Ever bitten into that perfectly crispy Church’s Chicken and wondered what makes it so darn addictive? I’ve been obsessing over this question for weeks now. As someone who’s tried (and failed) to recreate that signature crunch at home, I figured it was time to dive deep into one of the most important aspects of fried chicken – the oil.
Let’s uncover the truth about what oil Church’s Chicken uses and why it matters so much to their famous recipe.
The Oil Blend That Makes Church’s Chicken Special
After extensive research, I can tell you that Church’s Chicken doesn’t just use one type of oil – they’re much smarter than that! They use a custom blend of vegetable oils specifically formulated for their frying needs This proprietary mixture typically includes
- Soybean oil as a primary component
- Canola oil blended in specific ratios
This combination isn’t random – it’s carefully engineered to achieve that perfect Church’s crunch we all crave. Different locations might adjust the exact ratio, but the soybean-canola blend appears to be the foundation of their frying system.
Why This Oil Blend Matters So Much
You might be thinking, “It’s just oil, right?” Wrong! The oil selection impacts virtually everything about the final product. Here’s why Church’s oil choice is so crucial:
1. Smoke Point Superiority
The smoke point of an oil is basically the temperature where it starts breaking down and smoking. For deep frying chicken properly you need oils with high smoke points.
Both soybean and canola oils have relatively high smoke points, making them perfect for the intense heat needed to create that crispy exterior while keeping the chicken juicy inside. When oil starts smoking, it not only creates unpleasant flavors but potentially harmful compounds too – something Church’s clearly avoids
2. Flavor Neutrality
One thing I’ve noticed about Church’s chicken is that you taste the CHICKEN and SPICES, not the oil. That’s deliberate!
Church’s specifically chooses oils with a neutral flavor profile. Soybean and canola oils don’t have strong flavors of their own, allowing the restaurant’s signature seasoning blend and the natural chicken flavor to shine through without competition.
3. Cost-Effectiveness Meets Quality
Let’s be real – running a massive fast food chain means balancing quality with costs. The soybean-canola blend hits that sweet spot perfectly:
- Widely available throughout the year
- More affordable than specialty oils
- Consistent performance batch after batch
- Long frying life when properly maintained
Beyond The Oil: Church’s Complete Frying System
The oil itself is just one piece of the puzzle. What really sets Church’s apart is their comprehensive approach to frying:
Rigorous Oil Maintenance
Church’s doesn’t just pick good oil – they take care of it! Their likely maintenance routine includes:
- Regular filtration to remove food particles that would otherwise degrade the oil
- Scheduled replacement before the oil degrades
- Quality testing using methods like test strips to monitor degradation levels
This attention to detail keeps every batch of chicken tasting fresh and consistent.
The Perfect Frying Formula
Even with the best oil in the world, you need the right technique. Church’s likely perfects:
- Precise temperature control – too low and the chicken gets soggy; too high and it burns before cooking through
- Optimal frying time calibrated to each menu item
- Proper draining techniques to maintain crispiness
That Famous Breading
While we’re focused on oil, I can’t ignore the magic happening with Church’s breading. Their specific batter and breading recipe works in harmony with their oil blend to:
- Create that signature crunch
- Seal in moisture
- Provide the perfect base for their seasoning
FAQs About Church’s Chicken’s Frying Oil
Since starting this blog, I’ve received tons of questions about Church’s frying practices. Here are answers to some common ones:
Is Church’s Chicken oil trans-fat free?
Most modern commercial frying oils, including the blend likely used at Church’s, are formulated to be trans-fat free. This aligns with current health standards and regulations.
Does Church’s use the same oil for all their fried items?
While they probably use their signature blend throughout the restaurant, some locations might have separate fryers for different menu items. This prevents flavor transfer and addresses allergen concerns.
How often does Church’s change their oil?
This varies by location and volume, but you can bet they follow a strict schedule for oil changes and filtration. Fresher oil means better tasting chicken!
Can I buy the exact oil blend Church’s uses?
Probably not. Like many successful restaurants, Church’s likely considers their exact oil formulation a proprietary secret. They don’t publicly share the specific ratios or any special additives that might be part of their blend.
Are there allergen concerns with Church’s oil?
Since soybean oil is a common component, those with severe soy allergies should be cautious. While highly refined oils typically have most allergenic proteins removed, it’s always best to check with your local Church’s if you have concerns.
Trying To Recreate Church’s Oil At Home
I’ve tried recreating that Church’s magic in my kitchen with… mixed results. If you want to experiment, here’s what I’ve learned:
- Start with a blend of 70% soybean oil and 30% canola oil (this is my guess at their ratio)
- Make sure your oil is fresh – old oil ruins everything!
- Keep your temperature between 325°F and 350°F for best results
- Don’t overcrowd your fryer – this drops the temperature too much
- Filter your oil between batches if cooking a lot
Will it taste exactly like Church’s? Probably not – they’ve spent decades perfecting their system. But you might get close enough to satisfy that craving!
The Environmental Angle
Some of you might wonder about the sustainability of Church’s oil choices. Soybean and canola oils have different environmental footprints than some alternatives:
- Both are widely grown in North America
- Modern farming practices continue to improve sustainability
- Some Church’s locations might be exploring even more sustainable oil options
If environmental impact matters to you, don’t hesitate to ask your local Church’s about their oil sourcing policies.
The Bottom Line on Church’s Chicken Oil
Church’s Chicken has clearly mastered the science and art of frying. Their custom vegetable oil blend of soybean and canola oils provides the perfect foundation for their legendary fried chicken. Combined with proper oil management, precise cooking techniques, and their secret breading, it’s no wonder their chicken has that distinctive crunch we all crave.
Next time you bite into that perfectly crispy Church’s chicken piece, you’ll know a little more about the thought and care that went into making it so delicious!
Have you tried recreating Church’s chicken at home? What oils have you experimented with? Drop a comment below – I’d love to hear about your fried chicken adventures!
Remember, while I’ve done my research, Church’s doesn’t publicly disclose their exact oil formulation. This article represents my best understanding based on available information and industry knowledge. If you work at Church’s and want to spill the beans on the exact blend, my comments section is open!
Saving money by being green
For Church’s, the partnership provided an opportunity to save money on oil costs while making a contribution to the environment, De La Torre said.
“To find savings and to drive profitability to our restaurants, we are constantly evolving, constantly innovating. And by partnering with FreshFry Pods, we can save a lot of money and be more green and efficient in our restaurants,” he said.
The pods have helped Church’s decrease their oil usage, which has led to cost savings.
“Before the pandemic, a jug of oil could actually cost you maybe $20 but now you are paying, I don’t know, maybe $50 per jar,” De La Torre said. “By using the FreshFry Pods, we are reducing the amount of oil that we’re actually using, discarding less oil.”
For FreshFry, sustainability means more than a commitment to the planet. Chapman said that FreshFry prides itself on being sustainable to the businesses it serves as well.
“We wanted to make sure that the planet was well thought of when making our product, the person using the pods was well thought of and appreciated,” Chapman said. “And the profit of the business. There’s a way to do all of that. We focus on the total environment, not just creating a product to use.”
Chapman said that each case of pods offsets about 8.2 pounds of carbon emissions.
“So, we’re talking to the tune of almost 5 million pounds of offset that is also providing monetary savings for the brand,” he said.
Want breaking news at your fingertips?
Get today’s need-to-know restaurant industry intelligence. Sign up to receive texts from Restaurant Business on news and insights that matter to your brand.
The latest from Restaurant Business, sent straight to your inbox.