Fried Chicken: A Southern favorite, fried chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, often served with biscuits or waffles.
Fried chicken is a delicious and popular dish known for its crispy, flavorful coating and tender meat. Here’s a classic recipe for making homemade fried chicken:
Ingredients:
- 2 to 3 pounds of chicken pieces (e.g., drumsticks, thighs, wings, or breast pieces)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spiciness)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice added)
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
- Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix the dry ingredients well to create the seasoned flour.
- Pour the buttermilk into another bowl.
- Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing it onto the chicken to adhere well. Shake off any excess flour.
- Place the coated chicken pieces on a wire rack or a plate to rest for about 10-15 minutes. This allows the coating to set and adhere better during frying.
- Meanwhile, heat vegetable oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. The oil should be about 1.5 to 2 inches deep in the pan.
- To check if the oil is hot enough, drop a small pinch of flour into the oil. If it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches if necessary.
- Fry the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s cooked through.
- Once the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked, remove it from the oil using tongs and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Let the fried chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve your homemade fried chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, or cornbread. Fried chicken is a classic comfort food that’s perfect for family gatherings, picnics, or any occasion you want to enjoy some crispy and flavorful goodness!