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Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Source of Recipe

From "Williams-Sonoma Comfort Food" by Rick Rodgers


Recipe Introduction

"Immersing the chicken in the buttermilk brine for several hours gives the chicken loads of flavor and helps keep the meat moist as it fries. The acid in the buttermilk also helps to tenderize the chicken. Serve this dish with a heaping bowl of mashed sweet potatoes in cold weather, or lightly dressed coleslaw on warmer days."

List of Ingredients

◦  4 cups buttermilk
◦  Fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
◦  2 tsp each dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage
◦  1 tsp granulated garlic
◦  ½ tsp cayenne pepper
◦  1 whole chicken (about 3½ pounds)
◦  Canola oil for deep-frying
◦  1⅓ cups all-purpose flour
◦  1 tsp baking powder


Recipe

To make the buttermilk brine, in a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and â…“ cup salt. In a mortar, crush together the oregano, thyme, rosemary, and sage with a pestle (or pulse in a spice grinder) until finely ground. Whisk the ground herbs, garlic, and cayenne pepper into the buttermilk mixture.

Cut the chicken into 2 thighs, 2 drumsticks, 2 wings, and 2 breast halves, reserving the back and giblets for another use. Cut each breast half crosswise to make 4 breast portions, for a total of 10 chicken pieces. Add to the buttermilk brine, making sure that the chicken is submerged. (If it isn't, transfer everything to a smaller bowl.) Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 6 hours.

Pour oil to a depth of at least 3 inches into a large, heavy saucepan and heat over high heat to 350° F on a deep-frying thermometer. Set a large wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet and place near the stove. Have ready a second rimmed baking sheet.

While the oil is heating, in a large bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, and ½ teaspoon black pepper. Remove half of the chicken from the buttermilk brine, letting the excess brine drip back into the bowl. Add the chicken to the flour mixture and toss to coat evenly, then transfer to the second baking sheet.

When the oil is ready, in batches to avoid crowding, carefully slip the chicken pieces into the hot oil. The temperature will drop, but adjust the heat to keep the oil bubbling steadily at about 325° F. Deep-fry the chicken pieces, turning them occasionally with tongs, until they are golden brown and show no sign of pink when pierced at the thickest part, about 12 minutes. Using a wire skimmer, transfer the chicken to the rack to drain. Repeat with the remaining chicken. Serve warm.


Makes 4 servings


â—¦ Change it Up:
Chicken Maryland is served with cream gravy. After frying the chicken, in a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of the cooking oil over medium heat. Whisk in 2 tablespoons flour, simmer for 1 minute, then whisk in 2 cups heated half-and-half. Bring to a boil, then simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Serve the gravy over the chicken.