Crispy Fried Chicken

By á-30075

Buttermilk fried chicken is one of the best things in life. The secret to getting the batter to stick is to let it dry before frying. Dry before you fry!

Ingredients

• 1 (4-pound) chicken, cut into pieces
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• 2 quarts vegetable oil for frying

Details

Servings 8
Adapted from allrecipes.com

Preparation

Step 1

Take your cut up chicken pieces and skin them if you prefer. Put the flour in a large plastic bag (let the amount of chicken you are cooking dictate the amount of flour you use). Season the flour with paprika, salt and pepper to taste (paprika helps to brown the chicken).

Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk then, a few at a time, put them in the bag with the flour, seal the bag and shake to coat well. Place the coated chicken on a cookie sheet or tray, and cover with a clean dish towel or waxed paper.

Let sit until flour is a paste-like consistency—this is crucial!

Fill a large skillet (cast iron is best) about 1/3 to 1/2 full with vegetable oil. Heat until 350°F. Put in as many chicken pieces as the skillet can hold. Brown the chicken in hot oil on both sides. When browned, reduce heat and cover skillet; let cook for 30 minutes (the chicken will be cooked through but not crispy). Remove cover, raise heat again and continue to fry until crispy.

Drain the fried chicken on paper towels. Depending on how much chicken you have, you may have to fry in a few shifts. Keep the finished chicken in a slightly warm oven while preparing the rest.