Are you craving a truly delicious, crispy fried chicken dinner? Look no further! This Amish Fried Chicken recipe delivers on flavor and texture, resulting in juicy, tender chicken with a perfectly golden-brown crust. It's a simple recipe, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks. Get ready to experience the best fried chicken you've ever tasted! This easy recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, a true example of delicious dishes made with homemade cooking techniques.
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, and breasts)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Get Started:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cayenne pepper (if using). Set aside.
- In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
Prepare the Chicken:
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving a crispy crust.
- Dip each chicken piece into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it's fully coated.
- Then, dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure the flour adheres well. Shake off any excess flour.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a pinch of flour sizzles immediately.
- Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary to maintain the oil temperature.
- Fry the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Rest and Serve:
- Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
Tips for the Best Amish Fried Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature, resulting in soggy chicken. Fry in batches for best results.
- Use a thermometer: An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure the chicken is cooked through.
- Double-dredging: For extra crispy chicken, you can dip the chicken in the buttermilk and flour mixture twice.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more or less of any spice to fit your preferences.
Variations:
- Spicy Fried Chicken: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture.
- Herb-Crusted Fried Chicken: Add fresh herbs like rosemary, sage, or thyme to the flour mixture.
- Lemon-Pepper Fried Chicken: Add lemon zest and freshly ground black pepper to the flour mixture.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Fat: 20-25g
- Protein: 25-30g
- Carbohydrates: 15-20g
This Amish Fried Chicken recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals, depending on your sides. Enjoy this delicious classic! It's a great addition to your collection of best recipes. Serve it with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread, for a truly satisfying meal.