Craving that crispy, juicy, flavour-packed fried chicken you get at your favorite restaurant? Stop dreaming and start cooking! This Chicken George recipe brings the restaurant experience right to your kitchen. It's surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner cooks, and delivers a delicious, healthy meal the whole family will love. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner idea, and the homemade cooking will impress everyone. This is one of the best recipes you'll find for truly amazing fried chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs bone-in, skin-on chicken pieces (thighs, drumsticks, or a mix)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, pepper, and thyme. This is your delicious dry spice blend!
- In a separate bowl, pour the buttermilk. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. This step is crucial for extra juicy and flavorful chicken.
Frying the Chicken to Perfection
- 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 small piece of chicken dropped in sizzles immediately.
- Dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well. Shake off any excess flour.
- Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Chicken George immediately. It's fantastic on its own, but you can also pair it with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread for a truly satisfying meal.
Tips for the Best Chicken George:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: Overcrowding will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your chicken is cooked through and safe to eat.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. Add more cayenne for extra heat, or leave it out altogether for a milder flavor.
- Double the recipe: This recipe is easily doubled or tripled for larger gatherings.
Variations:
- Spicy Chicken George: Add a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade for an extra kick.
- Herb-Crusted Chicken George: Add chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano to the flour mixture for an aromatic twist.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces and the amount of oil absorbed. For a general estimate, one serving (approx. 2-3 pieces) contains around 350-450 calories, with varying amounts of protein and fat.
This Chicken George recipe is a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Enjoy the restaurant-quality taste from the comfort of your own home!