Good news everyone! We’ve got a guest post from Grandma! Let’s have her take over…
Well, honey, sit yourself down. I’ve got a tale to spin and a recipe to share. It’s about that old family favorite, Southern Fried Chicken. Now, I’ve spent many a year perfecting this dish. It ain’t just a meal, it’s a tradition steeped in love, community, and of course, a whole lot of flavor.
First thing you need to know about making good Southern Fried Chicken is that it ain’t a dish you rush. No, darlin’, this takes time, patience, and a whole lot of love. It’s a meal that fills not only your belly but your soul. It’s about more than just food, it’s about family, heritage, and comfort.
The Chicken
Now, to get started, you need a good bird. I usually prefer a whole chicken, cut into pieces. You know, back in my day, we’d go out to the coop and choose one ourselves. These days, you might just run to the grocery store, but make sure you’re getting a quality chicken.
The Marinade
Next, you’re gonna want to let that chicken soak in some buttermilk. This is the secret, my dear. The acidity of the buttermilk helps tenderize the meat, making it juicy and flavorful. I usually add a little bit of hot sauce, too, for a kick, and let it sit overnight.
The Breading
Come morning, it’s time to get to work. For the breading, you’ll want to mix flour, salt, pepper, and a blend of spices. I like to use a bit of paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. You can adjust the seasonings to your liking, though. Now, take each piece of chicken out of the buttermilk, let the excess drip off, and then coat it in the flour mixture.
The Frying
Next comes the frying. Now, you listen here, safety first. Frying can be dangerous if you’re not careful. You’ll want to heat up your oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet to about 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it’s hot, add your chicken pieces a few at a time. Don’t crowd the pan now, or the temperature will drop and your chicken won’t fry up right.
The Finish
Fry each piece until it’s golden brown and crispy. It usually takes about 15 minutes, but you want to make sure it’s cooked all the way through. Once it’s done, let it drain on a wire rack or some paper towels.
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Serving It Up
There ain’t nothing better than Southern Fried Chicken served up with some buttery mashed potatoes and green beans. Or maybe you prefer it with coleslaw and cornbread. Either way, it’s a meal that’ll have everyone coming back for seconds.
In the end, my dear, remember this: Southern Fried Chicken ain’t just about the chicken. It’s about the love and care you put into making it. It’s about the stories told and the memories made while sharing it. It’s about the connection to the past and the bridge to the future. And most importantly, it’s about coming together as a family to enjoy good food and good company.
Now, go on and give it a try. And remember, in this kitchen, we don’t just cook with pots and pans, we cook with our hearts.