Fried Chicken

Recipe courtesy Alton Brown

Show: Good EatsEpisode: Fry Hard 2: The Chicken (Fried)

Rated: 5 stars out of 5Rate itRead users' reviews (365)

Cook Time:
20 min
Level:
Intermediate
Yield:
3 to 4 servings

Times:

Prep: 20 min
Inactive Prep: --
Cook: 20 min
Total:: 40 min

Recipe Tools:

Select a Card Size

Add To My Recipe Box

Success

This recipe was added to your Folder_Name folder.

Do not show this message again

Add To My Recipe Box

Please sign in to add this recipe to your Recipe Box.

Ingredients

1 broiler/fryer chicken, cut into 8 pieces
2 cups low fat buttermilk
2 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons Hungarian paprika
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Flour, for dredging
Vegetable shortening, for frying

Directions

Place chicken pieces into a plastic container and cover with buttermilk. Cover and refrigerate for 12 to 24 hours.

Melt enough shortening (over low heat) to come just 1/8-inch up the side of a 12-inch cast iron skillet or heavy fry pan. Once shortening liquefies raise heat to 325 degrees F. Do not allow oil to go over 325 degrees F.

Drain chicken in a colander. Combine salt, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Liberally season chicken with this mixture. Dredge chicken in flour and shake off excess.

Place chicken skin side down into the pan. Put thighs in the center, and breast and legs around the edge of the pan. The oil should come half way up the pan. Cook chicken until golden brown on each side, approximately 10 to 12 minutes per side. More importantly, the internal temperature should be right around 180 degrees. (Be careful to monitor shortening temperature every few minutes.)

Drain chicken on a rack over a sheet pan. Don't drain by setting chicken directly on paper towels or brown paper bags. If you need to hold the chicken before serving, cover loosely with foil but avoid holding in a warm oven, especially if it's a gas oven.

Next Recipe

More recipes? Try these recommendations:

Similar Recipe

Jerk Fried Chicken

Photo: Fried Chicken

Similar Recipes

More Top 50 Recipes of 2009 Recipes

Recipes Like This

All About…

Recipe Collections

Showing 1-10 of 20

View all 20 Chicken Collections

Comments & Reviews

recipe Fried Chicken
Mike Rosemount, MN 02-07-2010
Flag

Easy and tasty
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

This was the best tasting fried chicken I have ever made. Preparation was easy and the overall cooking experieice was... straight forward. The chicken came out crispy, full of flavor and it had a little bite to it. We have added this to our list of favorites.Read more
recipe Fried Chicken
Mark Hagerstown, MD 02-06-2010
Flag

very moist with some kick
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Great flavor -some people may want to go less on spice mix. I fried pieces for 5 min. a side then finished them in 350... degree oven for 25-35 minutes,will make again.Read more
recipe Fried Chicken
rita houston, TX 02-04-2010
Flag

WOW! TASTY STUFF!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Really flavorful, tender, and juicy. That full 24 hour buttermilk marinade is worth the wait. The seasoning is great. All... that wonderful paprika really makes it. This will be my go to seasoning for fried and even oven fried chicken. Alton-you rock!Read more
recipe Fried Chicken
Sarah broken arrow, OK 02-03-2010
Flag

Yum Yum!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I love this recipe, but modified it. I use a deep fryer (for temp control) with peanut oil, and in stead of a whole chicken... I use boneless skinless chicken breast. Less fat that way. Also I accidentally added the spices to the buttermilk, but it was awesome! I dredged the chicken in flour then back in the milk then dredge again! I also cut the chicken in chunks and strips. Everyone in my family & extended family tells tales of my fried chicken!Read more
recipe Fried Chicken
Jaime Chicago, IL 01-29-2010
Flag

Better than I made in culinary school
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

I'm a culinary student, and I made fried chicken in class the other day. It's got nothing on this recipe. Don't skimp. ... Marinate for the full 24 hours. Even when you freeze it and defrost, it comes back just as crispy and tender. I sprinkle the seasonings by hand because the seasoning shaker can trap the salt. Only use enough to coat the chicken. If you do that, this recipe is infallible.Read more
recipe Fried Chicken
james elizabethtown, PA 01-11-2010
Flag

SPECTACULAR Southern Fried Chicken!!
Rated: 5 stars out of 5

Absolutely outstanding recipe, darn near impossible to mess it up. My family can't wait for fried chicken night now! I... tweeked AB's shake to fit the family's taste a little bit... a little less salt, a little more garlic and hot pepper, but overall it is absolutely the best fried chicken I have ever eaten!Read more