Southern Fried Chicken

Southern Fried Chicken

• One chicken cut into 8-10 portions, with skin on (or 3lbs of chicken pieces)
• Groundnut, peanut or sunflower oil for frying (or lard if preferred)
• 1 cup of flour
• 1 tsp of salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• A pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper

Wash and drain your chicken. If you have just butchered it into the pieces ready for cooking, soak it in a bowl of iced water – this will draw out the blood. In a suitable pot or pan, heat enough oil or fat to cover your chicken pieces to 370 (F) degrees (if you don’t have a pot big enough to do them all at once, you can cook them in batches. To cook properly you need enough oil that the chicken parts will float in it).

Mix the flour and seasonings in a large bowl, or, alternatively, add them into a thick paper bag and shake vigorously to mix up. Toss the chicken pieces is the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

When your oil or fat reaches the required temperature, gently drop your chicken into it using tongs, being careful not to splash any of the hot fat on your skin. Don’t add too much chicken at once, and ensure the oil remains between 365 and 370 degrees throughout cooking. Turn and move the chicken if you need to, making sure it is crisp and brown all over before removing from the oil. Each piece will need about 20 minutes in the hot oil to thoroughly cook.

Transfer the cooked pieces onto a wire rack with kitchen towel on it to absorb and excess grease. Serve hot or cold with the sides of your choice and your favorite dipping sauce.

 Tips for Perfect Southern Style Deep Fried Chicken:

• Slit the surface of your fresh chicken before coating to allow the hot oil to seep in and cook it better.

• Allow coated chicken to air dry for a while before frying to make it extra crunchy.

• Chicken should be at room temperature before cooking – do not return it to the fridge after coating.

• You can use corn flour and breadcrumbs instead of plain flour in your mixture for even crunchier results.

• Serve the fried chicken with salad, corn on the cob, potatoes, fries, steamed vegetables, rice, or whatever you and your family like best!

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