Ruth Anns Fried Chicken Recipes

FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Stir together the buttermilk, paprika, cayenne and 2 teaspoons of the salt in a large bowl. Add the chicken pieces and submerge them to coat. Allow to sit for at least 30 minutes but ideally as long as possible (up to 2 hours at room temperature or up to 8 hours refrigerated).
• Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F; set a rack in a rimmed baking sheet.
• Combine the flour, baking soda and remaining 1 tablespoon salt in a large bowl. Remove the chicken from the soak mixture and add to the flour mixture, turning to coat. Remove, dip again in the soak mixture and then again in the flour mixture.
• Heat 1 1/2 inches of oil in a very large cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. When hot, shallow-fry the chicken in batches, turning once, until golden brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part (avoid the bone) registers 165 degrees F, around 15 minutes per side. Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking sheet and place in the oven to finish cooking through if necessary. Serve with warmed maple syrup if desired for dipping.

CLARITHA'S FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Put chicken pieces in a bowl and cover with salt – let sit for 2 hours.
• Remove chicken from salt and wash well.
• Put in bowl with buttermilk and onions and refrigerate over night.
• Combine flour, kosher salt, cayenne and black pepper.
• Pick up a piece of chicken and let the excess buttermilk drip off, then coat with flour mixture.
• Repeat with each piece until all pieces are coated well – place them on waxed paper and leave out for 30 minutes to dry and come closer to room temperature.
• Melt shortening and butter in skillet over high heat, add chicken, cover pan and lower heat – cook 10 minutes.
• Turn chicken pieces and cook, uncovered until done (about 15 minutes) – test by piercing each piece; juices must run clear.