Crispy Southern-Style Fried Chicken

Sure, let’s delve into the details of this Fried Chicken recipe, step by step, and explore the nuances that make it special!

Fried Chicken Recipe

Preparation Time: 55 minutes
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 570.2 kcal
Rating: 3 stars ⭐⭐⭐
Keywords: Poultry, Meat, < 4 Hours
Recipe Category: Chicken

Ingredients:

Instructions:

1. Prepare Chicken:

   • Place the whole chickens in a large bowl and cover with water.
   • Add cider vinegar and 1/4 cup of salt to the water. Let it stand for 30 minutes to brine.

2. Dredge Chicken:

   • Drain the brined chicken well.
   • In a separate bowl, combine flour, 2 teaspoons of salt, seasoning salt, poultry seasoning, paprika, and pepper.
   • Dredge each piece of chicken in the flour mixture, ensuring it is evenly coated. Shake off any excess flour.

3. Fry the Chicken:

   • Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
   • Carefully place the chicken pieces in the hot oil, in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
   • Fry each side for 9 to 10 minutes or until golden brown and cooked through.

4. Serve:

   • Once fried, transfer the chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
   • Serve hot and crispy!

Nutritional Information per Serving:

• Calories: 570.2 kcal
• Fat: 29.6g
  • Saturated Fat: 8.4g
• Cholesterol: 133.7mg
• Sodium: 4244.2mg
• Carbohydrates: 36.4g
  • Fiber: 1.5g
  • Sugar: 0.2g
• Protein: 36.4g

Tips for Making Perfect Fried Chicken:

1. Brining: The vinegar and salt brine helps to tenderize the chicken and enhance its flavor.

2. Flour Mixture: The combination of all-purpose flour with seasonings like salt, poultry seasoning, and paprika adds a delicious crispy coating to the chicken.

3. Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) throughout frying to ensure the chicken cooks evenly and achieves a golden crust.

4. Draining Excess Oil: After frying, let the chicken drain on paper towels to absorb excess oil and keep it crispy.

5. Batch Frying: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and make the chicken greasy instead of crispy.

6. Serve Immediately: Fried chicken is best served immediately after frying to enjoy it at its crispiest.

Variations and Serving Suggestions:

• Spicy Fried Chicken: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.

• Southern Style: Serve with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and biscuits for a classic Southern meal.

• Dipping Sauces: Offer barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or ranch dressing for dipping.

Conclusion:

This Fried Chicken recipe is a classic favorite that promises juicy, flavorful chicken with a crispy golden crust. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or any occasion where you want to enjoy delicious homemade fried chicken. Follow the steps carefully, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s sure to impress!