Lee's Famous Chicken Recipe
Lee's Famous Chicken Recipe is a delightful treasure that brings the savory, mouthwatering tastes of Southern cooking right into your kitchen.
Equipment
- Large frying pan or deep fryer
- Tongs
- Mixing bowls
- Meat thermometer
- Paper towels
- Kitchen scale Optional for precise ingredient measurement
Ingredients
- 4 large chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 4 cups of vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Allow the chicken to sit in the marinade in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours.
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In another bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare for Frying: Remove chicken from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off. Coat each piece thoroughly with the seasoned flour mixture.
- Heat the Oil: In a large frying pan or deep fryer, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Chicken: Fry the chicken pieces for about 10 minutes on each side or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Drain: Transfer the fried chicken to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
Notes
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- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mix for a spicier version.
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- Herb-Infused: Mix in a tablespoon of mixed dried herbs like basil and oregano for an herby touch.
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- Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or coconut flour instead of all-purpose flour for a gluten-free alternative.
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- Buttermilk Substitute: If you're out of buttermilk, use plain yogurt thinned with a bit of milk.
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- Air Fryer Method: For a healthier version, cook your breaded chicken in an air fryer at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes.