There’s something undeniably comforting about the crispy goodness of fried chicken. It’s a dish that brings families together around the dinner table or makes for the perfect picnic treat. This recipe for Hillbilly Fried Chicken is a classic that never fails to delight. With a perfect balance of crispy coating and juicy meat, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your household.
**Hillbilly Fried Chicken**
**Ingredients:**
– 1 whole chicken, cut into 8 pieces
– 2 cups buttermilk
– 2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1 tablespoon paprika
– 1 tablespoon garlic powder
– 1 tablespoon onion powder
– 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Vegetable oil, for frying
**Instructions:**
1. In a large bowl, place the chicken pieces and cover them with buttermilk. Let the chicken marinate in the buttermilk for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.
2. In a shallow dish, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
3. Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk, allowing any excess buttermilk to drip off.
4. Dredge each piece of chicken in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure to coat it completely. Shake off any excess flour.
5. In a large skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches about 350°F (180°C).
6. Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the hot oil, skin side down. Be careful not to overcrowd the skillet, as this will lower the oil temperature and make the chicken soggy.
7. Fry the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. This should take about 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
8. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
9. Serve the Hillbilly Fried Chicken hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread. Enjoy the crispy goodness and juicy tenderness of this classic dish!
Fried chicken may seem like a simple meal, but the art of achieving the perfect balance of crispy coating and succulent chicken meat takes practice. The key to this Hillbilly Fried Chicken recipe is the buttermilk marinade that tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy flavor that complements the savory spices in the coating. So, roll up your sleeves, get your hands a little messy, and dive into making this delicious and satisfying dish that brings comfort and joy to any mealtime.
