Do you ever find yourself in the mood for some extra crispy, yet juicy fried chicken? Well, then you’re in luck because I have the perfect recipe for you – Ozarks Fried Chicken! This recipe has been passed down from generation to generation and is guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds.

Miss Alma, the creator of this delectable dish, was a staple at the Ozark Mill where she served locals and travelers alike. Her recipe has become synonymous with the Ozarks region and is loved by many to this day. It’s even said that the mill’s restaurant became so popular due to Miss Alma’s fried chicken, that it still exists today as the Rosie Jo Cafe.

My recipe pays homage to Miss Alma’s original with a few added twists of my own. This dish is not just any fried chicken – it’s an experience you won’t want to miss. So get ready to sink your teeth into some of the best-fried chicken you’ve ever tasted.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Are you craving some extra crispy, juicy fried chicken for dinner tonight? Look no further than this recipe for Ozarks Fried Chicken! Trust me, you’ll love it.

First and foremost, the secret to this recipe’s success is the use of buttermilk. This tangy, acidic liquid tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with flavor. The combination of buttermilk and a variety of spices such as paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and fresh ground black pepper results in a savory seasoning blend that will have your taste buds dancing with delight.

But what sets this recipe apart is the method of pan-frying. Instead of deep frying, which can be messy and greasy, we opt for the more controlled and traditional pan-frying method. It yields a chicken that is perfectly crispy on the outside but still incredibly moist and juicy on the inside.

Not only will you love how it tastes, but you’ll also appreciate how easy it is to make. With just a few basic pantry staples such as all-purpose flour, salt, and water, you’ll have everything you need to whip up a batch of this delicious fried chicken.

And if you’re looking to add your own spin to it, feel free! Substitutions and variations are encouraged – from using white or dark meat chicken to adding cayenne pepper for a spicy kick – the possibilities are endless.

So what are you waiting for? Get ready for some finger-lickin’ good Ozarks Fried Chicken tonight!

Ingredient List

There's nothing like hot fresh chicken right from the pot — There’s nothing like hot fresh chicken right from the pot

Below is the ingredient list for making Ozarks Fried Chicken Recipe:

For the chicken:

1 whole chicken or 5 to 6 chicken cut pieces
1 quart Buttermilk
2 tablespoons fresh ground black pepper
2 tablespoons salt
2 tablespoons paprika
2 tablespoons onion powder
2 tablespoon garlic powder

For the Flour Mix:

4 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 cup salt
2 tablespoons paprika
1/4 cup white pepper (optional)

For the Wash:

Water

The ingredients for Ozarks Fried Chicken Recipe are very simple, and most of them are pantry staples. You will need buttermilk, which will keep the chicken moist and tender while giving it a slight tangy flavor. The spices used mostly include fresh ground black pepper, salt, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder. This creates a perfectly balanced and flavorful blend of spices that coat the crust of the chicken well.

The Recipe How-To

A platter of Ozarks Fried Chicken is the centerpiece of any hearty Southern meal

Now that you have gathered all the ingredients for making Miss Alma’s Ozarks Fried Chicken, it’s time to start cooking! So, let’s begin with how to make this delicious crispy chicken:

Step One: Soak the chicken pieces

The first step in making crispy fried chicken is to soak the chicken in buttermilk mixture. In a large bowl, combine 1 quart buttermilk, 2 tablespoons of fresh ground black pepper and 5 tablespoons of salt. Add the chicken pieces and mix well until the buttermilk mixture covers all pieces of chicken. Marinate the chicken overnight in the fridge.

Step Two: Dredge the Chicken Pieces

Next, prepare your coating by mixing 4 cups of all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons of paprika, 1 tablespoon each of onion powder and garlic powder, and 2 teaspoons of freshly ground black pepper in a bowl. Take out the chicken from the fridge and sprinkle 2 teaspoons of salt over it. Then dredge each piece of chicken into the flour mixture to coat evenly.

Step Three: Fry the Chicken Pieces

Then in a large Dutch oven or fryer, heat 1/2 inch vegetable oil over medium-high flame until it reaches a temperature of about 350°F. Place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil carefully so that they do not overlap each other. Keep frying until both sides are golden brown and crispy for about 15 -20 minutes per batch. Once done, transfer them onto a rack to drain excess oil.

Step Four: Make Milk Gravy (Optional)

To make milk gravy, pour off excess oil from the Dutch oven or fryer and leave about two tablespoons in it. Again heat this on medium-high heat; add equal amounts of flour and fat till you get a smooth paste-like consistency; slowly whisk in 2 cups water while scraping up any browned bits at bottom. Then stir constantly over medium-low heat until gravy reaches your desired thickness. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper according to your taste preference.

Now your Ozark Fried Chicken is ready to serve! So take out those plates and serve hot!

Substitutions and Variations

The tender meat of this Ozarks Fried Chicken is sure to be a hit at any party

The Ozarks Fried chicken recipe is a classic recipe that’s been around for generations. While it’s best enjoyed as is, there are some substitutions and variations you can try to switch things up and make the recipe your own. Here are some ideas:

– Chicken Cut: The recipe calls for using a whole chicken or cut pieces. Try swapping out some of the pieces with chicken wings or thighs to add more flavor and texture.

– Buttermilk Substitutions: If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can substitute it with regular milk mixed with lemon juice or vinegar. You can also use plain yogurt in place of buttermilk.

– Spices: The Ozarks seasoning used in the recipe is what gives this fried chicken its unique flavor. If you want to switch things up, try playing around with different spices like cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or Italian seasoning.

– Flour Variations: The recipe calls for all-purpose flour, but you can also try different flours like cornmeal or almond flour to add a new depth of flavor.

– Pan-Fried vs Deep Fried: The recipe suggests pan-frying the chicken for crispy results. However, if you don’t have a large pan or would rather deep fry the chicken, that works too. Just make sure to adjust the time and temperature accordingly.

– Milk Gravy Variations: If you’re making the famous milk gravy that often accompanies fried chicken in the Ozarks region, try adding some crumbled bacon or sausage for a twist on classic comfort food.

Remember that these substitutions and variations are just suggestions – feel free to get creative and try out new flavors and methods!

Serving and Pairing

You can't help but dig in when you see the delicious spices and seasonings — You can’t help but dig in when you see the delicious spices and seasonings

Now that you’ve cooked up a batch of deliciously crispy chicken, it’s time to think about serving and pairing this classic dish. Fried chicken is great for sharing and it’s the perfect meal to enjoy with family and friends. Share your Ozarks fried chicken recipe with your loved ones and create memories that will last a lifetime.

When it comes to pairing this dish, you have several options to choose from. For a classic pairing, serve the chicken with mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and cornbread. The creamy texture of the mashed potatoes and coleslaw complements the crispy chicken perfectly, while cornbread adds an extra dimension of richness.

If you’re looking for something more refreshing, consider a side salad with a tangy vinaigrette dressing. This will balance out the heaviness of the fried chicken and provide a lighter alternative.

For those who love spicy food, pair your Ozarks fried chicken with hot sauce or salsa for an added kick! And for a sweeter option, try serving your chicken with honey drizzled over the top, or even syrup for an indulgent breakfast or brunch option.

No matter how you choose to serve and pair your Ozarks fried chicken recipe, it’s sure to be a hit amongst family and friends!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

Get ready for some finger-lickin' goodness with this Ozarks Fried Chicken — Get ready for some finger-lickin’ goodness with this Ozarks Fried Chicken

Ready to make your Ozarks Fried Chicken Recipe in advance? This section will guide you through the process.

Make-ahead: Ozarks Fried Chicken can be made ahead of time and successfully reheated. After cooking the chicken, let it cool completely before storing in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Be sure to refrigerate the chicken within two hours of cooking for food safety reasons.

Storing: Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container or wrapped tightly with plastic wrap if you don’t plan to eat it right away. It will keep for three days in the refrigerator.

Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the cold fried chicken in a baking dish and heat in the oven until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). This may take around 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Make sure not to overheat the chicken, or else it’ll dry out.

If you’re looking for a quick option, use a microwave. To do this, place your cold leftovers on a microwavable plate and warm the chicken for about 30 seconds at a time until heated through. Be sure to check for even heating and internal temperature.

There you have it: helpful tips that make sure your Ozarks Fried Chicken stays fresh, flavorful and ready-to-eat whenever you want!

Tips for Perfect Results

When it comes to preparing Ozarks fried chicken, there are some tips and tricks that can help you achieve the perfect results. Here are some of my personal recommendations:

Firstly, make sure to soak your chicken in buttermilk before cooking. This step helps to tenderize the meat and also adds a rich flavor to the chicken. You may also add spices such as paprika, fresh ground black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt to the buttermilk marinade.

Secondly, use a cast-iron skillet or an Ozark pan for frying. These types of pans help to distribute heat evenly and maintain consistent temperature throughout the cooking process.

Thirdly, do not overcrowd the pan with too many chicken pieces at once as this can cause the chicken to cook unevenly and become less crispy. It’s better to fry your chicken in batches.

Fourthly, use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature of your chicken has reached 165°F before removing it from the pan. This ensures that your chicken is cooked thoroughly and prevents any risk of food poisoning.

Lastly, let your fried chicken rest for a few minutes on a wire rack before serving. This allows for excess oil to drain off from the chicken and also helps to keep the crust crispy.

By following these tips, you are guaranteed to have perfectly cooked Ozarks fried chicken every time!

FAQ

Before we conclude, let’s address some frequently asked questions (FAQ) about this Ozarks Fried Chicken Recipe. These are typical queries that people may have as they cook the dish for the first time and even to those who already tried and want to improve their technique. Knowing the answers can help you achieve that lip-smacking chicken as close to Miss Alma’s recipe as possible.

What is the secret to good fried chicken?

Preparing a delicious chicken dish for a party requires precision and attention to detail. To begin with, properly cutting up the chicken is essential. To cater to everyone’s preferences, using a whole chicken cut into pieces will ensure that both dark meat and white meat lovers are satisfied. Once the chicken is cut up, it’s time to create a flavorful marinade. Take your time and don’t rush the process, allowing the meat to soak up all the delicious flavors. Before cooking, generously season the chicken with the marinade to ensure maximum flavor. When it’s time to cook, be sure to use the correct cooking oil and temperature to achieve a perfectly crispy texture without overcooking or burning the chicken. And lastly, ditch the paper towels and opt for a more sustainable alternative when serving your dish.

What is Ozark seasoning used for?

I’m thrilled to share with you a fantastic seasoning blend that adds loads of flavor to your favorite cuts of meat. The infamous Ozark seasoning is a brilliant combination of black pepper and herbs that brings the classic Southern taste to your dinner table. Not only does it elevate the taste, but it also helps you cut down on the unhealthy fats commonly found in fried foods. With just a teaspoon of Ozark Seasoning per serving of chicken, fish, or chops, you can enjoy a scrumptious, healthy meal. It’s perfect for sautéing, baking, or even grilling!

Why do you soak chicken in buttermilk before frying?

Marinating chicken in buttermilk has its benefits. The slight acidity of buttermilk has the power to soften the texture of the chicken, making it tender and juicy. This process also helps prevent the chicken from becoming too chewy or tough, resulting in a more enjoyable dining experience. Additionally, when the chicken is coated in the dry mix after the buttermilk soak, the buttermilk helps create a flaky and crispy exterior.

What should I soak my chicken in before frying?

To make Southern fried chicken that is juicy and flavorful, it’s commonly recommended to marinate the chicken in a well-seasoned mixture like buttermilk, eggs, or pickle juice. By adding a good amount of salt to this marinade, you can help the chicken retain its moisture – this method is quite similar to brining.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, this Ozarks Fried Chicken Recipe is the perfect dish to bring some Southern charm and comfort to your loved ones. With its extra crispy exterior, juicy and tender meat, and mouth-watering milk gravy, it’s a crowd-pleaser that will surely satisfy your cravings for some good old-fashioned fried chicken.

Remember to follow the tips and recommendations I’ve provided here to ensure perfect results every time. Experiment with different variations and substitutions to make it your own signature recipe.

But most importantly, don’t be afraid to share this recipe with others. Spread the joy of home-cooking and keep traditions alive. So fire up that stove, grab some chicken and get ready to impress your guests with this delicious Ozarks Fried Chicken Recipe that is sure to become a staple at your table.

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Anna

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!

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