Mississippi Chicken

fried chickenPhoto byGabe PierceonUnsplash

If you're on the hunt for a soul-satisfying, finger-licking good chicken recipe, look no further!

This dish is all about embracing rich flavors, tender chicken, and a touch of Southern hospitality. Get ready to embark on a culinary journey that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more!

Mississippi Chicken Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Marinade:

- 1 cup buttermilk

- 2 tablespoons hot sauce

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon onion powder

- Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Mississippi Sauce:

- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted

- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

- 1 tablespoon hot sauce

- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

- 1 teaspoon garlic powder

- 1 teaspoon onion powder

- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)

- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Chicken:

- 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or any preferred cuts)

- 1 cup all-purpose flour

- Vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix together buttermilk, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

2. Prepare the Mississippi Sauce: In another bowl, combine the melted butter, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Stir until well blended. Set aside.

3. Coat the Chicken: Remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before frying. Preheat your oven to 200°F (93°C) to keep the chicken warm after frying. In a shallow dish, place the all-purpose flour. Dredge each chicken thigh in the flour, making sure to shake off any excess.

4. Fry the Chicken: In a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet, pour enough vegetable oil to reach about 1 inch in depth. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Carefully add the chicken thighs to the hot oil, skin-side down. Fry them for 5-6 minutes per side or until they turn a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the pan.

5. Finish with Mississippi Sauce: Once the chicken is fried to perfection, transfer it to a wire rack placed on a baking sheet to drain any excess oil. While the chicken is still hot, generously brush the Mississippi sauce over each piece, ensuring they are thoroughly coated. The warm chicken will absorb all those irresistible flavors!

6. Serve and Enjoy: Serve it alongside your favorite Southern sides like coleslaw, mashed potatoes, cornbread, or collard greens. Be ready to receive praise and compliments as your loved ones savor the succulent and flavorful delight you've prepared!