Southern Fried Chicken

I’ve mentioned before, I grew up in the South…the Deep South, where they drink Sweet Tea and eat Southern Fried Chicken!  

As a child I spent lots of time with my grandparents.  Like most people of that generation they were very active and enjoyed doing a wide variety of things.  A favorite weekend activity was going on picnics.  We’d often gather as many extended family members as possible, drive to a state park somewhere and have a picnic.  Of course, we could simply have had these people over for lunch but there’s just something about packing up your food, setting it out in the open air and sharing it with others that makes it so much more special.  

I’ve come to realize, “picnic food” differs greatly depending on what region of the country you’re in.  Here in Texas it means you’re going to grill out some hamburgers and hot dogs once you get there.  Up north it tended to mean sandwiches but in the Deep South it means Fried Chicken!  I can’t remember one picnic with my grandparents that didn’t include Fried Chicken…and I’m not talking about from “The Colonel”…I mean my grandma getting up EARLY and hand battering and skillet frying enough chicken to feed a small army!  It would be fried first thing in the morning, cooled so it didn’t “sweat” (that makes the crust soggy), packed in a large Tupperware container, into the picnic basket it would go and served cold when we reached our destination….And it was DELICIOUS!

I’m well aware of all the “political incorrectness” of that last sentence….

• fried food is a no-no
• plastic is bad for the environment
• the chicken wasn’t kept warm to prevent botulism
• who can imagine eating “cold” food

So for those of you who may be concerned about our safety (bless your heart) let me assure you

• my grandma ate fried food almost every day of her 89 year life
• I think my mom still has some of her Tupperware
• I’ve never known anyone to get sick after a picnic
• Fried Chicken is one of the few foods that’s just as good cold as it is hot 

And I have to add…life was so much more simple when we didn’t worry about those things.  But, enough about our “social fears”.

What’s my point?  

Whether you make this Southern Fried Chicken or not, do something with your family.  I know, we’re all SUPER busy!  But carve out some time, get away from the house, leave all your electronic devices at home and spend some quality time together.  If that seems too daunting, start small…just have an uninterrupted dinner together at home. I know a great place to find easy recipes 😉

Here’s the Recipe:

• 3 1/2 lbs bone-in chicken (I used legs)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup flour
• 1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• oil for frying – I like to deep fry

Heat oil to 375-400 degrees

In a shallow dish, mix flour, salt and pepper

Pour milk into a second shallow dish  

*If you don’t have buttermilk you can use regular or make your own by adding 1 tsp of white vinegar or lemon juice to 1 cup milk and let it sit about 5 minutes*

First dip chicken in milk, then coat thoroughly in flour

*If you like it really crispy, you can then re-dip in milk and coat a second time in flour*

Make sure the oil is hot before placing the chicken it.  Hot oil allows the food to absorb less of it and sears on the crust.

Carefully drop chicken in to hot oil.  Fry as many as your fryer or skillet will hold without overcrowding.

Chicken will float when it become almost done.

To test for “doneness”, remove from oil and pierce with a knife, all the way to the bone.  If juices run clear, it’s done.

When done, remove from oil and drain on paper towels.

 Serve immediately or if you’re feeling brave…

 Pack it in some Tupperware and go on a picnic!

This post linked at Inspire Us Thurs. The Wednesday Roundup Pin It Thurs