Picnic Fried Chicken

Picnic Fried Chicken is has a finger licking good crispy coating and a guaranteed moist interior thanks to a simple brine. This fried goodness not only makes the most scrumptious picnic lunch, but it will also satisfy your fried chicken craving anytime of the day.

My family and I have not yet gone to the beach this year. So far, there has been only one weekend of really warm weather. It has been a cool, wet unofficial start to the summer. But when beach day comes, I will be taking a batch of succulent fried chicken along with me.

The payoff for packing a picnic lunch will be worth it. All will be right with the world when I have my hands deep in a basket full of homemade, perfectly seasoned, crispy outside, tender inside, finger-licking-good fried chicken while leisurely lounging on the beach. I’m getting hungry just thinking about it! The added bonus, no lines, no waiting for my meal!

Uhhh…I lied.

I once had bad fried chicken. It was from KFC of all places! I love KFC, but not on that day. It tasted like a mouthful of old vegetable shortening (somebody must have waited a weeeeee bit too long to change the oil!). Fortunately, it was THE only time I was disappointed with their food. It’s all good now…I forgive. There is still plenty of love in my heart for The Colonel and his delicious flock of feathered friends!

Recommended supplies:

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• Large storage tub for brining chicken.
• Deep sided frying pan for frying and the deep sides help contain splashing.
• Grease splatter screen to contain splashing.
• Kitchen tongs for handling chicken.

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Picnic Fried Chicken

Author: Thao | In Good Flavor Cooking Method:Frying Cuisine:American Courses:Main Recipe Keys: High Protein

Difficulty:BeginnerPrep time: 20 minutesCook time: 20 minutesRest time:2 hours Total time:2 hours 40 minutesServings:4 Servings

Description

Picnic Fried Chicken is has a finger licking good crispy coating and a guaranteed moist interior thanks to a simple brine. This fried goodness not only makes the most scrumptious picnic lunch, but it will also satisfy your fried chicken craving anytime of the day.

Ingredients

• 4 lbs. bone-in chicken pieces
• 4 cups flour, divided
• 2 tbsp. salt
• 2  tbsp. + 2 rounded tsp. black pepper
• 2 tbsp. Bell’s Seasoning
• 1 tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 tbsp. onion powder
• 1 tbsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
• 2 eggs
• 1/4 cup milk
• canola or vegetable oil for frying

Simple Brine:

• 6 cups water, divided
• 3 tbsp. Kosher salt
• 3 tbsp. sugar

Instructions

1. To make the brine, bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a small pan. Add Kosher salt and sugar. Stir until dissolved. Remove from heat. Pour into a container large enough to hold all of the chicken. Add the remaining 5 cups of cold water and stir. Place chicken pieces in bowl. Make sure they are completely submerged. Cover and refrigerate for 1.5 to 2 hours.
2. In a large zip lock bag combine 2 1/2 cups flour, salt, pepper, Bell’s Seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Shake to thoroughly to combine.
3. Place the remaining 1 1/2 cup flour in a separate zip lock bag.
4. Beat eggs and 1/4 cup milk in a shallow bowl.
5.  Drain brine. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Place a couple of pieces in the plain flour and shake to coat. Shake off excess. Dip in egg wash. Place in seasoned flour and shake to coat. Shake off excess. Place on a baking sheet. Repeat until all of the chicken pieces are coated.
6. In a large heavy bottom frying pan, add about 1 inch of oil. Heat to 350 degrees F. Place a few chicken pieces in at a time.  Don’t crowd. It will bring the oil temperature down too much. Cook for about 8 to 10 minutes. Turn and cook for another 8 to 10 minutes. The cooking  time depends on the size of the chicken. Larger pieces will cook longer than smaller ones. Done when batter is golden brown, the juices run clear, and internal temperature is at 165° F. Place on a wire rack to drain.
7. Makes 4 servings.

Keywords:Fried Chicken, Frying, Fried, Picnic, Brine

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