Crispy Southern Fried Chicken

Ingredients

• •1.2 kg chicken legs and thighs
• •500 ml buttermilk
• •1½ tsp salt
• •150 g flour
• •spicy paprika
• •thyme
• •1 tsp black pepper
• •vegetable oil

Method

Adapted from foodista.com

1. 1Pour the buttermilk into a tray or bowl.
2. 2Add one teaspoon of salt.
3. 3Mix through.
4. 4Place the chicken pieces into the buttermilk. Depending on the size and shape of your bowl you may need a little bit more buttermilk in order that the chicken is covered.
5. 5Cover with some cling film.
6. 6Place in the fridge for up to 8 hours.
7. 7Remove before frying to give enough time to bring the meat up to room temperature.
8. 8In a dish or bowl combine the flour, half teaspoon of salt, smoked paprika, thyme and pepper.
9. 9Combine with your fingers or a fork.
10. 10Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade and dispose of the marinade.
11. 11Shake off most of the drips and then dredge the chicken in your flour mix making sure each piece is covered completely.
12. 12Heat about 1.5cm / 0.5 in. of oil in a heavy bottomed wide pan.
13. 13While this is heating up you can get a wire rack ready to drain the chicken. I do this by placing kitchen paper over the rack.
14. 14The oil temperature should be about 170C / 340F for frying. I don't check with a thermometer but by putting a piece of bread in the oil and it is ready when it fizzes and turns brown quickly.
15. 15The time the oil takes to heat up will depend on the thickness of the metal of your pan, your stove top and the quantity of oil you have used.
16. 16You will probably have to cook in batches so as not to over load the pan. I start with the thighs which need a little bit more time than the legs.
17. 17Place each one carefully in the pan.
18. 18Fry, covered, on a good strong simmer for anywhere between 8 to 12 minutes on each side. The heat needs to be high enough to give you a nice brown colour and a crisp finish.
19. 19Remove and set on the rack to drain.
20. 20Then do the same with the legs, giving them a couple of minutes less than the thighs.