Crispy Southern Fried Chicken: A Classic Recipe Done Right
Welcome to my kitchen where I’m excited to present to you my rendition of Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken Recipe – a dish that boasts a mouth-watering crunch and juicy texture that will leave you wanting more. If you’re a fan of Southern cuisine, then you’re in for a treat with this recipe!
Originating from New Orleans, Southern fried chicken has quickly become an American staple. However, this specific recipe comes from none other than Al Copeland himself, the Popeyes founder who had a passion for making some of the best spicy fried chicken Louisiana had to offer.
Now, I know what you might be thinking – what makes this recipe different from all the other chicken recipes out there? Well, let me tell you, it’s all about the seasoning! Copeland Southern Fried Chicken is not only made with love but also has a unique blend of spicy herbs and carefully selected spices that make it stand out from other fried chicken recipes. Just picture yourself biting into a piece of golden-brown chicken bursting with Louisiana flavor.
Are you ready to take your taste buds on an adventure? Then let’s get started with Copeland Southern Fried Chicken recipe that will leave you craving it for days on end.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fried chicken is a southern classic that requires the perfect balance of flavor and texture. This Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken Recipe is a mouthwatering spin on the classic fried chicken that’s guaranteed to make your taste buds dance with joy.
One of the reasons why you’ll love this recipe is because it has a secret ingredient that sets it apart from other fried chicken recipes: black pepper. This spicy addition gives the chicken a unique kick of heat that will tantalize your taste buds with each delicious bite.
Additionally, this recipe calls for using all-purpose flour, which creates a crispy exterior without being too heavy or greasy. The combination of the flour, black pepper, and salt adds an appealing golden-brown color to the chicken, making it look as good as it tastes.
The recipe also includes pieces like drumsticks, wings and thighs that are perfectly seasoned to ensure every bite of juicy fried chicken bursting with Louisiana flavor. The Copeland family has perfected their Southern Fried Chicken Recipe with an unbeatable seasoning combination handed down through generations that will leave you coming back for more.
So if you’re looking for a recipe that will give you that mouth-watering crunch and juicy texture that fried chicken connoisseurs crave, look no further than this Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken Recipe. It’s sure to bring you back to those memories of spending long summer evenings in the South while indulging in some good ole’ fashioned fried chicken.
Ingredient List
Get ready to take note of the amazing ingredients that will make Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken Recipe burst with Louisiana flavor:
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 4 pounds chicken pieces (2 drumsticks, 2 thighs, 2 wings, and breast halves cut into 2 pieces with breastbones)
- 3 cups vegetable oil, for frying
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup milk
Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken Recipe is a delight and the ingredient list is reasonably simple. Al Copeland, the founder of Popeyes chicken chain, became famous for his mouth-watering crunch and juicy fried chicken. At his store number one in New Orleans, he made sure that every batch of chicken bursting with flavor. This spicy herb fried chicken recipe is inspired by Copeland’s recipe and it will bring some Louisiana heat to your table.
The Recipe How-To
Now let’s get to the meat of this recipe — the how-to. Here’s a detailed guide on how to make Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 6 cups vegetable oil
- 1 (3 to 4-pound) chicken, cut into 10 pieces (breasts halved)
Steps:
Step 1: Place flour in a shallow bowl and season generously with salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, dried oregano, and celery salt. Whisk together until well combined.
Step 2: In another shallow bowl, beat eggs with milk until combined.
Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F. (Note: be careful when working with hot oil).
Step 4: While the oil heats up, season chicken pieces all over with salt and pepper.
Step 5: Dip each piece of chicken in the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture. Be sure to shake off any excess flour before frying.
Step 6: Once the oil is heated up, carefully add chicken to the skillet, working in batches if necessary. Don’t overcrowd the skillet, as this can cause the temperature of the oil to drop and lead to uneven cooking.
Step 7: Fry chicken for about 15 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (Note: cooking time may vary depending on the size of chicken pieces).
Step 8: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. Serve hot and enjoy!
Now that you have the steps down, it’s time for some fun! Get your apron on and start making some mouth-watering Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken Recipe.
Substitutions and Variations
Fried chicken is a beloved dish across America, and each region has its own twist on the classic recipe. Luckily, Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken Recipe is incredibly versatile, so you can make it your own with some substitutions and variations.
Firstly, if you prefer a spicier kick to your fried chicken, consider adding cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the flour mixture. This will give you Copeland’s Spicy Fried Chicken, which is mouth-wateringly flavorful and bursting with Louisiana’s signature spice.
If you don’t have all-purpose flour on hand, don’t worry. You can use rice flour or cornstarch instead for a gluten-free version. Additionally, if you’re looking for a healthier option, try panko breadcrumbs instead of flour. They’ll give you a crunchier coating without all the oil.
For those who want to add more depth of flavor to their fried chicken, experiment with different herbs and spices. Swap out the black pepper for paprika or thyme. Alternatively, add dried rosemary, sage or oregano to the flour mixture for a more aromatic seasoning.
And lastly, if you’re feeling adventurous and want to add something new to the recipe, try combining buttermilk with the egg mixture in place of regular milk for an even richer taste. It results in Copeland’s Buttermilk Fried Chicken which has tender meat and crispy skin that is sure to win over your taste buds.
With all these substitutions and variations, it’s clear that Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken Recipe can be tailored to suit anyone’s personal preferences. So why not experiment and make it your own?
Serving and Pairing
Once you’ve mastered the art of making Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken, it’s essential to think about what to serve with it. To get the full New Orleans experience, I recommend pairing this mouth-watering dish with some classic Creole side dishes.
One perfect pairing option is collard greens – a staple of southern cuisine that pairs perfectly with fried chicken. You might also consider serving macaroni and cheese baked to perfection with a crispy golden brown top. Some other excellent side dish options include cornbread, sweet potatoes, and buttered biscuits.
If you want to add some extra spice to your meal, consider pairing your Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken with a spicy Creole-style hot sauce or remoulade. These sauces add a flavorful kick and are sure to elevate the taste and savoriness of your fried chicken.
For drinks, you can never go wrong with a refreshing glass of sweet tea or lemonade – perfect for balancing the savory flavors of the Southern Fried Chicken.
In summary, when serving Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken, remember that pairing is key – and don’t be afraid to get creative with your choices! Whether you want something spicy or mild or choose classic side dishes from traditional southern cuisine, there are endless possibilities to accompany this recipe.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken Recipe is that it can be made ahead of time and stored for later. If you know that you will be short on time for dinner, or simply want to have a batch ready for busy weekdays, it’s easy to do with this recipe.
To make-ahead, fry the chicken as normal and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you are ready to eat it, preheat your oven to 350°F and arrange the fried chicken pieces on a baking sheet. Bake for 15-20 minutes until warmed through.
When it comes to reheating already fried chicken, there are a few different methods that work well. You could try using a toaster oven, which will help retain more of the crunchiness of the crust compared to microwaving. If you do decide to microwave your leftovers, wrap each piece loosely in a paper towel to help absorb any excess moisture.
Storing fried chicken can also be done easily, but you should keep in mind that its texture and flavor will begin to deteriorate after being in the fridge for too long. Cooked chicken can be safely stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Don’t forget about reheating options outside of what was suggested earlier. Another great option is pan-frying leftover fried chicken again briefly over low heat to retain its delicious crunch and juicy flavour.
Overall, with Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken Recipe you can enjoy mouth-watering crunch and juicy fried chicken bursting with Louisiana flavor at any time!
Tips for Perfect Results
Making Southern fried chicken is not rocket science, but there are a few tricks to ensure perfect results every time. In this section, I’m going to share my top tips for making Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken recipe bring out its best flavors and mouth-watering crunchiness.
1. Use fresh chicken
Using fresh, unfrozen chicken makes a big difference in the final result; it cooks evenly and absorbs the seasoning better. Always choose high-quality, organic chicken from trustworthy suppliers to get that authentic Southern flavor.
2. Marinate in seasoned buttermilk
The key to juicy chicken bursting with Louisiana flavor is the marinade. Instead of just using eggs and milk, add some buttermilk to the mix and season it well with herbs and spices. Soak the chicken in the mixture for at least four hours or up to overnight before frying it.
3. Season generously
When seasoning your flour mixture, do not be shy about it. Add enough salt and black pepper to multiply the flavor of the chicken. You can also use other spices such as paprika or cayenne if you prefer spicy fried chicken.
4. Double dip for extra crispiness
After dredging the chicken in the flour mixture once, dip it back into the egg mixture for another coating before returning it to the flour mixture again. This double dipping will create a thicker crust that crisps up nicely.
5. Use a cast-iron skillet
For that extra crunch and even heating, use a cast-iron skillet instead of a regular frying pan. The oil heats up faster and maintains its temperature, resulting in less greasy chicken with a lovely golden color.
6. Monitor oil temperature closely
To avoid greasy or undercooked fried chicken, make sure to keep track of your oil temperature throughout cooking. A candy thermometer can help you achieve this; maintain an ideal heat of 350°F for perfectly crunchy skin without burning or overcooking the chicken.
7. Drain properly
After frying, place your chicken on a wire rack rather than a paper towel to avoid getting it soggy with residual steam. This way, any excess oil can drain out, leaving behind perfectly crispy and delicious southern fried chicken.
With these tips for perfect Southern Fried Chicken results, you are now ready to make Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken recipe like a pro. Just remember to follow the recipe carefully and enjoy it with your favorite sides and sauces.
FAQ
Now that we’ve gone over the steps to make mouth-watering, juicy Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken, you may have some lingering questions. In this section, I’ll provide answers to frequently asked questions about the recipe so that you can have all the knowledge needed to create your perfect southern-style fried chicken. Let’s dive in!
What is the difference between fried chicken and southern fried chicken?
Southern fried chicken is a beloved dish made by coating chicken in flour or batter and then cooking it in oil, resulting in a crispy crust on the outside and juicy meat on the inside. This classic dish is a staple of Southern cuisine and is enjoyed by many.
Why is Southern fried chicken so good?
When deep-frying chicken, achieving the perfect crunch is crucial for a delicious dish. A crispy coating coupled with tender chicken creates a satisfying contrast in textures, pleasing our taste buds. Interestingly, this textural experience also affects our perception of the food’s quality as the crunchiness signals that the chicken is fresh and well-prepared.
How to make Paula Deen’s fried chicken?
To whip up some finger-licking fried chicken, start off by making a seasoning mix and storing it in an airtight container for future use. Next, grab a medium-sized bowl and whisk some eggs with water until they’re smooth and fully combined. In a separate bowl, mix together some flour and pepper.
Taking each piece of chicken, dip it in the egg mixture and ensure it’s fully coated before gently rolling it around in the flour and pepper mixture. Warm up some oil to 300 degrees in a deep pot, making sure not to exceed the temperature. As soon as the oil is hot enough, slowly lower the chicken pieces into the pot and carefully fry them until they’re deep golden brown and crispy.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken Recipe is a mouthwatering dish that perfectly captures the essence of Southern soul food. With its crispy exterior and juicy meat bursting with Louisiana flavor, it’s no wonder that fried chicken has become a staple not only in the South but throughout the country. The recipe ingredients are easy to find, and the preparation is straightforward. With just a few simple tips and techniques, you can master the art of making this beloved dish in no time.
Whether you’re looking for a comforting family meal or hosting a backyard BBQ with friends, the Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken Recipe is sure to impress. So give it a try and taste the difference for yourself. Trust me, once you take a bite of this mouthwatering crunch and juicy fried chicken, you won’t go back to any other chicken recipe.
Copeland’s Southern Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 -3 1/4 lb chicken piece (2 drumsticks, 2 thighs, 2 wings, and each breast half cut in 2 pieces, breastbones discarded)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 large egg
Instructions
- Heat 3 inches oil in dutch oven to 340°F.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Put flour into shallow bowl.
- In second shallow bowl, whisk milk and egg.
- Dip chicken 1 piece at a time, first in flour, then egg, then flour again to coat.
- Fry chicken, in 2 batches, 8 to 10 minutes per batch, until golden brown and cooked.
- Drain on paper towels.