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spicy fried chicken
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Superb Spicy Fried Chicken

Author: Roz

Ingredients

  • 1 one 3 to 4 lb. chicken, cut into pieces (breasts, wings, thighs, drumstick legs)

To Marinate Chicken:

  • 6 - 8 medium cloves of garlic finely minced
  • 2 cups buttermilk
  • 1 tsp. ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper

Breading for the Chicken:

  • 1-1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
  • 1-3/4 tsp. freshly cracked sea salt
  • 1-1/2 tsp. freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp. cumin
  • 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper or more if you really want some extra heat!

For Frying the Chicken:

  • Safflower oil enough to fill a deep, heavy frying pan at least an inch high

Instructions

Prepare Marinade:

  • Put minced garlic in a medium bowl.
  • Add buttermilk, cumin, salt, pepper and cayenne; whisk to blend.
  • Place chicken pieces in a 13x9 inch glass baking dish.
  • Pour buttermilk mixture all over the chicken; turning each piece over to coat completely.
  • Cover and chill (at least 8 hours or overnight), turning occasionally.
  • After the marinating period, place a rack over a baking sheet.
  • Remove the chicken pieces from the marinade and set on the rack to drain for 10 minutes.

Bread the Chicken:

  • Mix flour, salt, pepper, cumin and cayenne pepper in a large bowl.
  • Toss the chicken pieces individually in the flour mixture, turning to coat; shaking off excess.
  • Once again, toss each piece (a second time) in the flour mixture; shake off any excess again.
  • Transfer chicken back to a clean rack over a baking sheet; allow to stand for at least 15 minutes and up to 45 minutes.

To Fry and Bake the Chicken:

  • Pre-heat oven to low.
  • Line baking sheet with paper towels.
  • Pour oil into a large, heavy skillet to a depth of 1 inch.
  • Heat the oil over a high heat of 375 degrees (or until a small cube of fresh bread sizzles instantly when added to the oil).
  • Add the chicken thigh and leg pieces to the skillet first.
  • Adjust the heat so that the temperature remains between 340 and 350 degrees (or until a small cube of bread sizzles slowly when added).
  • Fry chicken until golden brown and cooked through, turning chicken occasionally, about 15 minutes.
  • Using tongs, transfer the chicken to paper towel-lined baking sheets.
  • Place baking sheet with chicken in the pre-heated oven to keep warm while frying the remaining chicken.
  • Reheat the oil back up to 375 degrees.
  • Add the chicken breast and wing pieces to the skillet.
  • Adjust the heat so that the temperature is between 340 and 350 degrees.
  • Fry the chicken until cooked through and golden brown, about 10 minutes, turning occasionally with tongs.
  • Using tongs, transfer chicken to another prepared baking sheet and drain.
  • Place in the oven to stay warm until ready to serve.

Plate and Garnish the Chicken:

  • Transfer the chicken to a pretty platter.
  • Garnish with cilantro and lime wedges (optional).
  • Serve immediately

Mangia