COOKING 101: Ron Douglas’ Fried Chicken
No matter how much people deny it, everyone loves fried chicken. It tops the list of “most delicious comfort foods.” It’s not the healthiest food choice, but it’s definitely a nostalgic treat. Even Def Jam recording artist Jessie James attributes her bodacious bod to “spaghetti, crawfish and fried chicken!” Over the summer, the self-proclaimed “Queen of All Media,” Wendy Williams invited chef Ron Douglas (pictured above) on her talk show to spill the beans on “America’s Most Wanted Recipes.” Check out his version of KFC’s secret recipe. Shhhh…
Preparation:
Make sure the oil is at 365 degrees Fahrenheit before frying the chicken. To avoid making a mess, use a utensil when adding the chicken. Quickly lock the lid on the pressure fryer once all the pieces of chicken have been added.
For crispier chicken, use Crisco instead of lard and double-coat the chicken with the flour mixture.
Ingredients:
1 egg, beaten
1 cup buttermilk
1 (3-pound) chicken, cut into 6 pieces
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon ground oregano
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon dried sage
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried marjoram
1 teaspoon pepper
2 teaspoons salt
2 tablespoons paprika
1 tablespoon onion salt
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons Accent
1 can lard (or one 3-pound can Crisco), enough to cover chicken in fryer
Directions:
1. Combine the egg and buttermilk in a large bowl. Soak the chicken pieces in the mixture.
2. Add the flour to a separate bowl and fold in all the herbs and spices.
3. Roll the chicken in the seasoned flour until completely covered.
4. Add the lard to a pressure fryer and heat to 365 degrees F. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions for your pressure fryer.
5. Use a utensil to lower 4 pieces of the chicken into the hot oil, and lock the lid in place. Be careful not to burn yourself with the hot oil.
6. Allow to fry for 8 to 10 minutes, until the chicken is golden brown and thoroughly cooked.
7. Once the pieces are cooked, release the pressure according to the manufacturer’s directions and remove the chicken to paper towels or a metal rack to drain.
8. Repeat with the remaining 2 pieces of chicken.
Makes 6 pieces
Tags: Cooking 101, Food, KFC, Recipes, Ron Douglas’ Fried Chicken, Teens, Wendy Williams
