Crispy Old Bay Southern Fried Chicken
Indulge in the delightful flavors of the South with this Crispy Old Bay Southern Fried Chicken. This dish elevates the classic fried chicken experience by combining tender, juicy chicken pieces with a flavorful homemade Old Bay seasoning blend. The generous dusting of seasoned flour creates a crunchy, golden-brown crust that's impossible to resist. Perfect for family gatherings or casual dining, this chicken is best served hot and can be paired with a side of coleslaw and cornbread for an authentic Southern meal. Enjoy this crowd-pleaser with your loved ones!
8
Servings
375
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Chicken pieces
2-3 lbs (washed and patted dry)
Flour
1 cup (for dredging)
Old Bay seasoning
1/4 cup (for flavoring)
Water
2 tablespoons (for egg mixture)
Egg
1 large (beaten)
Cooking oil
2 cups (for frying)
Instructions
1
Wash the chicken pieces thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
2
In a large plastic bag, combine the flour and Old Bay seasoning, shaking well to mix evenly.
3
In a large skillet, heat the cooking oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers.
4
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and water until well combined.
5
Working in batches, dip several pieces of chicken into the egg mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
6
Transfer the coated chicken pieces to the flour mixture, seal the bag, and shake until the chicken is evenly dusted.
7
Carefully place the chicken in the hot oil and fry for 15-20 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, depending on the size of the pieces.
8
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
9
For an extra flavor boost, sprinkle additional Old Bay seasoning over the finished chicken pieces before serving.
Nutrition Information
22.5g
Fat
25g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary seasoning used in this recipe?
The primary seasoning used is Old Bay seasoning, which is combined with flour for dredging and can be sprinkled on top at the end for extra flavor.
How much chicken do I need for this recipe?
You will need approximately 2 to 3 pounds of chicken pieces, washed and patted dry.
How many servings does this fried chicken recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 8 people.
What are the nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains 375 calories, 22.5g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 30g of protein.
How long should I fry the chicken pieces?
Fry the chicken for 15-20 minutes on each side, or until it is golden brown and cooked through.
What is the purpose of the egg and water mixture?
The egg and water mixture acts as a binder, helping the seasoned flour adhere to the chicken to create a crispy crust.
How much cooking oil is required for frying?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of cooking oil to be heated in a large skillet.
What is the best way to ensure the chicken stays crispy after cooking?
Once cooked, place the chicken on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil, which helps maintain the crunch.
Can I add more seasoning after the chicken is fried?
Yes, for an extra flavor boost, you can sprinkle additional Old Bay seasoning over the finished chicken pieces before serving.
What sides are recommended to serve with this chicken?
Authentic Southern pairings include coleslaw and cornbread.
Why is it important to pat the chicken dry before cooking?
Patting the chicken dry with paper towels removes excess moisture, which helps the coating stick better and ensures a crispier crust.
How do I mix the flour and seasoning evenly?
The recipe recommends combining the flour and Old Bay seasoning in a large plastic bag and shaking it well to mix.
What should the oil look like when it is ready for frying?
The oil should be heated over medium-high heat until it shimmers before you add the chicken.
Is it okay to fry all the chicken at once?
It is better to work in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can drop the oil temperature and lead to greasy chicken.
What type of seasoning is Old Bay?
Old Bay is a savory blend of herbs and spices commonly used in Southern and coastal cooking, providing a unique flavor profile to the fried chicken.
How much flour is used for the dredging mixture?
The recipe requires 1 cup of flour for the dredging process.
Does this recipe include sugar or fiber?
No, the nutritional profile for this recipe indicates that sugar and fiber content are negligible or null.
What temperature should I use for frying?
You should use medium-high heat to get the oil to the correct shimmering temperature.
Can I use this recipe for chicken breasts or wings?
Yes, you can use various chicken pieces, though cooking times may vary slightly depending on the size and thickness of the pieces.
Is this a traditional Southern recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a Southern recipe, soul food, and comfort food.
How many eggs are needed?
One large egg is needed for the egg wash mixture.
How much water is added to the egg wash?
You should whisk in 2 tablespoons of water with the beaten egg.
Is the chicken skin-on or skinless?
While the recipe doesn't specify, traditional Southern fried chicken usually uses skin-on pieces for maximum crispiness.
How do I ensure the flour coating is even?
By placing the egg-dipped chicken into a sealed bag with the flour mixture and shaking it, you achieve an even dust of seasoning.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
With a frying time of 30-40 minutes total plus prep time, it is more of a standard meal preparation rather than a quick 15-minute dish.
Can I substitute the cooking oil?
You can use any oil with a high smoke point suitable for frying, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
How much Old Bay is used in the flour mixture?
1/4 cup of Old Bay seasoning is combined with the flour.
What is the consistency of the final crust?
The crust is described as a crunchy, golden-brown exterior that is impossible to resist.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol information?
No, the cholesterol information for this specific recipe is not provided in the data.
Who would enjoy this recipe most?
This crowd-pleasing dish is perfect for family gatherings or anyone who enjoys authentic Southern comfort food.