Mom’s Old-Fashioned Fried Chicken Recipe: 5 Best Variations

Mom’s Old-Fashioned Fried Chicken Recipe is a classic comfort food dish known for its crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior.

This article will explore the process of making the Crispy Old-Fashioned Fried Chicken Recipe.

We’ll guide you through the required ingredients, preparation techniques, cooking instructions, and tips for serving.

By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge you need to create this delectable dish in your kitchen. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious comfort food:

What Is The Mom’s Old-Fashioned Fried Chicken Recipe?

Crispy old-fashioned fried chicken is a classic comfort food dish known for its crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior.

To make it, you marinate chicken pieces in buttermilk, coat them in a seasoned flour mixture, and then fry them until they’re golden brown and delicious.

The key to this recipe is the combination of buttermilk marination and a well-seasoned coating, which gives the chicken its signature flavor and texture.

It’s a timeless favorite for gatherings, picnics, or occasions when craving delicious, homemade fried chicken.

How Long Will It Take To Prepare?

• Marinate Time: Ideally, you should marinate the chicken pieces in buttermilk for at least 4 hours, but overnight marinating in the refrigerator is recommended for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Preparation Time: The preparation time, including cleaning and cutting the chicken, mixing the marinade, and preparing the seasoned flour mixture, can take approximately 15-20 minutes.
• Breading Time: Coating the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour mixture typically takes 10-15 minutes.
• Frying Time: Frying the chicken pieces usually takes around 12-15 minutes per batch, depending on the size and type of chicken pieces.
• Total Time: If we add up all these times, roughly 4 hours 45 minutes or more, including marinating time. Remember that the marinating time can vary, and you can reduce the preparation time if you’ve already marinated the chicken in advance.
• Serving: The number of servings depends on the quantity of chicken you prepare. A whole chicken cut into pieces can yield 8-10 servings.

How Do You Make Mom’s Old-Fashioned Fried Chicken Recipe?

Essential Ingredients For Mom’s Old-Fashioned Fried Chicken Recipe:

For the Chicken:

• 3-4 pounds of chicken pieces (mix of drumsticks, thighs, wings, and breasts)
• Buttermilk
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: hot sauce (for a bit of heat)

For the Coating:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• One tablespoon paprika
• One tablespoon of garlic powder
• One tablespoon of onion powder
• One teaspoon of cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil (such as canola or peanut oil)

Essential Instructions For The Mom’s Old-Fashioned Fried Chicken Recipe:

Step 1

Marinate the Chicken

Season the chicken pieces generously in a large bowl with salt and pepper.

Step 2

Pour buttermilk over the chicken until it’s well-covered. Optionally, add a few dashes of hot sauce for flavor.

Step 3

Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. Marinating in buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.

Step 4

Prepare the Coating

Combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a separate bowl. Mix thoroughly to create the seasoned flour mixture.

Step 5

Dredge the Chicken

Remove the chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess to drip off.

Step 6

Coat each piece of chicken with the seasoned flour mixture, pressing the flour onto the chicken to ensure a thick coating. Set the coated chicken aside on a wire rack or baking sheet.

Step 7

Heat the Oil

In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or deep fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350-375°F (175-190°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature.

Step 8

Fry the Chicken

Carefully place a few chicken pieces into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry in batches if necessary.

Step 9

Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until it is deep golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for poultry.

Step 10

Remove the fried chicken using tongs and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 11

Serve

Serve the crispy old-fashioned fried chicken hot, either on its own or with your favorite side dishes and dipping sauces.

Additional Tips For Mom’s Old-Fashioned Fried Chicken Recipe:

1. Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure the chicken is cooked perfectly and safely, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The chicken should reach 165°F (74°C).
2. Rest the Chicken: After frying, allow the chicken to rest on a wire rack for a few minutes. This helps retain its crispy texture and drains any excess oil.
3. Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep an eye on the oil temperature throughout the frying process. A thermometer adjusts the heat to keep it in the 350-375°F (175-190°C) range.
4. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Overcrowding the frying pan can lower the oil temperature and produce less crispy chicken. If necessary, fry the chicken in batches to maintain the proper frying temperature.
5. Avoid Flipping Too Often: Avoid flipping the chicken pieces too frequently while ensuring even cooking. Flipping once or twice during frying is usually sufficient to achieve an even golden brown crust.

Precautions For Mom’s Old-Fashioned Fried Chicken Recipe:

1. Hot Oil Safety: Be extremely cautious when working with hot oil. Use a deep fryer or skillet; never leave the hot oil unattended. Keep a fire extinguisher nearby and have a lid for the pan ready to smother any potential oil fires.
2. Handling Raw Chicken: Follow proper food safety practices when taking raw chicken. Wash your hands thoroughly after touching poultry, and avoid cross-contamination with other ingredients or surfaces.
3. Use a Splatter Screen: When frying chicken, especially pieces with a lot of moisture, consider using a splatter screen to prevent hot oil from splashing.
4. Dispose of Oil Properly: After frying, let the oil cool completely before disposing. Do not pour hot oil down the drain, as it can clog pipes. Store it in a container and dispose of it according to local regulations.

Nutrition Facts Of Mom’s Old-Fashioned Fried Chicken Recipe

Please note that these values are general estimates and can vary based on the recipe and cooking methods.

Additionally, fried chicken is known for being a calorie-dense and indulgent dish due to the frying process, so it’s essential to enjoy it in moderation as part of a balanced diet.

If you have specific dietary requirements or health concerns, it’s advisable to use a nutrition calculator or consult with a registered dietitian for precise nutritional information.

5 Best Variations Of Mom’s Old-Fashioned Fried Chicken Recipe

Here are five delicious variations of the crispy old-fashioned fried chicken recipe that you can try to add unique flavors and twists to this classic dish:

1. Southern Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Follow the basic recipe, but add a touch of southern flavor by seasoning the buttermilk with a few dashes of hot sauce and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This gives the chicken a subtle heat and tang.

2. Herb and Garlic Fried Chicken

Infuse the seasoned flour mixture with finely chopped fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, sage, and garlic powder. This creates a fragrant and flavorful herb crust.

3. Honey Sriracha Fried Chicken

After frying, toss the hot chicken pieces in honey and Sriracha sauce. The sweet and spicy glaze adds an irresistible twist to the classic recipe.

4. Lemon-Pepper Fried Chicken

Season the flour mixture with lemon zest and freshly ground black pepper for a zesty and aromatic twist on traditional fried chicken.

5. Spicy Cajun Fried Chicken

Create a spicy Cajun seasoning blend with paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and dried herbs. Coat the chicken in this flavorful mixture for a bold and spicy kick.

Conclusion

In conclusion, making crispy old-fashioned fried chicken is a delightful culinary endeavor that combines juicy, tender chicken with a crisp, flavorful coating.

Following a classic recipe and experimenting with variations can create a delicious fried chicken dish that suits your taste preferences.

Whether you opt for a Southern buttermilk twist, herb and garlic infusion, or any other flavor variation, the result will surely be a satisfying and timeless comfort food classic.