get the crispiest fried chicken. To ensure it’s at scorching status, flick a few droplets of water into the oil, and if it sizzles, it’s ready to go. And, for goodness’ sake, make sure your flour is properly seasoned. If you follow these very straightforward rules, you will be rewarded with the best fried chicken there is.