Are you craving a taste of the South? Then look no further! This recipe, inspired by the culinary genius of Chef Art Smith, brings you a truly authentic and surprisingly easy Southern-fried chicken experience. Forget greasy takeout – this homemade version is crispy, juicy, and bursting with flavor. It's the perfect dish for a family dinner, a casual get-together, or simply a satisfying weeknight meal. Get ready to elevate your easy recipes game with this delicious dish!
Ingredients:
This recipe yields about 6 servings of crispy, flavorful fried chicken.
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For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
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For the Coating:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
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For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying (enough to fill a large skillet about 2 inches deep)
Instructions:
This step-by-step guide ensures perfect, crispy fried chicken every time.
Get started:
- In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using). Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated in the buttermilk mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor. This step is key to achieving juicy, flavorful chicken.
Prepare the coating:
- In a separate large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Fry the chicken:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. The oil is ready when a small piece of chicken dropped in sizzles immediately.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it's fully coated. Gently shake off any excess flour.
- Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Serve and enjoy:
- Serve your delicious Southern-style fried chicken immediately. Enjoy it with your favorite sides – mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits are all excellent choices.
Tips for Perfect Fried Chicken:
- Don't overcrowd the skillet: This will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chicken. Fry in batches for best results.
- Use a thermometer: Ensure your chicken is cooked through by using a meat thermometer.
- Let the chicken rest: Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes after frying before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful piece of chicken.
- Adjust seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat, or experiment with other spices like thyme or oregano.
Variations:
- Spicy Fried Chicken: Increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the flour mixture for extra heat.
- Herb-Crusted Fried Chicken: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to the flour mixture for an aromatic twist.
- Lemon-Herb Fried Chicken: Add lemon zest and lemon juice to the buttermilk marinade for a bright and zesty flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 400-500
- Protein: 30-40g
- Fat: 25-35g
- Carbohydrates: 20-30g
This easy recipe for delicious Southern-fried chicken is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. It’s a healthy meal when prepared mindfully, and the crispy, juicy result is well worth the effort. So gather your ingredients and get cooking! You’ll be amazed at how simple it is to create this restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen. This recipe is a testament to the power of homemade cooking and is sure to become one of your best recipes.