Perfect Fried Chicken

prep time:: 15 min
total time:: 45 min

Serves 4

Karolyn Stuver

Perfect.

ingredients

Peanut oil for frying (enough to cover chicken halfway as it lays in the pan)
Buttermilk
1 can evaporated milk
1 large egg, lightly beaten
1 cup water
salt and pepper
1 chicken, rinsed, patted dry and cut up into pieces
1/2 cup flour
paprika, if desired

directions

1
In a large Ziploc bag, cover chicken with buttermilk and soak overnight in the refrigerator.
2
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium until it is 350 degrees or water droplets sizzle.
3
In a bowl, whisk milk, water and egg. Season flour generously with salt, pepper and paprika, if desired. Dip chicken into flour, milk mixture then flour again.
4
Place the chicken in the skillet. DO NOT CROWD. And cook until the bottom side is golden (about 10 minutes). Turn chicken and cook another 10 minutes. Give it one final turn for another 5-10 minutes. Drain on paper towels and serve.

notes

The secret to great fried chicken is to get the oil deep and hot enough so you only have to turn once or twice. Also, you can skip the evaporated milk; just use 2 lightly beaten eggs with a little water.

Source: Karolyn Stuver