Fried Chicken

 

Learn to Cook

 

Recipe-

1       whole chicken, cut up (2 1/2-3 pounds)*

1 1/2 cups buttermilk

2       cups all-purpose flour

1       teaspoon salt

1       teaspoon fresh ground pepper

        Vegetable oil for frying (about 4 cups)

*A chicken is easier to cut up if slightly frozen.

  

Directions-

 Place chicken pieces in a large bowl and cover with a solution of 2 teaspoons white vinegar and ice water. Let soak for 1/2 hour.   Drain, rinse, and pat dry with a paper towel. 

 

Place chicken pieces in a large shallow dish.  Cover with buttermilk.  Refrigerate from 4 hours to overnight.  Drain.  In a large paper bag shake together flour, salt, and pepper.  Add chicken a few pieces at a time and toss to coat.  Remove from paper bag and lay on a wire rack placed over a jelly roll pan. 

 

Preheat oil to 350-degrees in an Electric Skillet or large skillet.   Fry chicken a few pieces at a time beginning by placing skin side down and thicker pieces in the middle.    Cover and cook for 5 minutes, checking to see if cooking evenly. Rearrange if necessary.   Cover and cook another 5 minutes.  Turn chicken over, uncover, and cook until well done, about 10-15 minutes.  Remove chicken and drain on a wire rack placed over a jelly roll pan covered with paper towels.

 

Cream Chicken Gravy

 

Recipe-

3       tablespoons all-purpose flour

3       tablespoons pan drippings

1 1/2 cups milk or half-and-half

1/2   teaspoon salt

1/2   teaspoon fresh ground pepper

 

Directions-

Add flour to drippings in skillet and whisk to blend.  Add milk slowly whisking to make a smooth paste with drippings and flour.  Bring to a boil, whisking constantly.  Season with salt and pepper.  Serve in a gravy boat.  Yield:  1 1/2 cups.

 

Presentation-  Place on a warm platter and garnish with parsley.  Accompany with a boat of hot gravy. 

 

Carolyn Gass Hardimon, M. S.

Home Economist

Belleville, Illinois