Chicken

Aunt Stella's Fried Chicken

This is one of the simplest recipes out there and it is also one of the most popular. It is a true Southern classic that has been shared numerous times. It does need time to soak in the

not-so-secret liquid, buttermilk! Doing so will lead you to tender, delicious chicken. This recipe works great when just doing wings or breasts too! See our Buffalo Sauce Recipe below.

What I like best about this recipe is the coating; it's not thick so you know the skin is crispy.

Aunt Stella's Fried Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken, 3 to 4 lbs, cut into pieces close to the same size*

• 1 tsp sea salt

• 1 tsp blackpepper

• 2 cups buttermilk

• Vegetable oil for frying, I use peanut oil

• Self-rising flour (start with ¾ cup, it will take more)

You will need a large deep skillet, a sheet pan lined with several

layers of paper towels and a sheet pan with a rack.

Instructions

1. Wash the chicken and pat dry; sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place

the chicken in a large zip-top bag and pour in the buttermilk; seal

and chill for 3 hours.

2. Pour oil to a depth of 1½-inches in a the skillet; preheat it to 365°F.

Heat oven to warm.

3. Remove pieces from buttermilk and dredge in flour. Then in small

batches:

• Add chicken, cook covered 6 minutes**

• Uncover, cook for 9 minutes

• Turn chicken, cover and cook 6 minutes

• Uncover, cook for 6 to 9 minutes, turning for last 3 minutes to

brown evenly***

4. Drain each batch on paper towels; then transfer to oven rack to

keep warm while the other batches are frying.

*Pieces fry more evenly when they are the same size.

**Smaller pieces (like wings) require less time.

***You want a medium golden brown color.

Options

• You can add ½ tsp paprika, ½ tsp onion powder or ½ tsp garlic salt

• Cayenne pepper, ¼ tsp, will add some heat

• I like to add up to 1 tsp poultry seasoning plus ½ tsp paprika

Buffalo Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine ¼ cup butter, ¼ cup red pepper sauce,

¼ tsp garlic salt and a dash of black pepper. Bring to boil; lower heat

to medium-high and cook for 4 to 5 minutes. Butter should be melted

and mixture thoroughly blended. Toss wings with mixture until totally

covered.

KEYWORDS

best fried chicken recipe, fried chicken wings recipe, simple fried chicken recipe