Americana Chicken recipe
Americana Chicken is a crispy, golden-fried chicken that’s perfect for any meal. The flavorful, seasoned coating locks in the juiciness, while the tender meat remains moist inside. This recipe offers a step-by-step guide to creating a crispy and delicious dish that pairs wonderfully with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, and cornbread. Whether you're a novice or an experienced cook, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees a satisfying result!
Ingredients
- 4 teaspoons bone-in skin-on chicken thighs or drumsticks
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for extra heat
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce optional for extra flavor
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. This will help the coating stick better.
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, hot sauce (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Place the chicken pieces in the mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to marinate.
Prepare the Coating:
- In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Whisk to combine, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
Coat the Chicken:
- In a separate shallow bowl, whisk the eggs until well combined.
- Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing the excess liquid to drip off. Dip the chicken into the egg wash, then coat thoroughly with the flour mixture. Press the flour mixture into the chicken to form a thick, even coating.
Fry the Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be about 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully lower the chicken into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.
- Fry the chicken for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve:
- Serve the Americana Chicken hot with your favorite sides like mashed potatoes, cornbread, and coleslaw. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition Information (per serving):
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Potassium: 370mg