Crispy Fried Chicken Recipe – Finger-Licking Good!
Picture this: it’s a beautiful summer day, the sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the smell of crispy fried chicken fills the air. There’s no denying that fried chicken is a staple in American cuisine. It’s a dish that has been enjoyed by families for generations, and for many, it brings back fond childhood memories. Today, I want to share with you my recipe for Wishbone Fried Chicken.
You see, there’s something special about this particular recipe. The name “Wishbone” may not be familiar to everyone, but if you’re from the West Coast or Alaska, chances are you’ve heard of Lucky Wishbone. Lucky Wishbone is a family restaurant chain that has been serving up some of the best-fried chicken since 1955.
For years, people have been trying to replicate their famous recipe. But I’m here to tell you that there’s no need to go on a wild goose chase because today, you’ll learn how to make the best Wishbone Fried Chicken in your own kitchen.
This recipe has been tried and tested many times over, and I can assure you it rivals the original any day. So if you’re ready to take your taste buds on a journey and make the best-fried chicken you’ve ever tasted at home, then keep reading because things are about to get deliciously crispy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you looking for a delicious and easy-to-make recipe to impress your guests at your next party? Look no further than this Wishbone Fried Chicken recipe!
The golden-brown coating is perfectly crispy, and the meat inside is juicy and flavorful. With just a few simple ingredients, you can make the best-fried chicken that is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or a special family dinner. And with 18 pieces of chicken per batch, there will be plenty to go around!
Plus, this recipe can easily be customized to suit your tastes. Want it spicier? Add some cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the flour mixture. Prefer a milder flavor? Use less salt and pepper. You’ll love how versatile and adaptable this recipe is!
So why not give this Wishbone Fried Chicken recipe a try? Trust us – once you taste it, you won’t be able to get enough!
Ingredient List
Get ready for a lip-smacking chicken feast with the best fried chicken recipe with lucky wishbone! In order to make succulent wishbone fried chicken that falls off the bone, we’ll need:
- 1 chicken, cut into 18 pieces (legs, wings, breast and thighs)
- 2 cups of flour
- 1 teaspoon of salt
- 1 teaspoon of pepper
- 1 teaspoon of garlic salt
- 1/2 cup of wishbone creamy cesar salad dressing
Note: You can use whatever chicken pieces you prefer, but I recommend using a combination of dark meat (like legs and thighs) and white meat (like breasts and wings) for optimal flavor. And don’t skimp on the dressing—trust me, it takes this fried chicken recipe to a whole new level!
Optional substitutions:
– Instead of wishbone cesar dressing, try using your favorite brand or make your own dressing from scratch.
– For added tanginess, sprinkle some lemon pepper or cayenne pepper.
With all the essential ingredients mentioned above, let’s dive into the recipe How-To section and start whipping up a finger-licking good meal!
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have learned about the ingredients, let’s get to the fun part: how to make the best Wishbone fried chicken! This recipe is perfect for a big gathering or just a lazy Sunday afternoon. Follow these simple steps and you’ll be on your way to delicious fried chicken!
Step 1: Prep The Chicken
Begin with 18 chicken legs, rinsed and patted dry with paper towels. In a large resealable bag, add 2 cups of flour, 1 tsp of garlic salt and 1 tsp of black pepper. Next, add chicken legs in batches to the bag and shake until evenly coated.
Step 2: Fry The Chicken
- Heat up canola oil in a large skillet about an inch deep over medium-high heat to 365°F.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the skillet while frying.
- Fry each piece for about 15 minutes. Be mindful to flip them every once in a while for even browning.
- Use tongs to transfer chicken onto paper towel-lined plates.
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the chicken reaches at least 165°F before removing from the pan.
Step 3: Enjoy!
Your mouth-watering batch of crispy-golden-brown Wishbone fried chicken is ready! Pair it with some creamy Caesar salad made with Wishbone® Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing, or any other side dishes you have in mind.
Before you dig in, snap a picture and share it on social media with the hashtag #WishboneFriedChickenRecipe. Trust me; everyone will be impressed by your culinary skills!
That’s all there is to it! Invite your friends and family over for some finger-licking good eats.
Substitutions and Variations
If you’re looking to switch up the flavors, there are a few substitutions and variations that you can make when preparing this Wishbone Fried Chicken recipe. Here are a few ideas:
– Gluten-free: For those with gluten sensitivities or allergies, you can substitute the regular flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Some popular options include rice flour, almond flour, and chickpea flour.
– Spice it up: If you like your food with a little more heat, add some cayenne pepper to the flour mixture. You could also mix in some smoked paprika if you want a smoky flavor.
– Mix-and-match: While we used chicken legs for this recipe, you can also use chicken breast, wings, or even butterfly shrimp. Try playing around with different cuts of chicken to find your favorite variation.
– Creamy Caesar Variation: Add 1/4 cup of Wishbone Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing to the egg mixture and whisk until smooth. Then, proceed with the recipe as usual for a delicious twist on the classic fried chicken dish.
– Family Feast: The Lucky Wishbone in Tucson, AZ is famous for their “Family Feast” meal, which includes steak fingers and chicken tenders along with their signature fried chicken. Try adding some steak fingers to your platter for a heartier meal.
No matter what variations you choose, this Wishbone Fried Chicken recipe is sure to be a hit at any gathering or party.
Serving and Pairing
If you’re looking for a classic Southern meal, you can’t go wrong with Wishbone Fried Chicken. The savory, crispy breading is perfectly balanced with the juicy and tender chicken meat. I recommend serving this delicious chicken alongside some sides that will complement its flavors nicely.
Firstly, for a classic pairing, I suggest serving this Wishbone Fried Chicken with some mashed potatoes and gravy. The creamy texture and warmth of mashed potatoes work so well with the crunchy, salty chicken skin. You could also pair it with some mac and cheese and buttery biscuits to complete the ultimate comfort food meal.
For those who are health conscious or want to balance out the richness of the chicken, try serving the Wishbone Fried Chicken with a simple salad of greens and cherry tomatoes dressed in Wishbone Creamy Caesar Salad Dressing. The tangy dressing works well to cut through the fatty goodness of the fried chicken, while the accompanying salad offers a refreshing crunch.
If you’re feeling adventurous, serve some butterfly shrimp alongside the chicken. The crispy coating of the fried shrimp pairs perfectly with the crispy exterior of the chicken breading as well as its seasoning such as garlic salt and black pepper. Additionally, serving some of Lucky Wishbone’s famous steak fingers will make your meal an exceptional one.
For beverage pairing, cold beer always goes well with fried chicken hence Brown Ale or Belgian White Beer can be perfect. Iced tea or lemonade also make delightful drink choices to accompany your meal.
No matter how you decide to serve your Wishbone Fried Chicken, each bite will evoke memories of summertime picnics or cozy family dinners. So go ahead and take a good look at different pairings you want to make for this best-fried delicacy!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you are hosting a party or planning your meals ahead of time, you may want to consider preparing wishbone fried chicken in advance. This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals! Simply cook the chicken as directed, and then store it properly in the refrigerator or freezer.
To store the chicken in the refrigerator, let it cool completely before placing it into an airtight container. You can also place it into a resealable plastic bag, making sure to remove as much air as possible before sealing it. Store the chicken in the refrigerator for up to three days.
If you plan on storing the chicken for longer than three days, placing it in the freezer is your best bet. To freeze, cool the chicken completely and then wrap it tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Place it into a freezer-safe container or bag and store it in the freezer for up to three months.
When reheating fried chicken, it’s essential to do so correctly to ensure that it remains crispy and flavorful. For best results, heat your oven to 350°F and bake the chicken for 10-15 minutes. You can also use a toaster oven or microwave, but this will not retain the crispiness of the breading.
It’s important not to leave leftover cooked chicken at room temperature for more than two hours. If you have any leftovers after reheating, discard them after two days in the refrigerator or one month in the freezer.
Preparing wishbone fried chicken in advance can save you time and give you one less thing to worry about when hosting a party or planning your weekly meals. With proper storage and reheating techniques, your fried chicken will taste just as delicious as if it was made fresh!
Tips for Perfect Results
Now that you’re ready to make the best Wishbone Fried Chicken Recipe, let’s dive into some helpful tips and tricks to ensure perfect results every time.
1. Use a meat thermometer – The key to cooking chicken perfectly is to make sure it reaches the right internal temperature. Use a meat thermometer to ensure each piece has reached 165°F before serving.
2. Let it rest – When frying chicken, it’s important to let it rest for at least 10 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, making it more juicy and flavorful.
3. Don’t overcrowd the pan – When frying the chicken, be sure not to overcrowd the pan as this can cause the temperature of the oil to drop and result in soggy, greasy chicken. Fry in batches if necessary.
4. Use a mixture of salt and garlic salt – For optimal flavor, I suggest using a mixture of salt and garlic salt when seasoning the chicken before coating in flour. It gives it an extra burst of flavor that is truly irresistible.
5. Keep chicken warm in oven – If you’re making a large batch of wishbone fried chicken, keep the finished pieces warm in an oven heated to 200°F while you finish frying the rest.
Following these tips will help you achieve incredibly tasty and crispy wishbone fried chicken each time you make this recipe!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, if you want to impress your guests with the best fried chicken recipe, look no further than the Wishbone Fried Chicken Recipe. This recipe’s flavorful ingredients, such as garlic salt and pepper, combined with crispy, juicy chicken will leave everyone craving more.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a party, this recipe is sure to satisfy. You can even customize it with substitutions and variations to fit any taste preferences or dietary restrictions.
Don’t forget to pair this delicious fried chicken with a refreshing side like a creamy Caesar salad or some buttery cornbread. And if you have any leftovers, know that they can be easily stored and reheated for another tasty meal.
So next time you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing dish, remember the wishbone fried chicken recipe. This dish has been beloved since 1955 and has stood the test of time, delighting taste buds in every state across America. It’s the perfect addition to any meal and is sure to leave your guests feeling full and satisfied.
Wishbone Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 wishbone creamy cesar salad dressing
- 1 chicken leg (about 18 Pieces)
- 2 cups flour
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 1/2 cups peanut oil
Instructions
- Wash chicken legs and pat dry. In a bowl add chicken and Wishbone dressing and let sit for at least an hour (I like to marinate overnight but both work). Put peanut oil in a frying pan and warm on medium. Add flour, salt and pepper to a clean plastic bag (to shake your chicken). Shake a few pieces of chicken in plastic bag when chicken is well coated remove from bag and immediately put into hot oil. Fry for about 15 minutes turning when golden brown.
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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!