Better Than Fried Southwestern Chicken Food

BETTER THAN BEST FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a shallow dish or bowl combine the soup, egg and seasoning salt (be careful, as soup is already salted); mix together. Dip chicken in mixture and turn to coat completely. Set aside.
• In a resealable plastic bag mix together the flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper. One at a time, place chicken pieces in bag, seal and shake to coat. Add more flour and/or cornstarch as necessary, but add them in equal parts (there should be an equal amount of each in the mixture).
• Heat oil in a deep-fryer or large saucepan to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Be sure to use enough oil to cover chicken pieces.
• Place coated chicken on a platter and allow to sit until it becomes doughy (this is critical, to ensure crispiness when fried). Once chicken is doughy, test oil by dropping a piece of the "dough" into it; the oil is ready when it starts to fry immediately.
• Fry chicken pieces in oil for about 7 to 10 minutes each, or until cooked through and juices run clear. Drain on paper towels and serve.

PERFECT SOUTHERN FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Soak chicken in water and salt at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.
• Mix buttermilk, eggs and Season All and dip chicken pieces in this mixture.
• Combine 1 cup flour, 2 tbsp corn meal, 2 tsp dried oregano, and 2 tsp Season All in a bag.
• Drop two pieces of dipped chicken in the bag at one time.
• Shake to coat.
• Place on wire rack to rest.
• (I place wax paper under the rack to catch any flour that falls off.) Heat a shallow layer of oil or shortening to 360 F in a jumbo chicken skillet (cast iron is great for this job) or an electric skillet.
• Place the chicken in the pan, trying not to crowd the pieces.
• Cover for the first five minutes.
• Check the chicken.
• When golden brown, turn.
• Cover for the next five minutes.
• Remove cover and cook uncovered, turning occasionally, as needed for a total of an additional 20 minutes or until cooked through.
• Watch carefully, and don't allow it to get too dark.
• If it's frying too fast, reduce heat slightly.
• NOTE- the key is to cover in the beginning to start the cooking process inside the chicken, but to uncover during the last part of the cooking time to get the outside nice and crispy and golden brown.

SOUTHWESTERN OVEN FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Combine the first 7 ingredients in a small bowl; blend well. Rub the chicken pieces with 3 tablespoons of the spice mix and set aside the remaining mix.
• Place the chicken in a 9x 13 dish and let stand 10 minutes. Pour the buttermilk over the chicken, turning to coat. Cover and marinate 2 hours in the refrigerator, turning occasionally. Remove the chicken from the dish and discard the buttermilk.
• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
• Combine the remaining spice mixture, breadcrumbs, and cornmeal in a a dish and stir well. Dredge each chicken piece in the cornmeal mixture. Place on a baking sheet coated with cooking spray.
• Bake 20 minutes 40 minutes (do not turn) or until juices run clear.

SOUTHWESTERN CHICKEN

Steps:

• In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, chili powder, salt and paprika. Rub over both sides of chicken. In a large skillet coated with cooking spray, brown chicken on both sides; drizzle with lime juice. Cover and cook for 5-7 minutes or until chicken juices run clear.