Best Michael Symons Midwestern Fried Chicken Recipes

MOM'S CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, rosemary, chile flakes, nutmeg, salt, pepper and garlic. Place the chicken pieces in a resealable bag and pour the marinade in, coating all of the meat. Allow the chicken to marinate, refrigerated, 1 to 4 hours or up to overnight.
• Set up a grill for cooking with indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only. Allow the temperature to come up to 375 degrees F.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade. Place the chicken pieces skin-side up on the indirect-heat side of the grill and close the lid. Cook the chicken until almost cooked through, about 10 minutes. Move the chicken pieces over to the direct heat side of the grill and cook until nicely charred and cooked through, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove from the grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a shallow bowl or baking dish mix together buttermilk, thyme, rosemary, flat leaf parsley, cayenne and salt and pepper. Add chicken and marinate in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours. Dredge marinated chicken in flour. Add lard to a heavy skillet, cook chicken over medium heat until golden brown, finish on a baking sheet in preheated 350 degree oven.;

BBQ CHICKEN FRIED STEAK WITH WHITE GRAVY

Steps:

• Set up your grill for cooking with indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only.
• Set up a breading station for the cube steak. Add 1/2 cup flour to a dish, then season with salt and pepper and set aside. Add the beaten eggs to a separate dish, then season with salt and pepper and set aside. Mix together the rice flour, instant coffee, crushed BBQ chips and 1 cup flour in a third dish and season with salt and pepper; set aside.
• Place a large cast-iron skillet over the direct-heat side of the grill. Add enough olive oil to come 1 inch up the side of the skillet. Preheat the oil to 350 degrees F.
• Dredge each piece of cube steak in the flour, egg and then flour/chips mixture, shaking off any excess in between. Add the steaks to the oil in batches and cook until golden brown and crisp, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Remove to a cooling rack and set aside. Pour out the leftover oil from the skillet and discard it. Be careful to keep all the brown bits on the bottom of the skillet-they have all the flavor! Place the skillet back on the grill over direct heat and add the butter. Cook until melted, then whisk in the remaining 3 tablespoons flour, creating a roux that looks like wet sand. Cook the roux, whisking, until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Whisk in the milk a third at a time, continuing to whisk so no lumps form. Whisk in the buttermilk and season with salt and pepper. Cook, whisking, until luscious and thick, 5 to 7 minutes. Stir in the parsley and chives. Move to the indirect side to keep warm.
• To serve: Place a piece of chicken fried steak on a plate. Spoon the gravy over the top.

MICHAEL SYMON'S MIDWESTERN FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Season chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Combine buttermilk with 3 smashed garlic cloves and half the sage. Add chicken to buttermilk mixture and marinate at least 2 hours or overnight.
• Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Combine 1 cup flour, cracker crumbs and paprika. Remove chicken from buttermilk and dredge in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Warm a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat.
• When pan is hot, add lard, fat or oil, and then breaded chicken pieces in a single layer (work in batches if necessary; don't crowd pan). Brown chicken on both sides until golden. Transfer chicken to a baking sheet with tongs leaving fat in pan. Bake until cooked through (12 to 15 minutes).
• While chicken is baking, make gravy. Add remaining 3 cloves garlic and remaining sage to fat in skillet. Cook over medium heat 1 to 2 minutes until sage crisps and garlic becomes aromatic. Add remaining 3 Tbsp flour.
• Whisk to combine, then cook 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in 1 cup chicken stock, whisking until there are no lumps, then whisk in remaining stock. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to maintain a simmer and cook about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Strain into a small saucepan and check for seasoning one more time, adding more salt and pepper if necessary. Add a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce, making it as spicy as you'd like.
• Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest 5 minutes. Serve with gravy.