Crisco Fried Chicken is a classic Southern dish that brings together the crispy, golden perfection of fried chicken with the nostalgic richness of Crisco shortening. This recipe creates a juicy, tender chicken with a perfectly seasoned crust that crackles with every bite. Whether served with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits, Crisco Fried Chicken is a comfort food that evokes the warmth and hospitality of Southern cooking.
Ingredients:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for added heat)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- 2 cups Crisco shortening
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken pieces under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels.
- In a large bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed.
- Batter the Chicken:
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs.
- Dip each piece of chicken into the buttermilk mixture, ensuring it is fully coated, then dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing lightly to adhere the flour to the chicken. Shake off any excess flour.
- For an extra-crispy crust, dip the floured chicken back into the buttermilk mixture and dredge it once more in the flour.
- Fry the Chicken:
- In a large cast-iron skillet or deep frying pan, heat the Crisco shortening over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add the chicken pieces to the hot shortening, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry the chicken for about 8-10 minutes per side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Use tongs to carefully turn the chicken pieces, ensuring they cook evenly on all sides.
- Drain and Serve:
- Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to settle.
Enjoy your Crisco Fried Chicken with your favorite sides!
