FRIED CHICKEN

Fried Chicken image

Provided by Anne Burrell

Time 1h45m

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

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2 cups buttermilk
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
2 teaspoons plus 1 tablespoon kosher salt
One 2 1/2- to 4-pound fryer chicken, cut into 8 pieces
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
Vegetable oil, for frying
Maple syrup, warmed, if desired for serving

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.