There are tons of fried chicken recipes out there (I’m sure someone in your family has a “secret recipe” they’re reluctant to share), but I do a few things that make it super easy and give me perfect results every time. So, the next time you’re ready to whip up a batch of fried chicken, you’ll need a few things—your favorite fried chicken recipe and these:

A Dutch oven.

For me, this is the holy grail of cookware. Why? Mainly because of its versatility. Made of cast iron that is coated with enamel, it heats up evenly, retains that heat, and transfers from stove top, to oven, to table better than any pot I know. For things like fried chicken, retaining heat is crucial and Le Creuset ovens do that superbly.

If you’re not in the market for a Dutch oven that’s this pricey, there are a lot of options that you can find at department stores and even Target. Le Creuset is a brand that has been tested and tried for a long time (since 1925), so you’ll have to judge for yourself if the other brands work just as well.

An odor-absorbing splatter screen.

If you don’t have one of these yet, at $15-$25 (depending on where you shop), it’s a pretty inexpensive and useful kitchen tool. This screen not only reduces splatters—protecting your stove top, countertop (and your arms) from a barrage of hot oil—it also absorbs cooking aromas. Impressive, right?

Sandwiched between the two layers of wire mesh is a carbon fabric that filters the odors and helps to reduce their “linger”. Also, the mesh design won’t trap any steam or stop you from keeping an eye on what’s cooking. Storing the splatter screen is simple because, it’s slim and lightweight. Plus, it’s easy to clean and dishwasher safe.

Photo credit: {Blackberry Farm} {Los Tragaldabas} {Williams-Sonoma}