Crispy Fried Chicken: Southern Comfort On A Plate
Introduction
There's something special about that first crispy bite into a perfectly seasoned and fried piece of chicken. It's like a taste bud symphony of flavors and textures that makes your soul sing with Southern comfort. In this recipe, we'll show you how to make the most delicious and crispy fried chicken you've ever tasted.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds of chicken pieces (legs, thighs, or wings)
- 2 cups of buttermilk
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon of paprika
- 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Start by marinating the chicken pieces in buttermilk. Place the chicken in a large bowl, pour the buttermilk over it, and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight. This will help tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
-
In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. This will be the crispy coating for the chicken.
-
Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. You want the oil to reach a temperature of 350°F.
-
Take each chicken piece out of the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off, and place it in the flour mixture. Coat the chicken thoroughly, pressing the flour mixture onto all sides.
-
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken in batches, if necessary. Cook the chicken for about 8-10 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and crispy.
-
Remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
-
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and the crust to set.
-
Serve the crispy fried chicken with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and cornbread. Enjoy!
Remember, the key to achieving that perfect, crispy crust is maintaining the oil temperature and making sure the chicken is well-coated. So, take your time, have fun, and savor the taste of this Southern comfort on a plate.