Cooking Time:
- Preparation: 20 minutes
- Cooking: 40 minutes
- Total: 1 hour
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 whole chicken, cut into pieces
- 3 beaten eggs
- 4 tablespoons of oil
For the Coating:
- 2 cups flour
- 4 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon poultry seasoning (or chicken stock powder)
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon tarragon
- 1 teaspoon parsley
- ½ teaspoon thyme
- 1 teaspoon chives
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon celery salt
Steps to Make Secret Recipe Fried Chickenen
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
Start by preparing the flavorful coating that gives this chicken its iconic taste. Sift the flour into a large mixing bowl. Add the paprika, salt, pepper, poultry seasoning, oregano, tarragon, parsley, thyme, chives, garlic powder, onion powder, and celery salt. Using a mortar and pestle, grind the mixture finely to blend the spices thoroughly. Transfer the mixture to a clean plastic bag for easy coating later.
Step 2: Prep the Chicken
Cut the whole chicken into smaller, manageable pieces. Ensure they are evenly sized for consistent cooking. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs thoroughly.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Take each chicken piece and coat it first in the beaten eggs. Shake off any excess egg and place the chicken in the plastic bag with the flour mixture. Seal the bag and shake well until the chicken is completely coated. Repeat this step for all the pieces.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. You want the oil hot enough to fry but not so hot that it burns the coating. To test, sprinkle a pinch of flour into the oil—if it sizzles, it’s ready.
Step 5: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces in the skillet, leaving enough space between them to cook evenly. Brown the chicken slowly, frying each piece uncovered until the crust turns golden.
Step 6: Finish Cooking
Once browned, cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Continue frying the chicken gently until it is fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Step 7: Drain Excess Oil
Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on paper towels to drain any excess oil. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Recommendations for Success
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh herbs and spices make a significant difference in flavor.
- Ensure Even Coating: Make sure every part of the chicken is evenly coated for a crispy texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many pieces at once can lower the oil’s temperature, resulting in soggy chicken.
- Cook at the Right Temperature: Maintain consistent heat for even cooking.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving:
- Pair this crispy chicken with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or biscuits.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauces for added flavor.
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat in an oven to retain crispiness.
