Buttermilk Fried Chicken

It was the last hoorah of 2013 for us.  We started South Beach Phase 1 diet on January 2nd, so we wanted to go out with a bang!  We watched an episode of Diners, Drive Ins, and Dives and saw where this tiny little cafe in nowhere Georgia was soaking their chicken in buttermilk overnight, then frying it up to a golden perfection.  Even Guy was licking his chops over this chicken.  So I set an alarm on my phone to remind us to "SOAK THE CHICKEN OVERNIGHT"!  Putting the chicken in the buttermilk for a couple of hours is not going to give you that silky, tangy, and juicy chicken that a whole nights soaking will deliver.  So set an alarm, and go for it! 

Buttermilk Fried Chicken 

1 whole fryer 
3 cups buttermilk 
1 grated onion 
3 minced garlic cloves
2 tbsp. salt (yes, it's a lot but you are brining the chicken) 
1 tbsp. pepper
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1/4 cup fresh parsley
1 tbsp. fresh thyme 
1 tbsp. fresh rosemary
1 bay leaf 

For Frying: 

2 cups canola oil for frying
2 cups flour 
1 tsp. salt 
1 tsp. pepper
1 tsp. paprika 
1/2 tbsp. onion powder
1/2 tbsp. garlic powder  

In a gallon size resealable bag add the first set of ingredients making sure to combine everything together then adding the chicken last. Place bag inside a pan in case of leaking and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. 

Remove chicken from buttermilk mixture placing on wire rack to drain.  Let the chicken rest 10 minutes.  You are allowing it to come to room temperature. 

In a new resealable bag mix the second set of ingredients together.  Place each piece of chicken into the flour mixture shaking off the excess and setting on a clean wire rack. Continue to let the chicken rest for up to 30 minutes.  

In a large cast iron skillet bring 2 cups of oil to 350 degrees. You will need a thermometer for this.  Cook dark meat 13- 14 minutes or about 6-7 minutes per side.  Cook white meat 8 - 10 minutes total or 4-5 minutes per side.  

We served the buttermilk fried chicken with mashed potatoes and fresh blanched green beans!  It's a meal made in southern heaven!  Crunch crunch and nom nom your way through this tangy and juicy fried chicken!  

Like I mentioned above, we started South Beach Phase 1 on January 2nd, so if you are looking for recipes to help you keep your New Year's resolutions to lose weight, eat healthier, and feel great then follow my blog!  I will be posting our journey.  Both my fiance and I want to lose 10 lbs. each.  You know the last 10 lbs. are always the hardest to kick.  But here goes nothing!  

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