Southern Fried Chicken

There is nothing that puts a smile on hubby's face like fried chicken.  Okay, maybe dark chocolate, Nordeast beer, fast cars.....but I promise, fried chicken falls into his TOP 10 category!

I am the kinda gal that likes to experiment, even if it is with a tried and true recipe.  So, tonight I took my 'usual' fried chicken recipe and SPICED it up a bit.

Here is what you'll need:

1 broiler fryer chicken cut up 3-4 lbs.  (We buy family packs of organic legs and thighs-about 4 pieces  each)
1 cup buttermilk (I usually don't have any buttermilk on hand-so I make my own.  Pour 1 tablespoon vinegar in a glass measuring cup, and fill with milk until you have 1 cup.  Let sit for 10 minutes until it thickens and begins to curdle.)
1 cup cornmeal
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (you can add more if you like it hot!)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp parsley
1/2 kosher salt


Place chicken in a plastic storage bag and pour in buttermilk.

 

Let  chicken soak for at least 1 hour.

Mix dry ingredients in a shallow dish.

Grease a 9x13 pan.  ( I cover mine with foil to save on clean up.)

Remove chicken from buttermilk, one piece at a time, and coat with corn meal mixture.  Place on greased pan.

Bake in a 400 degree oven for 40-45 minutes (Turn pieces over 1/2 way through cooking time-to ensure crispiness on both sides!)


Ta-da!!  Crispy fried chicken with just a little bit of heat, and a WHOLE lot of flavor!

Add some rice and dinner is served!!!

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