Finger-Licking Good: Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe
You know what they say, folks – there’s nothing quite like a good old-fashioned plate of crispy fried chicken. And let me tell you, Loretta Lynn’s recipe for crispy fried chicken is nothing short of a southern masterpiece! This recipe has been passed down through generations and has cemented its place as a true classic in kitchens across the country.
Whether you’re looking to serve up some comfort food for your friends and family or just craving a plate of finger-lickin’ good fried chicken all to yourself, Loretta Lynn’s recipe is sure to hit the spot. Trust me, once you taste this mouth-watering dish, you’ll never go back to any other recipe again!
So, get ready to roll up your sleeves, dust off your apron, and prepare for an unforgettable culinary experience with Loretta Lynn’s Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I can tell you one thing: if you’re a fan of crispy fried chicken, you’re gonna love Loretta Lynn’s recipe. This recipe has been around for decades and it never fails to please a hungry crowd. There are so many reasons why you should give this recipe a try.
First of all, this chicken is crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside. This is achieved by using a combination of seasoned flour and a crispy batter, which creates an irresistibly crunchy texture. The roasting chickens used in this recipe are also key – they have more flavor and are generally juicier than other types of chicken.
Secondly, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can use it as a base and experiment with different variations, adding your own favorite ingredients or adjusting the seasoning to your liking. You can also substitute the roasting chickens for other cuts of chicken such as thighs or wings, and still achieve amazing results.
Finally, this recipe has been passed down from country music legend Loretta Lynn herself! If that’s not enough to convince you to try it out, I don’t know what is. But seriously, Loretta Lynn’s Crispy Fried Chicken recipe has stood the test of time for good reason. So try it out and see why this Southern classic is still beloved by so many people today.
Ingredient List
Let’s begin our journey to lip-smacking Loretta Lynn’s Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe by gathering our key ingredients. Note that the following amounts are for a recipe that serves around 4 to 6 people, so adjust accordingly.
Here’s what we’ll need:
Chicken:
- 2 whole roasting chickens, cut into serving pieces (you can also use chicken thighs or drumsticks)
- 1 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon of garlic salt
- ¾ cup of all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons of seasoned flour
Batter:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning
- ¾ teaspoon of garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
Shortening:
- Around 1 inch deep worth of Crisco shortening, melted and heated to around 365 degrees Fahrenheit
The Recipe How-To
After gathering all of the ingredients, it’s time to get cooking! Follow this step-by-step guide to make Loretta Lynn’s crispy fried chicken recipe.
Prep the Chicken
- Clean and cut a 3 lb roasting chicken into 8 pieces (2 wings, 2 drumsticks, 2 thighs, 2 breasts).
- Season chicken pieces with 1 tablespoon of garlic salt and 1 tablespoon of black pepper.
- In a separate bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, 1 teaspoon of paprika, and 1 teaspoon of poultry seasoning.
Make the Batter
- In another bowl, beat 3 egg yolks and add enough water until you get 1 1/2 cups.
- In a third bowl, mix together 2 cups of flour, 1 tablespoon of baking powder, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
- Gradually add the egg mixture to the flour mixture while whisking until it becomes a smooth batter.
Coat the Chicken
- Dip each seasoned chicken piece into the seasoned flour mixture.
- Moistened each floured piece in then dip again in the batter.
- Then coat each battered chicken with the first seasoned flour mixture one more time.
Fry the Chicken
- Heat up shortening or oil in a deep pan until it reaches 365 degrees F.
- Fry four chicken pieces at a time for 15 to 18 minutes or until well-browned on all sides.
- Place them on paper towels to soak up any excess oil.
Enjoy
Serve immediately with biscuits, mashed potatoes, or any other Southern comfort food side dishes that you prefer.
Dinner guests everywhere will rave about your crispy fried chicken recipe from Loretta Lynn.
Substitutions and Variations
Now, I know that sometimes a recipe may not fit perfectly with the ingredients you have on hand or maybe there is something in the recipe that you are allergic to or just don’t like. Well, fret not my fellow chef, for I have some substitutions and variations to try out with Loretta Lynn’s Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe.
First off, for those who cannot consume wheat flour or are gluten intolerant, you could swap it out for a gluten-free flour of your choice. This substitution will yield a different texture, but the chicken will still come out crispy and delicious.
For those who prefer a little extra spice, I suggest adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the seasoned flour mixture. Your taste buds will thank you later. If you’re trying to cut back on salt, reduce or eliminate it as well.
If you want to experiment with different flavors while keeping the recipe’s integrity, you may play around with poultry seasoning. Try adding fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or sage instead of poultry seasoning.
Another fun substitution for classic fried chicken lovers is to use boneless chicken thighs instead of roasting chickens. The result will be darker meat with more flavor depth, and it’s easier to handle than an entire chicken.
And finally, if pan-frying doesn’t sound appealing or is too scary for first-timers, try baking the chicken instead! Simply dip the chicken in the seasoned flour mixture and place it on a greased baking sheet at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 20-25 minutes. You’ll get a healthier alternative variant that’s just as yummy and delish!
With all these ideas in mind, don’t be scared to let your culinary creativity shine through! Trust me when I say Loretta Lynn’s Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe is versatile enough that no matter how you tweak it, the result will always be finger-licking good.
Serving and Pairing
Alright, y’all – let’s talk about serving and pairing this Loretta Lynn-inspired crispy fried chicken recipe. This dish is a real crowd-pleaser, so you’ll want to make sure you have plenty of mouth-watering sides to go along with it.
First and foremost, no fried chicken feast would be complete without some classic sides like creamy coleslaw, fluffy mashed potatoes, and buttery cornbread. But if you’re feeling adventurous and looking to switch things up a bit, try serving your chicken with some spicy collard greens or crispy fried okra.
If you’re having a large gathering or just looking to create a more immersive experience, consider styling your spread as a classic southern picnic – complete with red and white checkered tablecloths and sweet tea in mason jars. Or, if you’re feeling extra fancy, pair your crispy chicken with a crisp Riesling or light beer for the perfect balance of flavor.
Whatever route you choose to take, just remember that good company and good food go hand-in-hand. So gather up your friends and family, dust off those plates and silverware, and enjoy the best crispy fried chicken around – courtesy of none other than Loretta Lynn herself.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to make-ahead, storing and reheating Loretta Lynn’s Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe, we’ve got some things to discuss. Listen up, folks!
If you’re planning to make this chicken ahead of time for a party or special event, keep in mind that the chicken is best served hot and fresh out of the fryer. However, if you must cook ahead of time, try frying the chicken a few hours in advance and keep them in a warm oven at 200°F until ready to serve.
Now, for those leftovers (if there are any!). When it comes to storing the chicken, first let it cool down for about 20 minutes before packing it in an airtight container or resealable bag. Place it in the fridge and consume within one or two days.
But how do you reheat this delicious dish without losing its crispy texture? Well, we recommend placing your chicken on a baking sheet and reheating it in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes. This will help maintain its crispy exterior while ensuring the interior’s heated through.
However, don’t feel limited to just reheating your leftover chicken as is. You can also chop it up into bite-size pieces and add it to salads or sandwiches for a quick lunch or dinner option. And if you want to indulge even further, why not re-fry your leftover chicken?
Overall, this dish is best served fresh but with proper storage and reheating techniques, you can still enjoy the goodness of Loretta Lynn’s Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe – even after it’s left the fryer!
Tips for Perfect Results
Fried chicken is an all-time favorite of many people, but it takes a certain technique to get the perfect crispy texture and juicy meat. Here are some expert tips to ensure you nail Loretta Lynn’s crispy fried chicken recipe.
First and foremost, it’s important to use the right oil temperature. When the oil is too hot, the chicken will brown too quickly on the outside but remain undercooked on the inside. If the oil temperature is too low, the coating will absorb too much oil and become soggy. A temperature of 365 degrees Fahrenheit is ideal for crispy fried chicken.
Next, make sure you dip your chicken pieces in the seasoned flour in the correct order. First, moisten the chicken pieces with water, then dip them in the seasoned flour mixture, shake off excess flour and let them rest for a few minutes before dipping them again into batter ingredients.
When cutting up your chickens for this recipe, make sure they are all around the same size to ensure even cooking. Also, removing any excess fat from each piece helps stop grease from spattering and helps to create even golden brown on each piece.
To ensure maximum crispiness, do not overcrowd your pan during frying. Overcrowding cools down the oil temperature and releases juices from chicken parts which can cause sticking to each other or turn out limp crust.
Lastly, if you want to go for an extra crispy crust when making this dish or any other dish that requires frying consider using Crisco shortening as it plays a major role in Southern-style cooking. It has been used by renowned home chefs like Loretta Lynn herself because they found that oil and butter leave behind a greasy aftertaste while Crisco makes everything crusty without tasting greasy at all!
FAQ
Before you move on to the conclusion, let me clear some of your queries revolving around the Loretta Lynn’s crispy fried chicken recipe. Whether it’s about picking the right chicken pieces, managing the oil temperature or using substitutions, the answer to these frequently asked questions will help you perfect this friend chicken recipe. So, check your doubts and let’s move ahead!
How do restaurants get their chicken so crispy?
When cooking fried chicken, it’s important to allow it to rest before serving to avoid burning your tongue. One tip used by Kentucky Fried Chicken involves placing the finished chicken in a warm oven at 175 degrees for approximately 20 minutes. This technique allows the chicken to continue cooking while also maintaining its crispy exterior.
What makes fried chicken crispy cornstarch or baking powder?
Achieving crispy chicken skin can be challenging, but with the right ingredients, it can be easily achieved. The alkalinity of baking soda is the key to breaking down the peptide bonds in the chicken skin, while cornstarch helps to dry it and make it even more crispy. On the other hand, the acidic component of baking powder can hinder the crispiness of the chicken skin.
What flour is best for crispy fried chicken?
When it comes to making batter-fried chicken, it’s common to see recipes that suggest the use of wheat flour, or a mixture of wheat flour and cornstarch.
Why won’t my fried chicken get crispy?
When cooking fried food, it’s crucial to maintain the right oil temperature. If the heat is too high, the food will burn, and if it’s too low, the food will be soggy and tasteless. This will result in an unpleasant dining experience. To prevent this from happening, ensure that the oil temperature remains constant at approximately 350 degrees F. Keep an instant-read kitchen thermometer within reach to track the oil’s temperature continually. By doing so, your guests will be able to enjoy crisp and flavorful fried food.
Bottom Line
with a persuasive text in the style of Stephen King:
And that, my friends, is the recipe for Loretta Lynn’s Crispy Fried Chicken. I guarantee you won’t find anything like it in any fancy restaurant or fast food joint. This is pure, down-home country cooking at its finest.
In a world full of pre-packaged meals and drive-thru convenience, it’s easy to forget the simple pleasures of a home-cooked meal. But nothing beats the satisfaction of frying up your own batch of crispy chicken and enjoying it with friends and family.
So go ahead, give this recipe a try. Follow Loretta Lynn’s lead and take your taste buds on a trip down memory lane. I promise you won’t regret it.
But be warned, once you’ve tasted the best crispy fried chicken known to man, there’s no going back. You’ll be hooked for life.
So fire up that skillet, grab some chicken thighs, and get to frying. It’s time to experience the mouth-watering magic of Loretta Lynn’s Crispy Fried Chicken for yourself.
Loretta Lynn’s Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (2 1/2-3 lb) roasting chickens, cut up
Seasoned Flour Mix
- 1/4 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- 1 1/2 teaspoons pepper
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 tablespoon garlic salt
Batter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2/3 cup flour
- 1 egg yolk, beaten
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- 3/4 cup water
- Crisco (for frying)
Instructions
- Combine all Seasoned Flour Mixand set aside.
- Combine Batter ingredients.
- Heat Crisco to 365°F.
- Moisten chicken pieces. Dip in seasoned flour, then batter, then back in seasoned flour. Fry for 15 to 18 minutes or until well browned. Drain on paper towels.
Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
Anna is a culinary expert who specializes in grilling delicious BBQ dishes. She also enjoys sharing her recipes and experiences with her foodie community on her blog. She’s the total package for any backyard barbecue!