BERRY-JAM FRIED CHICKEN

Berry-Jam Fried Chicken image

Provided by Nicole Taylor

Time 35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 15

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1 large egg
1/3 cup balsamic vinegar
1/3 cup strawberry jam (or other summer-fruit jam)
2 pounds large, thick chicken breast cutlets (about 6 pieces)
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup cornstarch
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
Peanut oil (or other oil with a high smoke point), as needed (about 3 cups)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Scallion Cornmeal Waffles, or Bacon Cornbread

Steps:

Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk the egg, vinegar and jam. Add chicken cutlets, turn until coated, cover and chill for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
Prepare the dredge: In a large bowl, whisk the flour, cornstarch and spices until combined.
When you're ready to fry, add enough peanut oil to a large (10-inch) cast-iron skillet to form a layer that is 1 inch deep. Heat oil over medium-high to around 300 degrees.
Brush off any bits of fruit from the chicken. With one hand, coat each cutlet in the seasoned flour dredge. Set coated cutlets to the side of the bowl while you coat the remaining ones. Wash your hands.
Fry the chicken: Working in batches to avoid crowding, and adjusting the temperature as needed to hover around the 300-degree mark, place 2 to 3 pieces of chicken at a time in the fat. Using tongs, flip the chicken at the 3-minute mark, 7-minute mark and 8-minute mark, cooking until the chicken appears to float and is golden brown. (Each batch should fry for about 8 minutes total.)
Transfer fried cutlets to a wire rack set over a baking sheet. Sprinkle both sides with kosher salt and cook remaining cutlets.
Serve chicken on a scallion cornmeal waffle, if you like, or with bacon cornbread with Cheddar and scallions. Or, for a lighter morning or midday meal, serve with a breakfast salad.