Chicken Skin Chicharon is easy to make at home and seriously addictive. It's crispy, tasty, and delicious as a snack or appetizer. And keto-friendly, too!
In a pot over medium heat, combine chicken skin, water, vinegar, garlic, peppercorns, and salt. Bring to a boil.
Lower heat and continue to cook until skins render fat and are softened but not falling apart.
With a slotted spoon, remove the skins from the pot. Remove any stray peppercorns, garlic, and bay leaves, and discard.
Arrange skins in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place in the refrigerator, uncovered, for about 1 hour or until completely cold.
Using a spoon, gently scrape away any subcutaneous fat. Cut into about 4-inch pieces.
In a 180 F oven, bake skins for about 2 to 3 hours or until dry with just a bit of flexibility.
In a deep, heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 3-inches deep of lard or canola oil to 350 to 375 F.
Add chicken skins and deep-fry until they begin to puff and start to float. Do not overcrowd pan and cook in batches as needed.
With a slotted spoon, remove from heat and drain on paper towels. Serve with spiced vinegar.
Notes
Alternatively, you can dry the chicken skins in the refrigerator instead of in the oven. Arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet and refrigerate, uncovered, overnight.