Southern Fried Chicken: Dolly's

I have been told that we Southerners do love to fry things in the kitchen. Guess we might as well admit it.  Yes We Do!  A common misconception is, that it is something we always do which isn't true.  Family traditions and recipes are wonderful to have but it wouldn't be healthy to fry all the time.  Everything that we do in life needs to be with moderation.

I personally have weight fluctuations, but I know where they come from. Eating too much at times and not exercising as I should.  There is in my mind, no diet plan that will work better than eating the things you love and are able to eat, given certain health issues but doing it how? In moderation.

My thoughts on the subject....Now who wants fried chicken?  Read more for recipe....

TIPS:

• Buy a whole chicken for the best and the smallest, organic if possible or at least one that is grown steroid, hormone, antibiotic free.  Your chicken will be uniform because the pieces you get from already cut-up chickens vary from other chickens etc..and are usually different sizes and cook at different rates.  I understand if you don't want to cut one up and that is your choice but know the difference.

•  Wash your chicken carefully, prevent spraying around on other surfaces always start with clean surfaces when preparing poultry and meats. Very important** Always clean up thoroughly after preparing them as well.  keep utensils you use away from other food and surfaces**  Do not dry pieces you want them wet for a great crispy fry.

•  Lay each piece out and season all sides with salt & pepper
  Add Paprika to a bag or covered bowl with at least 2 cups of flour.
   **Optional** 
  

  I don't do this all the time but:  For an added seasoning you may add the following

  onion powder 

  garlic powder

  celery salt but you must limit other salt if you use this*

  poultry seasoning in flour with paprika
  
  

  • I love the covered bowl with the lid being tight fitted it will shake the chicken to coat evenly.

  
  

  
  

  
  

Instructions:

Preheat to 375 degrees oil in an electric frying pan

(fill with about 1 1/2" to 2 "of oil)

Yes that is the best way I find to fry a chicken

I have used iron frying pans in the past but can no longer use them on my stove.

The electric pan is a better way to cook ...more evenly..

With tongs remove chicken pieces from flour bowl, shake lightly to remove some of the excess flour

Place in preheated pan and cover

Cook checking for chicken to turn a little brown because it can burn easily at this stage turn when it begins to turn slightly brown.  Keeping covered watch check to make sure it is not burning but now the part that will come to you in time...Listen..you will hear when it begins to crackle, brown and crisp..When that side is as brown as you like it turn and remove the lid

Finish cooking until chicken is evenly browned

Remove from pan and place on a wire rack lined underneath with paper towels this will give you the most crispy, delicious chicken ever.

Then place on a platter lined with paper towels and serve while warm.

There you have it fried chicken and not hard at all.

Enjoy!