Are you craving comfort food? This fried chicken recipe is your answer! With its golden, crispy exterior and tender, juicy meat, it’s a classic dish that never fails to impress. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
Ingredients
– 4 chicken thighs
– 4 chicken drumsticks
– 2 cups buttermilk
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– Vegetable oil for frying
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe serves 4 people. Preparation time is 15 minutes, with an additional 30 minutes for marinating, and cooking time is approximately 20 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving (1 piece of chicken) contains approximately 350 calories, 20g fat, 25g protein, 20g carbohydrates, and 1g fiber. This is based on one serving for one person.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Begin by marinating the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
2. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 350°F (175°C).
4. Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off.
5. Dredge chicken pieces in the flour mixture, ensuring they are well coated.
6. Carefully place the coated chicken into the hot oil.
7. Fry chicken in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan.
8. Cook for 10-12 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
9. Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
10. Once done, remove chicken and place on a wire rack to drain excess oil.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute buttermilk with plain yogurt mixed with a little water or milk. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour instead of all-purpose flour.
Serving and Pairings
Fried chicken pairs wonderfully with coleslaw, mashed potatoes, or cornbread. It can also be served with a variety of dipping sauces like honey mustard or BBQ sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes to regain its crispiness. Fried chicken can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Cooking Mistakes
– Don’t skip the marinating step; it keeps the chicken moist.
– Ensure the oil is hot enough to avoid soggy chicken.
– Avoid overcrowding the pan while frying.
– Use a thermometer to check doneness.
– Let the chicken rest before serving for better flavor.
Helpful Tips
– Use a mix of chicken parts for varied textures.
– Experiment with spices in the flour for different flavor profiles.
– Keep the skin on for extra crispiness.
– Serve with fresh herbs for garnish.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before marinating and frying to ensure even cooking.
What type of oil is best for frying chicken?
Vegetable oil is commonly used, but peanut or canola oil also works great due to their high smoke points.
How can I make my fried chicken extra crispy?
For extra crispiness, double-dip the chicken in buttermilk and flour, and let it rest for a few minutes before frying.
Can I bake fried chicken instead of frying it?
Yes, for a healthier alternative, coat the chicken with oil and bake it in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 30-40 minutes.
What sides go well with fried chicken?
Sides like mashed potatoes, cornbread, and green beans complement fried chicken perfectly.
Conclusion
This fried chicken recipe is a surefire way to delight your taste buds and impress your guests. With a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 4 chicken drumsticks
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from buttermilk and let excess drip off.
- Dredge chicken in the flour mixture until well coated.
- Carefully place chicken in the hot oil and fry.
- Cook for 10-12 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Remove chicken and place on a wire rack to drain oil.
- Let the chicken rest before serving.