Berts Southern Fried Chicken Recipes

TRADITIONAL SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Make sure that the chicken is nice and clean.
• Combine 8 cups cold water, 2 tbsp salt, and 4 tbsp sugar.
• Stir until the salt and sugar dissolve.
• Pour the brine ( sugar/salt/water) into the bowl or container with the chicken.
• Make sure that the chicken is covered with the brine.
• Cover the bowl/container, then place in the refrigerator overnight
• Drain the brine from the bowl, but do not rinse the chicken.
• Place the chicken in a large bowl, then pour the hot sauce all over the chicken.
• Next, combine the all purpose flour, cornstarch, and all of the seasonings
• Pour the flour mixture into a large freezer bag, then toss in the chicken wings.
• Shake the bag, until the chicken is well coated with flour.
• Remove the chicken from the bag, and shake off any excess flour.
• Let the chicken sit for about 15 minutes before frying to ensure that the flour sticks.
• Now pour the oil into a large skillet, and let it heat until it reaches 350-375 F.
• Carefully add in the chicken, and fry until it's completely cooked throughout, and golden brown.
• Place the chicken on a paper towel lined plate.
• Serve and enjoy!

BEST SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a shallow bowl, beat eggs and milk. In another bowl, combine flour and seasonings. Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture, then in flour mixture. , In a large skillet; brown chicken in oil on both sides. Cover and cook the chicken over low heat for 45 minutes or until juices run clear. Remove chicken from the skillet; keep warm. Reserve 1/4 cup drippings in skillet. , For gravy, stir in the flour, salt and pepper. Cook and stir over medium heat for 5 minutes or until browned. Combine milk and water; add to skillet. Bring to a boil; boil and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Add browning sauce if desired. Serve with chicken. Garnish with oregano if desired.

SOUTHERN LIVING'S BEST FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Combine 1 tablespoon salt with 3 quarts water in a large bowl or container. Add chicken, cover and refrigerate 8 hours or overnight. Drain, rinse with cold water and pat dry.
• Stir together remaining 1 teaspoon salt and the black pepper. Sprinkle half the mixture evenly over chicken.
• In a large sealable plastic bag, combine remaining pepper mixture and flour. Add 2 pieces chicken to bag and shake well to coat. Remove chicken pieces, shaking off extra flour, and set aside. Repeat with remaining chicken.
• Take a large (10- or 12-inch) cast-iron skillet or chicken fryer, for which you have a lid, and fit with a candy or deep-frying thermometer. Add oil and bacon drippings and heat to 360 degrees over medium heat; the oil will ripple and possibly give off a few wisps of smoke.
• Using tongs, immediately add chicken pieces, skin side down (work in batches if necessary to avoid crowding pan). The oil will drop to about 325 degrees, where it should stay; adjust heat so that oil is bubbling gently around the pieces. Cover and cook 6 minutes; uncover and cook 9 minutes. Turn chicken pieces; cover and cook 6 minutes. Uncover and cook another 5 to 9 minutes, depending on size of pieces. If necessary for even browning, turn pieces over a few times toward the end.
• Drain on paper towels or paper bags. Let cool at least 20 minutes before serving.

BERT'S SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Liberally sprinkle each piece of chicken with salt and pepper several hours before cooking. Place it in a dish, covered with plastic wrap, in the refrigerator.
• Place the flour in a plastic kitchen storage bag. When ready to cook, beat the eggs with the milk. Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then place each piece in the bag. Shake until chicken is coated. Set the floured chicken on a plate while you heat the oil. Pour enough oil into a cast-iron skillet to come only about halfway up the sides of the pan. This is important, as the oil rises when each piece of chicken is added.
• Turn the heat to medium high; test by adding a drop of water to the oil. If it sizzles, the oil is ready; this takes about 4 to 5 minutes. Place about 4 pieces of chicken into the hot oil. Allow to cook on the first side about 8 minutes, and on the second about 6 minutes, until brown and crispy. Pieces with large bones, the legs and thighs, may need an additional minute per side to get completely done. Remove the chicken from the oil and drain well on brown paper bags. Cook the second batch of chicken.
• Wrap tightly in aluminum foil to keep warm or place in aluminum pans with parchment paper between layers of chicken.
• Cook's Note: Be careful not to let the oil spill out while the chicken is frying; it can cause serious burns or cause a grease fire if the grease lands on a gas flame or electric cooktop.

SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Season chicken pieces with salt, pepper, and paprika. Roll in flour.
• Add 1/2 to 3/4 inch oil to a large, heavy skillet. Heat to approximately 365 degrees F (185 degrees C). Place chicken pieces in hot oil. Cover, and fry until golden, turning once, 15 to 20 minutes. Drain on paper towels.