Are you craving a taste of home? A dish that’s both comforting and bursting with flavor? Then look no further! This soul food recipe book entry features a classic: Grandma's Famous Fried Chicken. This recipe isn’t just about crispy skin and juicy meat; it’s about creating a delicious and memorable meal that will transport you straight to your childhood (or create some amazing new memories!). It’s perfect for a family gathering, a quick weeknight dinner, or simply a delightful treat for yourself. This recipe is easy, delicious and perfect for those looking for easy recipes and healthy meals.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken (about 3 pounds), cut into 8 pieces
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
Getting Started: Preparing the Chicken
- Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. This is crucial for achieving that extra crispy skin. Excess moisture is the enemy of perfectly fried chicken!
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Marinating for Maximum Flavor
- In a separate bowl, pour in the buttermilk. Add the chicken pieces, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful your chicken will be. This step is key to many of the best recipes.
Frying to Perfection
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough that a pinch of flour dropped in sizzles immediately.
- Carefully dredge each chicken piece in the flour mixture, ensuring it's completely coated. Gently shake off any excess flour.
- Fry the chicken in batches, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. This will prevent the temperature from dropping too much, resulting in soggy chicken instead of crispy goodness. Fry for about 6-8 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Resting and Serving
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Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Let it rest for about 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in extra juicy and tender meat.
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Serve your Grandma's Famous Fried Chicken hot with your favorite sides – mashed potatoes, coleslaw, cornbread – for a truly satisfying soul food experience.
Tips and Variations:
- For extra crispy skin: Double-fry the chicken! Fry it once, let it rest, then fry it again for a few minutes to achieve ultimate crispiness.
- Spice it up: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to your liking, or add other spices like smoked paprika or chili powder.
- Bone-in or boneless: This recipe works equally well with bone-in or boneless chicken thighs or breasts. Adjust cooking time accordingly.
- Oven-baked alternative: For a healthier option, bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: 30-35g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
This recipe offers quick dinner ideas and homemade cooking at its finest. It's a delicious dish perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. Enjoy the delightful flavors of this soul food classic! This is one of those easy recipes that will impress everyone you share it with. It's a perfect example of healthy meals that don’t compromise on taste. Remember to adjust seasonings according to your preferences to create your own perfect version of Grandma's Famous Fried Chicken.