Grandma’s Fried Chicken

Introduction

When I first tried making Grandma’s Fried Chicken, it immediately brought back fond memories of family dinners. The crispy, golden-brown crust combined with the juicy, tender chicken on the inside is the perfect comfort food. I followed her traditional recipe, and it turned out better than I ever imagined. My family couldn’t get enough of it. Everyone raved about the seasoning, the crispy texture, and how it reminded them of the delicious fried chicken they enjoyed as kids. This recipe is the ultimate comfort food that you’ll want to make again and again!

Why You’ll Love Grandma’s Fried Chicken

There are a few reasons why Grandma’s Fried Chicken will become a family favorite:

• Crispy and Juicy: The secret to this fried chicken is the perfectly crispy batter that locks in all the juices, making each bite flavorful and tender.
• Seasoned to Perfection: With a blend of garlic powder, onion powder, and seasoned salt, this chicken is flavorful in every bite.
• Easy to Make: The batter is simple to prepare, and the frying process is straightforward—perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a family dinner, a picnic, or a holiday gathering, this fried chicken will always be a crowd-pleaser.
• Homestyle Comfort: There’s something comforting about making a recipe that’s been passed down through generations, and this fried chicken is as homestyle as it gets.

Ingredients

• 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
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2 ¼ teaspoons baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 ½ cups water (or as needed)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Oil for frying

Instructions

1. Heat Oil:
   Heat oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet to 375°F. The oil should be about 3 inches deep to ensure the chicken is fully submerged and cooks evenly.
2. Season the Chicken:
   Place the chicken pieces in a large bowl. Add garlic powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Toss the chicken to coat it evenly with the seasoning.
3. Prepare the Batter:
   In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, baking powder, and baking soda. Add this dry mixture to the seasoned chicken and toss the chicken to coat it thoroughly.
   Gradually add water (starting with 1 ¼ cups), stirring until the batter reaches the consistency of pancake batter—slightly thinner, but not too runny. Add more water as needed to achieve the right texture.
4. Fry the Chicken:
   Once the oil reaches the correct temperature, coat each piece of chicken with a thin layer of batter and gently place it in the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the skillet to ensure even cooking.
   Cover the skillet with a lid and cook the chicken for 7 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 7-9 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The outside should be golden and crispy.
5. Drain and Season:
   Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the skillet and place it on a wire rack set over a sheet tray to catch any excess oil. Immediately sprinkle with kosher salt to enhance the flavor.
   Repeat the frying process with the remaining chicken pieces.
6. Serve:
   Enjoy your crispy, juicy fried chicken, just like Grandma used to make! Serve it hot and fresh for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 8
• Calories per serving: 400-500 (depending on the size of the chicken pieces)
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg
• Sodium: 1,100mg

(Note: Nutrition facts may vary based on the size of the chicken pieces and the exact ingredients used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes (depending on the size of the chicken pieces)
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes

How to Serve

• As a Main Dish: Serve Grandma’s Fried Chicken with mashed potatoes and gravy for a classic, comforting meal.
• With a Side Salad: Pair the chicken with a fresh, crunchy salad to balance the richness of the fried chicken.
• With Cornbread: For a Southern-style feast, serve the chicken with warm cornbread on the side.
• For a Picnic: Pack the fried chicken along with some potato salad and coleslaw for a perfect picnic meal.
• With Hot Sauce: If you like a bit of heat, serve with your favorite hot sauce or a spicy dipping sauce.

Additional Tips

1. Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet: Fry the chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can lead to uneven cooking and soggy crusts.
2. Maintain the Right Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature. If it’s too hot, the outside will burn before the chicken is cooked through. If it’s too cold, the chicken will absorb too much oil.
3. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked through, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 165°F.
4. Let the Chicken Drain: After frying, allow the chicken to drain on a wire rack to keep it crispy. Avoid placing it directly on a paper towel, as this can make the coating soggy.
5. Experiment with Seasonings: If you like a more flavorful crust, try adding a bit of cayenne pepper or paprika to the flour mixture for a touch of heat and color.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
   Yes, boneless chicken can be used, but you will need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the chicken cooks through properly.
2. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying it?
   While frying gives the chicken its signature crispy texture, you can bake it at 400°F for about 30-40 minutes for a healthier alternative.
3. Can I freeze leftover fried chicken?
   Yes, you can freeze the fried chicken. Let it cool completely, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil, and store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
4. What kind of oil is best for frying?
   Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil, for the best frying results.
5. How do I keep the fried chicken crispy?
   Keep the fried chicken on a wire rack rather than a plate or paper towel to prevent the crust from getting soggy.
6. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, you can use a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
7. What can I serve with fried chicken?
   Fried chicken pairs well with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, biscuits, green beans, or corn on the cob.
8. How do I know when the oil is hot enough?
   Use a thermometer to check the oil temperature. If you don’t have a thermometer, drop a small amount of batter into the oil. If it sizzles and rises to the surface, the oil is ready.
9. Can I add seasoning to the batter?
   Absolutely! Feel free to add extra seasonings like paprika, cayenne pepper, or thyme to the batter for more flavor.
10. How do I store leftover fried chicken?
    Store leftover fried chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it in the oven at 375°F for about 10-15 minutes to restore its crispy texture.

Conclusion

Grandma’s Fried Chicken is the perfect dish when you’re craving something crispy, juicy, and full of flavor. The seasoned batter, coupled with the tender chicken, makes this recipe a timeless classic that will never go out of style. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a special gathering, this fried chicken is sure to impress everyone at the table. Make it today and enjoy a plateful of comfort food, just like Grandma used to make!

Print