Title: The Ultimate Southern Fried Chicken Recipe: Soul Food Sunday Special
Introduction
Welcome back to another FIRE recipe! Today, I’m excited to share with you a classic, tried-and-true recipe for Southern Fried Chicken. We’re keeping it down to the basics, and we’re going to prepare this mouthwatering dish in a good ol’ cast iron skillet. So, without further ado, let’s dive right into the ingredients and the step-by-step process to make the best Southern Fried Chicken you’ve ever tasted.
The Key Ingredients
Before we get started, let me show you all the essential ingredients you’ll need to make this incredible Southern Fried Chicken:
- 1 cup of All-Purpose Flour
- 1/4 cup of Creole Kick (a blend of spices that includes onion, garlic, and paprika)
- 1 tablespoon of Onion Powder
- 1 tablespoon of Salt
- 1 tablespoon of Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 6-8 pieces of Chicken (your choice of cuts)
- 1 1/2 cups of Buttermilk
- 1/2 cup of Dill Pickle Juice
- Enough Vegetable Oil for frying (to cover half the chicken)
Now, let’s break down the process of creating this amazing dish step by step.
1: Marinate the Chicken
- Start by washing and thoroughly drying your chicken pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy crust.
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the buttermilk, pickle juice, and a bit of water (the exact measurements can be found in the description box below). You want enough liquid to immerse your chicken pieces comfortably.
- Place the chicken pieces into the bag, ensuring they are fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Seal the bag and massage it gently to evenly distribute the flavors. You can let it marinate in the refrigerator for about two hours, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor.
2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour
- In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, Creole Kick, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The Creole Kick adds that distinctive Southern flavor.
- Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the flour. You should be able to see and taste the spices in the mixture.
3: Bread the Chicken
- Remove the marinated chicken pieces from the bag and let them drip slightly to remove any excess buttermilk. We want the chicken damp, but not overly wet.
- Coat the chicken pieces with the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure they’re completely covered with the flour, giving them a good shake to remove any excess.
- Gently press the flour onto the chicken to ensure the coating adheres well. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and let them rest for a few minutes to let the coating adhere even better.
4: Heat the Oil
- Heat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to a temperature of around 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. When you see the oil start to shimmer and produce a few ripples, it’s ready for frying.
5: Fry the Chicken
- Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil, working away from you to avoid any splattering.
- Fry the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that it’s cooked through and safe to eat.
- When the chicken reaches a beautiful golden brown color, it’s time to remove it from the oil. Place it on a wire rack to let any excess oil drain.
Try these soul food ideas:
Southern Fried Chicken Video
Step 6: Enjoy Your Southern Fried Chicken
Storage Tips
When it comes to storing your Southern Fried Chicken or any other food, there are some useful storage ideas and tips that can help you keep your meals fresh and organized. Here are some tips and tricks:
- Use Airtight Containers: Invest in a set of airtight containers for storing leftovers or pre-made fried chicken. Airtight containers help seal in freshness and prevent odors from escaping or mixing with other foods. Be sure to label the containers with the date to keep track of freshness.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Don’t leave your fried chicken out at room temperature for too long. As a general rule, leftovers should be refrigerated within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
- Cool Before Storage: Allow your fried chicken to cool to room temperature before placing it in the fridge or freezer. Putting hot food directly into the refrigerator can raise its internal temperature and affect the quality of other items inside.
- Separate Pieces: If you have a variety of chicken pieces, separate them into different containers or use dividers within the same container. This helps prevent them from sticking together and makes it easier to reheat specific portions.
- Layer with Parchment Paper: If you need to stack pieces of fried chicken in a container, place a layer of parchment paper between them to prevent them from sticking together or losing their crispiness.
- Use Freezer Bags: If you’re storing chicken in the freezer, consider using freezer bags instead of containers. They minimize the risk of freezer burn and allow you to remove and reseal portions easily.
- Portion Control: If you’re storing fried chicken for later use, portion it into smaller servings that you can reheat as needed. This minimizes waste and makes reheating more convenient.
- Reheat Properly: When reheating fried chicken, use an oven or toaster oven instead of a microwave. This helps maintain the crispy texture. Reheat at a low temperature (around 350-375°F) for about 10-15 minutes.
- Label and Date: Always label your containers or bags with the date you stored the chicken. This helps you keep track of how long it has been stored and when it should be consumed.
- Rotate Stock: If you regularly store leftovers or pre-made meals, rotate your stock. Place newer items behind older ones to ensure you use the oldest items first and reduce food waste.
- Organize Your Freezer: In your freezer, organize food items by category (e.g., meats, vegetables, desserts) and label the shelves accordingly. This makes it easier to find what you need and prevents food from getting buried and forgotten.
- Use Stackable Bins: Consider using stackable bins or drawers in your freezer to keep similar items together and maximize space. It makes it easier to access what you need without causing a mess.
- Keep the Freezer at Optimal Temperature: Make sure your freezer is set at the correct temperature (usually around 0°F or -18°C). A thermometer in the freezer can help you monitor this.
- Regularly Clean and Defrost: Periodically clean and defrost your freezer to maintain its efficiency and prevent the buildup of ice that can affect food quality.
- Minimize Air Exposure: When using containers, choose appropriately sized ones to minimize the amount of air inside. Less air means less chance of freezer burn.
Perfect Pairings: Side Dishes to Serve with Southern Fried Chicken:
- Classic Buttermilk Biscuits: Flaky, buttery biscuits are the ideal companion for fried chicken. Split them open and drizzle with honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
- Collard Greens: Cooked until tender with smoky bacon or ham hock, collard greens add a savory and nutritious element to your Southern feast.
- Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy, cheesy macaroni is a comfort food classic that complements the crunchiness of fried chicken.
- Cornbread: Serve up some moist, slightly sweet cornbread for a delightful contrast to the savory chicken.
- Southern Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw with a tangy dressing provides a crunchy, cool contrast to the warm and crispy chicken.
- Mashed Potatoes and Gravy: Creamy mashed potatoes smothered in rich gravy make for a comforting side that enhances the heartiness of the fried chicken.
- Baked Beans: Sweet and smoky baked beans add a touch of sweetness and depth to your Southern feast.
- Fried Okra: A Southern classic, fried okra provides a crispy and flavorful side that complements the chicken’s crunch.
- Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob with a slather of butter is a simple yet delightful side that adds sweetness to your meal.
- Hush Puppies: These deep-fried balls of cornmeal goodness are a Southern staple and make for a tasty accompaniment to fried chicken.
- Sweet Potato Fries: Swap traditional fries for sweet potato fries for a slightly sweet and savory side that adds a modern twist to your Southern spread.
- Pickles: Tangy and crisp pickles are a refreshing palate cleanser that cuts through the richness of the fried chicken.
Dessert:
Cap off your Southern feast with a sweet treat:
- Peach Cobbler: A warm peach cobbler with a buttery crust is a classic Southern dessert that complements the savory notes of the meal.
- Pecan Pie: End your meal on a sweet note with a slice of rich and nutty pecan pie.
- Banana Pudding: Layers of vanilla wafers, ripe bananas, and luscious pudding create a comforting and indulgent dessert.
By following these storage ideas and tips, you can keep your Southern Fried Chicken and other foods fresh, well-organized, and easy to access for future meals. Enjoy your homemade comfort food whenever you desire, and savor the flavors of the South!
Now that you’ve cooked up a batch of delicious Southern Fried Chicken, it’s time to savor the flavors of this classic soul food dish. Serve it with your favorite sides, like mashed potatoes, collard greens, or coleslaw, and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.
Making Southern Fried Chicken is easier than you might think, and the results are absolutely worth it. This classic recipe will transport you to the heart of the South, filling your kitchen with the mouthwatering aromas of perfectly fried chicken. So, why not give it a try and share this delightful dish with your loved ones for a memorable meal on your next Soul Food Sunday? I hope you enjoy this classic recipe as much as I do, and remember, there’s no need to make it overly complicated – just keep it old school and let the flavors shine through. Happy cooking!
Recipe Card
Southern Fried Chicken
Ingredients
Instructions
-
-
Start by washing and thoroughly drying your chicken pieces. Pat them dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy crust.
-
In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the buttermilk, pickle juice, and a bit of water (the exact measurements can be found in the description box below). You want enough liquid to immerse your chicken pieces comfortably.
-
Place the chicken pieces into the bag, ensuring they are fully submerged in the buttermilk mixture. Seal the bag and massage it gently to evenly distribute the flavors. You can let it marinate in the refrigerator for about two hours, but overnight is even better for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour
-
In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, Creole Kick, onion powder, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. The Creole Kick adds that distinctive Southern flavor.
-
Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the flour. You should be able to see and taste the spices in the mixture.
Step 3: Bread the Chicken
-
Remove the marinated chicken pieces from the bag and let them drip slightly to remove any excess buttermilk. We want the chicken damp, but not overly wet.
-
Coat the chicken pieces with the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure they’re completely covered with the flour, giving them a good shake to remove any excess.
-
Gently press the flour onto the chicken to ensure the coating adheres well. Place the breaded chicken on a baking sheet and let them rest for a few minutes to let the coating adhere even better.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
- Heat your vegetable oil in a deep skillet or frying pan to a temperature of around 350-360 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature. When you see the oil start to shimmer and produce a few ripples, it’s ready for frying.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
-
Carefully place the breaded chicken pieces into the hot oil, working away from you to avoid any splattering.
-
Fry the chicken for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165 degrees Fahrenheit, ensuring that it’s cooked through and safe to eat.
-
When the chicken reaches a beautiful golden brown color, it’s time to remove it from the oil. Place it on a wire rack to let any excess oil drain.
Enjoy Your Southern Fried Chicken!
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Equipment
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