Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with a Southern fried chicken recipe that will leave you finger-licking good! We'll take you on a journey to discover the secret spices, crispy techniques, and rich history behind Paula Deen's legendary fried chicken. Whether you're a pro in the kitchen or just starting out, we've got all the info and inspiration you need to create this mouthwatering dish that will impress even the pickiest eaters. So, let's dive right in and explore the world of crispy Southern fried chicken!
Paula Deen’s Crispy Southern Fried Chicken: A Recipe for Mouthwatering Goodness
Y’all ready for some lip-smackin’ fried chicken? Well, hold onto your hats, ‘cause Paula Deen’s recipe is about to take you on a culinary trip to the heart of the Southern comfort food heaven.
The Key to Tenderness: Buttermilk
Y’see, the secret weapon in this recipe is buttermilk. It’s like a magic potion that gives the chicken a melt-in-your-mouth juiciness. Why? Because the buttermilk contains lactic acid, which breaks down the proteins in the chicken, making it tender as can be.
Crunchy Crust: A Double-Coating Delight
Now, let’s talk about that crispy crust. Paula’s recipe uses a double-coating technique that’ll make your chicken look golden and feel irresistible. First, you’ll roll the chicken in a seasoned flour bath. Then, it takes a dip in a dance party of eggs and hot red pepper sauce. And finally, it’s back to the flour for a second round of coating. This double-dip action ensures an even, crispy surface that will make you crave it from head to toe.
The Symphony of Spices
But wait, there’s more! Paula’s recipe is all about balancing spices to bring out the chicken’s natural flavors without overpowering them. She uses a blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, creating a taste sensation that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Chicken
Here are some tricks to make your chicken just as perfect as Paula’s:
- Don’t Crowd the Pan: Let your chicken have some breathing room in the pan so it cooks evenly and doesn’t steam.
- Fresh Oil, Please: Always use fresh oil when frying to avoid any nasty off-flavors.
- Hit the Right Temp: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. Aim for 165°F (74°C) to make sure it’s cooked to perfection.
Conclusion
Paula Deen’s Crispy Southern Fried Chicken is not just a recipe; it’s a culinary adventure that’ll satisfy your cravings and leave you wanting more. So gather up your ingredients, crank up the stove, and get ready to create a masterpiece that’ll make your taste buds sing with joy. Happy frying, y’all!
If you’re looking for an authentic taste of the South, look no further than Paula Deen.
Her Southern fried chicken recipe is a staple of Southern cuisine, loved by everyone from food critics to everyday home cooks.
For those who want to learn from the master herself, here’s a link to a detailed tutorial on how to make Paula Deen’s Southern fried chicken: paula deen southern fried chicken recipe
And to top it off, you can also find a mouthwatering collection of tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect golden-brown crunch at home here: how to make the best southern fried chicken like Paula Deen
How to Whip Up Paula Deen’s Finger-Lickin’ Fried Chicken at Home
Y’all ready to cook up some crispy, juicy Southern fried chicken like the one and only Paula Deen? Here’s how to do it at home like a pro!
Let’s Dive In
Paula Deen’s fried chicken ain’t just any ol’ chicken. It’s a legendary Southern dish that’ll have your taste buds dancing and your family begging for more. The secret lies in two things: the buttermilk marinade and the double coating technique.
What You’ll Need:
- A plump whole chicken, cut up into eight pieces
- A quart of buttermilk
- Two cups of all-purpose flour
- A heapin’ tablespoon of paprika
- A tablespoon of garlic powder and onion powder
- A teaspoon of salt and a half teaspoon of black pepper
- Vegetable oil for frying
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Bathe the Chicken:
Get your chicken pieces nice and cozy in a big bowl. Pour that buttermilk over them like a Southern momma’s best hug. Cover it up and let it soak for at least four hours or even better, overnight. That’ll give the chicken all that juicy, flavorful goodness.
2. Magic Dust Time:
In a shallow bowl, mix together your flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. It’s your very own magic dust! Take the chicken out of the buttermilk, shake off any extra buttermilk, and roll it around in the seasoned flour.
3. Double Coating Bonanza:
Dip the chicken back into the buttermilk and let it soak for a minute. Then, give it another dunk in the seasoned flour. This double coating technique is what gives Paula’s chicken that extra crispy crunch.
4. Sizzle and Fry:
Heat up a big skillet or fire up your deep fryer to 350°F. Drop the chicken pieces in one by one, giving them enough space so they can sizzle and fry without getting all cramped. Fry each side for 10-12 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown.
5. Drain and Dig In:
Once your chicken is done, transfer it to a plate lined with paper towels to drain off any extra oil. Then, gather your family and friends and dive into this fried chicken feast!
Tips for the Best Results:
- If you want extra crispy skin, double-fry the chicken. Fry it first at 300°F for 5-7 minutes per side. Then let it cool a bit and fry it again at 375°F for 2-3 minutes per side.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when frying. You want each piece of chicken to have enough space to get nice and crispy.
- Make sure you use fresh oil for frying. Old oil can leave a bad taste on your chicken.
There you have it, folks! Paula Deen’s famous fried chicken made right in your own kitchen. So, next time you’re craving some crispy, juicy Southern comfort, just follow these steps and get ready to savor every bite!
What ingredients do I need to make Paula Deen’s fried chicken?
Ready to dive into the juicy and crispy world of Paula Deen’s fried chicken? Grab your apron, and let’s get cooking! Here’s the secret recipe that will make your taste buds dance:
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Chicken: | 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs |
| Eggs: | 3 large |
| Hot red pepper sauce: | 2 tablespoons |
| Paula Deen’s House Seasoning: | 1 tablespoon |
| Self-rising flour: | 3 cups |
Steps:
- Prepare your chicken party: Cut the chicken into 1-inch pieces. Don’t be afraid to get messy!
- Egg it on: In a shallow dish, beat the eggs.
- Spice up your chicken: In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the hot pepper sauce and Paula Deen’s House Seasoning. This magical blend is the key to that irresistible flavor.
- Shake it, shake it, shake it: Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then roll it in the seasoned flour. Make sure it’s fully coated.
- Get ready to sizzle: Heat enough cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Fry time: Gently place the chicken pieces into the hot oil and fry for 8-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy on all sides.
- Let it rest: Remove the fried chicken from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Serve it up: Ready to make your taste buds happy? Serve your crispy fried chicken with your favorite sides and enjoy the Southern goodness.
Tips:
- For extra crunch, let the coated chicken pieces sit for 15 minutes before frying.
- For even more flavor, marinate the chicken in the egg and seasoning mixture for up to 4 hours before frying.
- If you don’t have Paula Deen’s House Seasoning, you can make your own blend with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.
- Enjoy the leftovers! Store the fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
What are the steps to make Paula Deen’s fried chicken?
Well, folks, get ready to chow down on some lip-smacking fried chicken that will have you licking your fingers clean! Let’s dive right into the secrets of Paula Deen’s legendary recipe that has won the hearts of countless Southern food enthusiasts.
Step 1: Spice It Up!
Start by grabbing some chicken pieces and giving them a generous sprinkle of Paula Deen’s House Seasoning. Make sure you coat them evenly, getting all those nooks and crannies. This secret blend of herbs and spices will infuse your chicken with a tantalizing flavor that will leave you craving more.
Step 2: Dipping and Dredging Magic
In one bowl, whisk together some milk and your favorite hot sauce. In another bowl, mix together flour and more of that House Seasoning. Now, get ready to transform your chicken into a crispy masterpiece.
Dip each chicken piece into the milk mixture, letting it soak in all that creamy goodness. Then, give it a nice roll in the seasoned flour, creating a delicious first layer. Repeat the dipping and dredging process once more, building up a double layer of flavor.
Step 3: Heat Up the Oil
Fire up your stovetop and heat some vegetable oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). This hot oil will be the magical cauldron where your chicken transforms into golden-brown goodness.
Step 4: Fry Time!
Gently drop the coated chicken pieces into the sizzling oil. For dark meat, let them dance in there for 13-14 minutes. For white meat, give them 8-10 minutes. As your chicken fries, it will develop a gorgeous golden crust while the inside stays juicy and tender.
Step 5: Enjoy the Feast!
Once your chicken is perfectly cooked through, take it out of the oil and let it rest on paper towels to drain off any excess oil. Serve it piping hot with your favorite sides, such as mashed potatoes, creamy gravy, or a crisp green salad.
And there you have it, folks! Paula Deen’s fried chicken, a Southern comfort dish that will satisfy your cravings and leave you with a smile on your face. So, gather your family and friends around the table, and prepare to indulge in this culinary masterpiece that will create lasting memories.
FAQ
Q1: What’s the secret to Paula Deen’s crispy fried chicken?
A1: Paula’s crispy fried chicken gets its signature crunch from a combination of self-rising flour and hot red pepper sauce in the batter. The self-rising flour helps the batter puff up, while the hot sauce adds a subtle kick of flavor.
Q2: Can I use regular flour instead of self-rising flour?
A2: It’s not recommended to substitute regular flour for self-rising flour in this recipe. Self-rising flour contains baking powder and salt, which are essential for achieving the light and crispy texture of Paula’s fried chicken.
Q3: How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
A3: The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. You can check the temperature using a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the meat.
Q4: Can I make Paula’s fried chicken ahead of time?
A4: Yes, you can make Paula’s fried chicken ahead of time and reheat it when you’re ready to serve. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
Q5: What are some side dishes that go well with Paula’s fried chicken?
A5: Paula’s fried chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes, including mashed potatoes, gravy, cornbread, coleslaw, and green beans.