Extra-Crunchy Fried Chicken

Name: Extra-Crunchy Fried Chicken
Prep time: 1 h 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 1 h 30 min
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 2 cups buttermilk, divided; 2 tablespoons table salt or 4 tablespoons kosher salt; 1 (3 1/2 lb) roasting chickens, cut in 8 pieces; 3 cups all-purpose flour; 3/4 teaspoon dried thyme; 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 2 teaspoons baking powder

(1)

Recipe by DrGaellon

From "Cook's Country by America's Test Kitchen," episode 106, "All-American Picnic." Brining makes the chicken juicy and flavorful. The baking powder adds lift and makes for a crunchy coating; wetting the flour to make big crumbs does the same.

READY IN: 1hr 30mins

SERVES: 8

UNITS: US

INGREDIENTS

Nutrition

2

cups buttermilk, divided
2

tablespoons table salt or 4 tablespoons kosher salt
1

(3 1/2 lb) roasting chickens, cut in 8 pieces
3

cups all-purpose flour
³⁄₄

teaspoon dried thyme
¹⁄₂

teaspoon ground black pepper
¹⁄₄

teaspoon garlic powder
2

teaspoons baking powder

DIRECTIONS

Remove 6 tbsp buttermilk and set aside. To remaining buttermilk, add salt and whisk until dissolved. Cut chicken in 8 pieces (2 legs, 2 thighs, cut each breast in half). Submerge chicken in buttermilk brine. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.
In a bowl, whisk together flour, thyme, pepper, garlic powder and baking powder. Add reserved buttermilk and toss with fingertips to form pea-sized crumbs.
Drain chicken and transfer to breading, 2 pieces at a time. Pack breading onto chicken firmly.
Heat 4-5 cups vegetable shortening or peanut oil to 375°F It should be about 3/4" deep in the pot. Place chicken into hot fat, skin side down. The temperature will drop to about 300°F; maintain the temperature at 310-315°F Cover pot and cook 8-10 minutes; check chicken after 4 minutes to ensure even browning, and move pieces around if needed. After 8-10 minutes, turn pieces over; cook another 6-8 minutes until the second side is also golden brown.
Remove chicken and drain on paper towels. Allow to drain and cool 5-10 minutes before serving.