Crispy Fried Chicken

Discover the technique for making deliciously crispy fried chicken with a crunchy coating on the outside and juicy, tender chicken inside.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 35 mins
• Total Time: 50 mins
• Calories: 489 Calories

Ingredients

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

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Take your cut up chicken pieces and skin them if you prefer.

Step 2

Place the coated chicken on a cookie sheet or tray, and cover with a clean dish towel or waxed paper. LET SIT UNTIL THE FLOUR IS OF A PASTE-LIKE CONSISTENCY. THIS IS CRUCIAL!

Step 3

Fill a large skillet (cast iron is best) about 1/3 to 1/2 full with vegetable oil. Heat until VERY hot.

Step 4

Put in as many chicken pieces as the skillet can hold. Brown the chicken in HOT oil on both sides.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Place flour in a large plastic bag (let the amount of chicken you are cooking dictate the amount of flour you use). Season flour with paprika (which helps to brown the chicken), salt and pepper.

Step 7

Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk then, a few at a time, transfer them into the bag with flour; seal the bag and shake to coat well.

Step 8

Drain 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.