Neely Family Spicy Fried Chicken

By

In May, their first cookbook, Down Home with the Neelys: A Southern Family Cookbook will hit shelves across America, their show will enter a new season and the pair—with the help of family—will continue to provide Memphis with great barbecue and sides from their two Memphis locations of Neely's BBQ, a location in Nashville and six locations in the NBA Arena in Memphis. Despite all the fame and fortune, blessings and bounty, Gina and Pat still understand that a chef is nothing without a good recipe.

  • 8

Ingredients

  • 1 (2-1/2-pound) fryer chicken, cut into 10 pieces
  • salt and freshly ground pepper
  • 4 cups buttermilk
  • 2 tablespoons hot sauce
  • 1 teaspoon plus 1 tablespoon
  • cayenne, divided
  • peanut oil, for frying
  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika

Preparation

Step 1

Season the chicken with salt and pepper, and place in a casserole dish. In a non- reactive bowl, mix buttermilk, hot sauce and 1 teaspoon cayenne. Pour the buttermilk mixture over the chicken, cover with plastic wrap, and place in the refrigerator to marinate for 2 hours.
Prepare a deep-fryer or a large, deep skillet. Add oil, and preheat to 350°.
Into a large paper bag, measure the flour, 1 tablespoon cayenne, garlic powder and paprika. Add salt and pepper. Shake off excess mixture, and place the chicken, a few pieces at a time, in the bag, and shake.
Place the chicken into the hot oil, and fry until golden and crisp, about 8 to 10 minutes for white meat and 13 to 15 for dark meat. Remove from the fryer onto a paper towel lined sheet tray, and season with salt and pepper.

Zest Factor: Medium