Daddy’s Fried Chicken

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Fried chicken is a comfort food that reminds me of my daddy. It’s his favorite meal, and as a bachelor he learned to perfect it. Daddy likes fried chicken so much that his friends nicknamed him “Yardbird.”

Here’s how to make Daddy’s famous fried chicken:

What you will need:

A large skillet or Dutch oven

2 bottles of Planter’s Peanut oil

1 whole cut-up chicken

Lawry’s Seasoned Salt

Black Pepper

Flour ( I like Gold Medal or Hecker’s Unbleached All-Purpose Flour)

Season chicken with black pepper and Lawry’s Seasoned Salt. Let the seasoned chicken sit for an hour or two (overnight will be even better). Pour the peanut oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat and heat until the oil reaches 375 degrees on a on an instant-read thermometer. While the oil in the skillet is heating, dip seasoned chicken in flour and set aside. Once the oil reaches the desired temperature, fry the chicken for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side. Half cover the pan for the first three or 4 minutes of cooking. Then leave the lid off the pan for 2 to 3 minutes, turn the chicken over and repeat the process. Remove chicken from the skillet and drain on paper towels. For a healthy option, serve the chicken with a green salad to balance out the meal.

 Don’t have the time or desire to cook your own fried chicken? Two of my favorite places to get fried chicken in New York City are Charles Southern Kitchen uptown in Harlem and The Dutch, downtown in SoHo, where the honey-glazed biscuits and coleslaw are done to perfection. Charles Southern Kitchen does great takeout and catering; they also have delicious sides including collard greens, cornbread and macaroni and cheese.
 
When in Atlanta, don’t sleep on Paschal’s Fried Chicken at the original location of the motor lodge in downtown Atlanta, or at Paschal’s Southern Cuisine at Terminal B in the Atlanta airport. The fried chicken is golden-brown and crispy on the outside, tender flavorful and juicy on the inside. The sides at Paschal’s are just as good as the chicken – fried okra is cooked in a light cornbread batter and black-eyed peas are flavorful with a  hint of clove and just tender enough.
 
 If you happen to go farther south to Miami, don’t miss the fried chicken at Yardbird Southern Table and Bar in Miami Beach, and be sure to enjoy it with the Blackberry Lemonade and a friend or a few!
What’s your favorite fried chicken spot or recipe tip? Feel free to share in the comments.