Leah Chase's Classic Southern Fried Chicken
Experience the heart and soul of New Orleans with Leah Chase's Classic Southern Fried Chicken, a celebrated recipe from the famous Dooky Chase restaurant. Known for its crispy, golden-brown crust and juicy, tender meat, this dish embodies the essence of Southern cooking. Leah Chase, a culinary icon, believed in using simple yet flavorful ingredients to create unforgettable meals. This recipe is unique because it incorporates Pet brand evaporated milk, which contributes to the chicken's rich and moist texture. Perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection, this dish is best served hot, alongside your favorite Southern sides, making it an ideal centerpiece for family gatherings or special occasions. For best results, after coating the chicken, allow it to rest briefly before frying to ensure an extra crispy exterior.
N/A
Servings
700
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken, cut up
3 lbs (cut into pieces)
salt
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
black pepper
1 tablespoon (for seasoning)
eggs
2 (beaten)
evaporated milk
1/2 cup (Pet brand recommended)
water
1/2 cup
flour
2 cups
paprika
1 teaspoon
ground thyme
1/4 teaspoon
granulated garlic
1/2 teaspoon
cooking oil
1 quart (for frying)
Instructions
1
Start by washing and patting dry the cut-up chicken pieces. Season them generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten eggs, evaporated milk, and water until well combined. Pour this mixture over the seasoned chicken, ensuring all pieces are coated. Allow the chicken to marinate for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
3
In a large heavy paper bag or bowl, combine the flour, paprika, ground thyme, and granulated garlic. Shake well to mix thoroughly.
4
Carefully place a few pieces of the marinated chicken into the flour mixture, seal the bag, and shake until the chicken is completely coated in flour. Remove the chicken and let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the coating to adhere better. Repeat with the remaining pieces.
5
Heat cooking oil in a deep skillet or frying pan until it reaches a temperature of 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping a small piece of the flour mixture into it; it should sizzle immediately.
6
Once the oil is hot, carefully add the coated chicken pieces to the skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken, turning it occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and crispy: breasts, thighs, and legs will take about 15 to 20 minutes, while wings will take around 10 to 15 minutes.
7
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried chicken and drain it on paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve hot and enjoy the Southern flavors!
Nutrition Information
45g
Fat
37.5g
Carbs
45g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the chef behind this classic fried chicken recipe?
The recipe belongs to Leah Chase, a legendary culinary icon and the owner of the famous Dooky Chase restaurant in New Orleans.
What is the secret ingredient in Leah Chase's fried chicken?
The unique ingredient in this recipe is Pet brand evaporated milk, which helps create a rich and moist texture for the chicken.
What temperature should the cooking oil reach?
The oil should be heated to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius) before frying.
How long should the chicken pieces rest after being coated in flour?
After coating the chicken, let it sit for about 10 minutes to allow the coating to adhere better for a crispier result.
How long does it take to fry chicken wings using this method?
Chicken wings typically take between 10 to 15 minutes to fry until golden brown and crispy.
How long do chicken breasts, thighs, and legs take to fry?
Larger pieces like breasts, thighs, and legs require approximately 15 to 20 minutes to cook through.
What spices are used in the flour coating?
The flour coating is seasoned with paprika, ground thyme, and granulated garlic.
How much chicken does this recipe require?
The recipe calls for 3 lbs of cut-up chicken pieces.
What ingredients are used in the liquid wash?
The liquid wash consists of two beaten eggs, 1/2 cup of evaporated milk, and 1/2 cup of water.
How long should the chicken marinate in the egg and milk mixture?
The chicken should marinate in the mixture for about 5 minutes to absorb the flavors.
How many calories are in a serving of this fried chicken?
There are approximately 700 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this dish?
Each serving contains 45g of protein.
How many grams of fat are in Leah Chase's fried chicken?
The recipe contains 45g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 37.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the best way to coat the chicken in flour?
Leah Chase recommends using a large heavy paper bag to shake the chicken with the flour and spice mixture.
How should you prepare the chicken before seasoning?
The chicken pieces should be washed and patted dry before any seasoning or coating is applied.
What is the first step in seasoning the chicken?
The first step is to season the chicken pieces generously with salt and black pepper on all sides.
How can you test if the oil is hot enough without a thermometer?
You can drop a small piece of the flour mixture into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
What type of pan should be used for frying?
A deep skillet or heavy frying pan is ideal for this Southern fried chicken recipe.
How much salt and pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of salt and 1 tablespoon of black pepper for seasoning.
What is the total number of ingredients needed?
The recipe requires a total of 11 ingredients.
How much flour is needed for the coating?
Two cups of flour are used to coat the 3 lbs of chicken.
What quantity of cooking oil is required?
The recipe requires 1 quart of cooking oil for frying.
How should the chicken be handled after frying?
Remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels to remove excess oil.
Is this recipe associated with a specific restaurant?
Yes, it is a celebrated recipe from the famous Dooky Chase restaurant in New Orleans.
What are the primary flavors of this dish?
The dish features classic Southern flavors with a savory, crispy crust and tender, seasoned meat.
Can I use granulated garlic instead of fresh?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1/2 teaspoon of granulated garlic in the flour mixture.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
The chicken is best served hot immediately after draining.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Common tags include Southern cuisine, soul food, comfort food, and New Orleans.
What is the recommended brand of evaporated milk?
The recipe specifically recommends using Pet brand evaporated milk for the best results.