Ask a Cook: Should you fry chicken covered or uncovered?

However, many cooks who pan-fry (as opposed to deep-fry) usually do cover the chicken for the first half of the cooking time.

The idea is that by covering the skillet and cooking over a slightly lower temperature, you capture steam and give the chicken time to cook all the way through. Then you remove the cover and increase the heat a little to allow the skin to get crisp and brown.

Either way, it’s also a good idea to cook the chicken in a couple of batches, so you don’t overcrowd the pan.