Southern Fried Chicken

Are you sick of the heat yet? It's ridiculous and I'm sure many of us are ready for the summer to end. This heatwave makes me wonder how the folks down South manage to survive through the summer months. Then my food brain starts to dwell on Southern eats. That's when I start to get hungry and crave something savory, crunchy, juicy, finger-lickin' good... like this Southern Fried Chicken. Succulent pieces of chicken are dipped in a flavorful batter of eggs, flour, seasoning and hot sauce before frying to a golden brown. The South may be hot but they sure know how to make fried chicken!...

This month's Moms Crazy Cooking Challenge food blogging event is all about fried chicken. This was the perfect opportunity to pack a picnic and include this dish to share.  When I think about fried chicken, it's only right to give a nod to the folks down South since in my mind, they have perfected the art of fried chicken. This particular recipe includes more than the usual seasoned flour. The batter really makes it stand out because it adds that crunchy texture, a little heat and well, if you put that all together you get something finger-licking good... as it should be!

Southern Fried Chicken
recipe adapted from Paula Deen

3 eggs
1/3 cup water
About 1 cup hot red pepper sauce (recommended: Texas Pete)
2 cups self-rising flour (or 2 cups gluten free flour blend + 1 tablespoon baking powder)
1 (1 to 2 1/2-pound) chicken, cut into pieces
Oil, for frying, preferably peanut oil

2 teaspoons black pepper
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Heat the oil to 350 degrees F in a deep pot. Do not fill the pot more than 1/2 full with oil. Preheat oven to 250 degrees (for warming) and have a baking sheet ready.

Meanwhile, in a medium size bowl, beat the eggs with the water. Add enough hot sauce so the egg mixture is bright orange. In another bowl, combine the flour and 1 teaspoon black pepper. Season the chicken with remaining black pepper, salt and garlic powder. 

Dip the seasoned chicken in the egg, and then coat well in the flour mixture.

Fry the chicken in the oil until brown and crisp. Dark meat takes longer then white meat. It should take dark meat about 13 to 14 minutes, white meat around 8 to 10 minutes.

Place cooked chicken on a baking sheet and keep in the warmed oven until all pieces have been fried.

Please check out all these delicious fried chicken recipes made by all the food bloggers participating in 'Moms Crazy Cooking Challenge' this month! Don't forget to click on your favorite looking one and cast your vote!.