Classic Hill Country Fried Chicken Recipe

A recipe for Classic Hill Country Fried Chicken.
Classic Hill Country Fried Chicken Recipe
Classic Hill Country Fried Chicken. (Courtesy of Hill Country Chicken)
1/20/2014
Updated:
1/17/2014

Classic Hill Country Fried Chicken 

Courtesy of executive chef Elizabeth Karmel 

Hill Country Chicken, Flatiron, NYC

1 quart (4 cups) buttermilk
3 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tablespoon butcher grind black pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 3-1/2-pound chicken, cut into eight pieces (breast, thigh, drumstick, wing)
3 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon salt and pepper blend or favorite BBQ or Spice rub
Vegetable or peanut oil for frying
Favorite spice rub, optional 

Special Equipment: 
Paper lunch bags
Cast-iron skillet
Sheet pan fitted with a rack

Directions: 
1. In large non-reactive bowl, combine buttermilk with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Add chicken; turn to coat. Cover bowl and marinate in refrigerator for 30 minutes.

2. Remove chicken from buttermilk, discarding marinade. Combine flour, salt, and pepper and/or any other spices. Whisk well to make sure the spices are well-distributed. Place a cup of flour in a paper bag. Shake the chicken to coat well. Set out on a cookie sheet. Continue with chicken one piece at a time, adding more seasoned flour as necessary. Let the floured pieces of chicken sit for 5–10 minutes to let the coating sink in.

3. Meanwhile, in deep cast-iron skillet or chicken fryer, heat 1-inch oil to 365 F. Add chicken and cook, turning twice, 20 minutes or until chicken is the desired color of golden brown and mostly cooked. Remove pieces as they are done and place on the sheet pan fitted with a rack. 

4. Place chicken on the rack in a preheated 325 F oven and let chicken continue to cook until the juices run clear and it registers 170 F. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before eating. Can also be served cold or room temperature.

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