Southern Fried Chicken
CATEGORIES
INGREDIENTS
- Servings: 4-6 ppl
- Buttermilk pulls double duty in this recipe, providing flavor and tenderizing the chicken. Although the
- recipe traditionally calls for lard, shortening is a fine substitute. Serves 4 to 6.
- INGREDIENTS
- 3 1/2- to 4-lb. chicken, cut into 8 pieces
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tsp. black pepper, divided
- 1/4 tsp. salt
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt, such as Lawry's
- 1 lb. lard (or solid vegetable shortening)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
DIRECTIONS
- Step 1
- Rinse the chicken pieces and blot them with paper towels. In a large bowl combine the buttermilk, 1/4
- teaspoon of black pepper and the salt, and stir to combine.
- Step 2
- Add the chicken pieces and turn to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight,
- turning the pieces occasionally.
- Step 3
- Combine the flour, seasoned salt and the remaining 3/4 teaspoon of black pepper in a shallow baking
- dish and blend well. Line a baking sheet with three layers of paper towels and place it near the stove.
- Step 4
- Put the lard and butter in a large cast-iron frying pan or pot big enough to hold the chicken pieces in
- one layer without touching. Melt over medium-high heat. The fat should be about 1/2-inch deep.
- Step 5
- Heat until it registers 365 degrees on a candy thermometer or until a small cube of bread dropped in
- the oil browns in about 1 minute.
- Step 6
- Using tongs, remove the thighs from the marinade, draining well. Dredge them in the flour mixture,
- turning to coat evenly. Shake off any excess flour. Place them skin-side down in the center of the pan.
- Step 7
- Coat the remaining pieces in the same way and add them to the pan in a single layer without touching.
- Work in batches if necessary.
- Step 8
- Don't move the chicken for about 5 minutes or until the coating is set and looks firm. Check the
- underside by lifting with the tongs--it should be deep golden. Cook the pieces between 8 and 20
- minutes (depending on size), turning them periodically until crispy brown and cooked through.
- Step 9
- To test, cut into the thickest part of a piece. The juices should run clear and the meat should be opaque
- throughout. Place on the paper-lined baking sheet to drain.
- Step 10
- Arrange the chicken pieces on a platter and serve hot, room temperature or cold.