Southern Fried Chicken

Many people like Fried Chicken. These days many people buy chicken that has already been cooked by others. This is because they don't feel they can make it as well. Only a few take the time and effort to learn the various ways chicken can be fried to get good results.

The way I am going to tell you about is how many people in southern states do it.

The first and most important step is preparing the chicken. After cutting the chicken into its individualized parts, you put a large pot of water on to boil. Once the water is boiling rapidly turn it off and put the chicken pieces into the water, put a lid on the pot, and let it set for about half an hour. At the end of the half hour remove the chicken from the pot. Put the chicken on a plate and put in the refrigerator long enough for it to cool and chill

The reason for this step is to ensure that the chicken meat is cooked thoroughly before you attempt to fry it. One of the most common complaints for home chicken fryers is that the part of the chicken closest to the bone doesn't always cook. Too often they find raw or nearly raw chicken near the bone. This step solves that problem. The second reason for this step is that by letting the chicken precook in this way, much of the fat is removed from the chicken.

You should always keep the water from the above cooking step. It has many uses. It is a very good chicken broth that can be used in other recipes.

The next thing you need is a large deep skillet. I prefer the cast iron kind. You can use one that is just a deep skillet or you can use one that is usually used as a "Dutch Oven

The amount of cooking grease or oil you want to use will be approximately one third of the skillet's capacity. This will allow the chicken to be at least half covered while frying it. You will need to turn the chicken at least once.

You want to pre-heat the cooking grease, but you don't want it too hot. A medium heat works best.

While the grease or cooking oil is heating you remove the prepared chicken from the refrigerator and start preparing it for the frying step.

For one medium size chicken you will want to gather the following ingredients;

2 large eggs

Half to three quarter of a cup of canned milk

Spices you like to use on fried chicken

These are some you might consider

Paprika

Salt or Garlic salt

Pepper

Marjoram

Thyme

Flour or corn meal (both can be used to bring out interesting results)

Put the eggs in a medium to large mixing bowl and beat gently, then add the canned milk and spices and beat just till mixed. Add flower to this mixture until you get a batter that isn't to thick but thick enough to cling to the chicken.

There are two schools of thought on how you apply this batter to the chicken. Try both to see which you prefer. The first is to simply dip each chicken piece in the batter and turn it till it is evenly coated and then put that piece into the preheated frying skillet. The second is to coat the chicken once then roll it in additional flour and then do a second dip in the batter before frying it. Personally I prefer the one dip method but people's tastes vary so try both methods and see which you like best.

All that remains is to let the chicken fry till the coating is a nice golden brown on both sides, and then remove it to either a draining rack or paper towel. Then add to the rest of the meal and feast.

Personally I like to have mashed potatoes with gravy, corn on the cob, a nice garden salad and Iced Tea with my fried chicken.