Description
Grandma’s Fried Chicken is a classic, crispy, and flavorful dish featuring juicy pieces of chicken seasoned with a blend of spices, coated in a seasoned flour mixture, and deep-fried to golden perfection. This timeless recipe delivers a delicious Southern-inspired comfort food experience perfect for family meals or special gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasoning
- 8 pieces chicken (drumsticks, thighs, or a mix of both)
- 2 teaspoons garlic powder
- 1 ½ teaspoons seasoned salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Kosher salt, to taste
Breading
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
- ½ teaspoon baking soda
Wet Mixture
- 1 ½ cups water (or as needed)
Frying
- Oil for frying (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Rinse and pat dry the chicken pieces. Season the chicken evenly with kosher salt, garlic powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Make sure every piece is well coated for maximum flavor.
- Mix the dry coating: In a large bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Stir well to evenly distribute the leavening agents and flour.
- Prepare the batter: Gradually add the water to the dry flour mixture, stirring continuously until you achieve a smooth, thick batter. Adjust the water as needed to get the right consistency for coating the chicken.
- Coat the chicken: Dip each seasoned chicken piece into the batter, making sure it is fully coated with the flour mixture. Allow any excess batter to drip off.
- Heat the oil: Pour enough oil into a deep skillet or frying pan to cover about half of the chicken pieces when placed inside. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches approximately 350°F (175°C), ideal for deep frying.
- Fry the chicken: Carefully place the battered chicken pieces into the hot oil without overcrowding the pan. Fry each piece for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even browning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Drain and serve: Remove the chicken pieces from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Let them rest for a few minutes before serving to ensure crispy, juicy chicken.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
- Adjust seasoning according to preference; add cayenne pepper for a spicier kick.
- Do not overcrowd the frying pan to maintain oil temperature and prevent soggy coating.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven to retain crispiness instead of microwaving.
- Vegetable or canola oil is preferred due to their high smoke points suitable for frying.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
