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Rosemary Fried Chicken

February 19, 2012 13 Comments

Planning a meal for a dinner party is always kind of stressful for me. For one thing, I’m constantly worried there won’t be enough food, so I inevitably over-cook. I blame that on my mom — at Christmas one year she underestimated her guests’ appetites and had to resort to stealthily reheating leftovers from the previous night’s party to keep everyone from noticing all the food was gone. It was super stressful. She hasn’t been the same since. Neither have I, apparently. But even putting aside the dilemma of total food quantity, there are the actual dishes to consider — what will everyone like eating? Are there any vegetarians in the crowd? What should the main course be? Are there enough sides? Will the meal balanced? Is there enough food?!?!?!?!

We had some people over for dinner last night, and naturally I spent way too much time agonizing over the meal. Should I make steak? Stuffed pasta shells? Fish?? Do I even feel like cooking?!?!?!  After a long and tortured mental wrestling match with myself, I eventually decided that fried chicken was the way to go. My last attempt at frying chicken resulted in a few really under-cooked pieces that put a black mark my cooking reputation, but…if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again right?

Luckily, these fried morsels were a success! Each piece was juicy, savory and infused with the taste of rosemary. And, as a result of my iron restraint in allowing the chicken to cook unmolested this time, there was a minimum of bloody/raw bits. Mmmm. Now that is finger lickin’ good, y’all.

Rosemary Fried Chicken (Adapted from Martha Stewart’s recipe)

Ingredients:
– 8 chicken legs and 8 chicken thighs (I couldn’t find thighs so I ended up using 12 drumsticks and 6 wings)
– 2 cups low-fat buttermilk
– 1/4 cup salt + 1 tsp
– 1 tbsp ground pepper + 1/2 tsp
– 3 cups all-purpose flour
– 2 tablespoons sweet paprika
– 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh rosemary leaves, plus 4 sprigs
– 2 cups vegetable oil

Steps:

(1) In a large bowl, combine chicken, buttermilk, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Toss to coat each piece of chicken with the buttermilk mixture. Refrigerate overnight, or for a few hours until ready to cook.
(2) In another large bowl or high-sided dish, whisk together flour, paprika, chopped rosemary, 1/4 cup salt, and 1 tbsp pepper.
(3) Lift chicken from buttermilk, a few pieces at a time (allowing excess to drip off), and dredge in flour mixture (shaking off excess). Transfer dredged chicken to foil-lined sheet.
(4) Dredge each piece of chicken in flour mixture a second time, and return to the sheet.
(5) In a skillet or deep pan, heat oil and rosemary sprigs over medium-high. When rosemary sizzles rapidly, remove and discard.
(6) Fry chicken in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until golden brown, about 7-9 minutes per side.
(8)  Enjoy hot, with biscuits, potatoes, and something green!

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Filed Under: Dinner, Poultry

Comments

  1. Rita says

    February 20, 2012 at 6:51 am

    You made a good choice; these look so good, a must try.
    Rita

    Reply
    • justputzing says

      February 20, 2012 at 1:14 pm

      Thanks!

      Reply
  2. sara says

    February 20, 2012 at 12:32 pm

    This looks amazing! I haven’t made homemade fried chicken in forever, this version looks wonderful!

    Reply
    • justputzing says

      February 20, 2012 at 1:15 pm

      Thanks, let me know if you ever try it 🙂

      Reply
  3. Sarah says

    February 21, 2012 at 2:12 am

    You are so brave to fry in your kitchen! Can’t wait until I’m invited over for dinner:)

    Reply
    • justputzing says

      February 21, 2012 at 8:58 am

      Haha thanks. Come visit soon, and I’ll cook you whatever you want!

      Reply
  4. Simply Tia says

    February 21, 2012 at 9:03 am

    Looks so succulent and delicious!

    Reply
    • justputzing says

      February 21, 2012 at 9:08 am

      Thank you 🙂

      Reply
  5. Rita says

    February 22, 2012 at 10:36 am

    I have to save this one!Looks so tasty good.
    Rita

    Reply
  6. Javelin Warrior says

    February 24, 2012 at 8:55 am

    First, I always adore fried chicken, so there’s that. But the addition of paprika and rosemary – fantastic! the color and texture you achieved is amazing… I have featured this post in today’s Friday Food Fetish roundup. Let me know if you have any objections and thanks as ever for the inspiration…

    Reply
    • justputzing says

      February 24, 2012 at 9:07 am

      Thank YOU for reading 🙂

      Reply
  7. mjskit says

    February 26, 2012 at 12:51 am

    Making fried chicken for a dinner party is a very brave thing to do! I’m impressed with that but also with your results! Your fried chicken looks perfect and I love the addition of rosemary in the batter. I bet it was delicious!

    Reply
  8. justputzing says

    February 26, 2012 at 10:32 am

    Thanks, MJ!

    Reply

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Hi! I'm Tina - D.C. based attorney, lover of reality and food-related television, stress-eater, and unabashed fantasy/sci-fi dork. Read More…

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