Zesty Old Bay Fried Chicken Breasts
Elevate your fried chicken game with this vibrant recipe featuring the iconic Old Bay seasoning. The chicken breasts are marinated in a tangy buttermilk brine infused with a hint of hot sauce, ensuring they're juicy and flavorful. After an overnight soak, they are coated in a seasoned flour mixture before being pan-fried to crispy perfection. This dish brings a delicious twist to traditional fried chicken, delivering an unexpected burst of flavor with each bite. Perfect for a casual dinner or to impress guests at your next gathering, this recipe allows for customization with additional Old Bay seasoning if desired. Prepare to delight your taste buds with this zesty take on a classic favorite!
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
buttermilk
1/2 cup (For brining)
hot sauce
1/4-1/2 teaspoon (Adjust according to taste (3-4 drops used))
Old Bay Seasoning
1 tablespoon (For brining)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 (Pounded thin for even cooking)
flour
3/4 cup (For coating)
Old Bay Seasoning
1 1/2 tablespoons (For coating)
ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (For coating)
large egg
1 (Beaten)
milk
1/3 cup (For egg mixture)
vegetable oil
1/2 cup (For frying)
Old Bay Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (Optional for sprinkling before serving)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the buttermilk, hot sauce, and 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning to create a flavorful brine.
2
Using a fork, pierce each chicken breast several times to allow the brine to infuse deeply into the meat.
3
Submerge the chicken breasts in the brine, ensuring they are well-coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours (overnight is recommended for optimal flavor).
4
When ready to cook, prepare the coating by mixing together the flour, 1 1/2 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning, and ground black pepper in a shallow dish.
5
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beaten egg and milk until well combined.
6
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
7
Remove the chicken from the brine and let excess liquid drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, coating both sides thoroughly.
8
Next, dip the floured chicken breasts into the egg/milk mixture, ensuring they are well-coated, then return them to the flour mixture for a second coating.
9
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated chicken breasts in the skillet. Fry for about 6 to 8 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and are golden brown and crispy.
10
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels. If desired, sprinkle with additional Old Bay seasoning for an extra kick. Serve hot and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
20g
Fat
26g
Carbs
29g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main seasoning used in this fried chicken recipe?
The main seasoning used is the iconic Old Bay seasoning, which is featured in the brine, the flour coating, and as an optional sprinkle at the end.
How long should the chicken marinate in the buttermilk brine?
The chicken should be refrigerated in the brine for a minimum of 2 hours, but for optimal flavor, overnight soaking is recommended.
What temperature should the chicken reach to be considered fully cooked?
The chicken breasts should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they are fully cooked and safe to eat.
How many calories are in a serving of this fried chicken?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
What ingredients are used for the chicken brine?
The brine consists of 1/2 cup of buttermilk, 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of hot sauce, and 1 tablespoon of Old Bay seasoning.
Why do I need to pierce the chicken breasts with a fork?
Piercing the chicken breasts several times allows the tangy buttermilk brine to infuse more deeply into the meat for better flavor and juiciness.
How much Old Bay seasoning is needed for the flour coating?
You will need 1.5 tablespoons of Old Bay seasoning mixed into the flour for the coating.
What is the protein content per serving?
This recipe provides 29g of protein per serving.
How long do I fry each side of the chicken breast?
Fry each side for about 6 to 8 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy.
What kind of chicken is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts that are pounded thin for even cooking.
How much fat is in this dish?
There are 20g of fat per serving in these fried chicken breasts.
What is the purpose of the egg and milk mixture?
The egg and milk mixture acts as a binder to help the flour coating stick to the chicken during the double-dredging process.
Can I adjust the spiciness of this chicken?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of hot sauce in the brine (1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon) and add more Old Bay at the end for an extra kick.
How much flour is required for the coating?
The recipe uses 3/4 cup of flour for dredging the chicken.
What type of oil should be used for frying?
1/2 cup of vegetable oil is used for pan-frying the chicken.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
There are 26g of carbohydrates per serving.
How should I prepare the chicken before brining?
You should pound the chicken breasts thin to ensure they cook evenly and pierce them with a fork.
What is the sequence for coating the chicken?
Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg/milk mixture, and finally return it to the flour mixture for a second coating.
How much milk is used in the egg wash?
The egg wash requires 1/3 cup of milk whisked with one large egg.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
Yes, there is approximately 1g of fiber per serving.
How much hot sauce should I add to the brine?
The recipe suggests 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon, or about 3-4 drops, depending on your taste preference.
What should I do once the chicken is finished frying?
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels before serving.
Can I add more seasoning after cooking?
Yes, you can sprinkle an additional 1/2 teaspoon of Old Bay seasoning over the chicken before serving if desired.
What equipment is needed for frying?
You will need a large skillet to heat the oil over medium heat.
How many chicken breasts does this recipe make?
The recipe is designed for 2 chicken breasts.
What does the oil look like when it is ready for frying?
The oil should be heated over medium heat until it is shimmering before adding the chicken.
What is the amount of ground black pepper in the coating?
The flour coating includes 1 teaspoon of ground black pepper.
Is this recipe suitable for a casual dinner?
Yes, it is described as perfect for a casual dinner or for impressing guests at a gathering.
What kind of texture can I expect from the chicken?
The chicken is designed to be juicy on the inside thanks to the brine and golden brown and crispy on the outside.
What category of food does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized as Southern cuisine and comfort food.