Healthy Living in Austin, Texas

I stepped outside this morning and could not believe I was still in Austin. The weather was so cool and dreary, the type of weather that makes you want to stay inside curled up with a good book and some hot soup. Don’t get me wrong, I love soup more than the average person but there’s nothing like biting into a piece of crunchy, piping hot chicken on a cold day as well. Here is a step by step guide on how to make some of the best southern fried chicken you will ever have. My mouth is watering just typing this!

Here is everything you’ll need to make the fried chicken:

Set the chicken pieces on a cutting board and season liberally with salt and pepper on all sides.

Transfer the chicken to a large bowl and add the buttermilk, then let it sit for at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together the flour with the seasonings.

Heat 1 to 2 inches of oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron is best) or Dutch oven over high heat.

When the oil reaches 350°F on a deep-fry thermometer, turn the heat down to medium. You’re ready to fry!

Transfer 3 to 4 pieces of chicken from the buttermilk to the flour mixture, letting any excess buttermilk drip off.

Use your hands to pack the flour onto all sides of the chicken, then, working with one piece at a time, shake off any excess flour…

…and carefully place the dredged chicken in the hot oil.

Repeat with 2 or 3 more pieces of chicken. Make sure your oil temperature doesn’t drop lower than about 340°F. Try and keep it at 350°F.

Let the chicken fry for about 6 minutes, until it’s lightly browned on the underside.

Use tongs or a slotted spoon to carefully flip each piece of chicken.

Cook for 6 more minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and both sides are golden brown.

Lift the finished pieces of chicken out of the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate or baking sheet.

Repeat the process, cooking 3 or 4 pieces of chicken at a time, until all the chicken is cooked. Season the cooked chicken with a little more salt and pepper, as soon as it comes out of the oil.

And there you have it! A step by step guide to making the most delicious fried chicken you will ever put in your mouth. I know after reading this blog you’re running to the nearest grocery store to buy all of these ingredients, I know I am!