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Southern Fried Chicken Recipe

Probably the number one main course served in the South, Southern Fried Chicken is a mainstay of Southern Cooking. The golden brown, crispy crust is what distinguishes Southern Fried Chicken from ordinary fried chicken. Be sure the oil is hot before placing chicken in the pan. The first few minutes of frying is what seals in the flavor and gives a good crust. If the oil is not hot you will not accomplish either. Use the wooden handle test in step 7 to make sure oil is hot enough before adding chicken.

Southern Fried Chicken Ingredients

Fresh, cut-up chicken
2 cups flour
1 tablespoon salt
1/2 tablespoon black pepper
1 whole egg
3/4 cup buttermilk
Cooking oil as required (see directions)

Directions

1. Using a large frying pan (cast iron works best), fill with enough cooking oil to cover at least half the thickness of the chicken (about 2-3 inches oil depth in the pan).
2. Place frying pan on stove top burner on medium-high heat
3. In a medium size mixing bowl, combine egg and buttermilk, mix well
4. On a large plate, combine flour, salt, pepper, mix well
5. Wash chicken parts, pat dry.
6. Dip each chicken part in the egg-milk wash, then roll in flour mix to coat on all sides
7. Check oil temperature (place handle of wooden spoon in oil. You should get bubbles rising around the handle immediately.)
8. Place chicken parts in frying pan (should not be touching each other)
9. Fry chicken on first side 2 minutes then turn to other side
10. REDUCE HEAT TO MEDIUM
11. Continue to fry on each side until golden brown

Tip: Even though you have a golden brown crust on the outside, the inside of the thicker pieces may not be fully cooked, especially if you are using frozen chicken which you defrosted. The best (and safest) test for doneness is to use a meat thermometer. Place it in the thigh or thickest part of the chicken, without touching the bone. You should read a minimum temperature of 165 degrees F. If you do not have a meat thermometer, cut deep into one of the thickest pieces with a sharp knife and observe for any pink coloring. If pink, continue cooking. There should be no pink!

Tip 2: If you are concerned about the chicken cooking through (or if you live at an altitude over 1,000 feet), you can boil the chicken first for 20-30 minutes, then fry per the instruction above.

Leftover chicken should be refrigerated within 2 hours of cooking. You may keep refrigerated leftovers for 2 to 3 days. Although it will lose it's crunchiness, cold Southern fried chicken is very tasty the next day.

Goes well with fried okra and green beans.