Happy National Fried Chicken Day! Celebrate with Good Thyme Gal’s Crispy and Flavorful Recipe
Is there anything quite as satisfying as biting into a piece of perfectly fried chicken? The golden, crunchy crust, the juicy, tender meat—fried chicken is pure comfort food, and it has earned its special day in the culinary spotlight. So today, on National Fried Chicken Day, we’re diving into everything we love about this iconic dish, plus sharing a simple, delicious fried chicken recipe you can whip up at home.
Fried Chicken: A Universal Favorite
Fried chicken has a history as rich as its flavor. While often associated with the Southern United States, nearly every cuisine around the world has its own take on fried chicken. From Korean fried chicken with its double-crisp coating to the fragrant, spiced fried chicken of India, this dish has a universal appeal that knows no borders. Fried chicken’s magic lies in the contrast between the crunchy crust and the juicy meat inside, with seasonings and techniques that make each recipe unique.
And of course, National Fried Chicken Day is the perfect excuse to celebrate this beloved dish. Whether you’re a fried chicken aficionado or just enjoy a piece or two now and then, this day is all about savoring the simple joy of crispy, flavorful chicken.
Tips for the Perfect Fried Chicken
Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk about a few essentials for getting that fried chicken just right:
1. Marinate for Moisture and Flavor: Soaking chicken in buttermilk or a seasoned brine not only helps tenderize the meat but also infuses it with flavor. Letting the chicken marinate for a few hours or overnight works wonders.
2. Choose the Right Oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, such as canola or vegetable oil. This helps prevent the chicken from taking on any unwanted flavors and keeps the oil from burning.
3. Fry in Batches: Overcrowding the pan will bring down the oil temperature and prevent the chicken from cooking evenly. Fry in small batches to get that even, crispy coating.
4. Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the seasoning! Adding flavor to the flour mixture ensures that each bite of fried chicken is deliciously seasoned.
Good Thyme Gal’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken Recipe
Ready to try your hand at homemade fried chicken? This recipe is simple but loaded with flavor. The buttermilk marinade makes the chicken tender and juicy, while the seasoned flour creates that classic crispy crust.
Ingredients
4 chicken thighs and 4 drumsticks (bone-in, skin-on)
2 cups buttermilk
1 tbsp hot sauce (optional, for a little kick)
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1/2 tsp salt, plus extra for seasoning
1/2 tsp black pepper
Vegetable or canola oil for frying
Cooking Instructions:
1. In a large bowl, mix the buttermilk and hot sauce. Add the chicken pieces, making sure they’re fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
2. In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour is the key to that flavorful crust!
3. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to create an even coating. For extra crispiness, let the chicken rest for 10 minutes, allowing the flour to set.
4. In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 1 1/2 inches of oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test by dropping a bit of flour into the oil; if it sizzles, it’s ready.
5. Carefully add a few pieces of chicken to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 12–15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. (Internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C.) Transfer the cooked chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil and sprinkle lightly with salt.
6. Serve your crispy fried chicken with your favorite sides—mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread are always crowd-pleasers. Enjoy every crispy, juicy bite!
Ways to Enjoy Fried Chicken
Fried chicken is delicious on its own, but there are so many ways to enjoy it. Try it cold for a picnic-style meal, make fried chicken sandwiches with pickles and a spicy mayo, or serve it with waffles for a sweet-savory brunch twist. Fried chicken’s versatility is just one of the many reasons it’s such a beloved dish!
Celebrating National Fried Chicken Day
National Fried Chicken Day is all about savoring the flavors, textures, and memories that come with every crispy bite. Whether you’re cooking up a batch at home or ordering from your favorite restaurant, today is the day to appreciate the universal joy that fried chicken brings to the table.
So gather your friends and family, cook up a batch, and celebrate with a meal that’s as comforting as it is delicious. Here’s to crispy, golden, irresistible fried chicken on National Fried Chicken Day!
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