Crispy Chicken Dippers Food

CRISPY FRIED CHICKEN

Steps:

• Take your cut up chicken pieces and skin them if you prefer. Put the flour in a large plastic bag (let the amount of chicken you are cooking dictate the amount of flour you use). Season the flour with paprika, salt and pepper to taste (paprika helps to brown the chicken).
• Dip chicken pieces in buttermilk then, a few at a time, put them in the bag with the flour, seal the bag and shake to coat well. Place the coated chicken on a cookie sheet or tray, and cover with a clean dish towel or waxed paper. LET SIT UNTIL THE FLOUR IS OF A PASTE-LIKE CONSISTENCY. THIS IS CRUCIAL!
• Fill a large skillet (cast iron is best) about 1/3 to 1/2 full with vegetable oil. Heat until VERY hot. Put in as many chicken pieces as the skillet can hold. Brown the chicken in HOT oil on both sides. When browned, reduce heat and cover skillet; let cook for 30 minutes (the chicken will be cooked through but not crispy). Remove cover, raise heat again and continue to fry until crispy.
• Drain the fried chicken on paper towels. Depending on how much chicken you have, you may have to fry in a few shifts. Keep the finished chicken in a slightly warm oven while preparing the rest.

CRISPY CHICKEN WITH SWEET & SOUR DIPPING SAUCE

Steps:

• To make the dipping sauce, in a bowl, stir together the apricot preserves, soy sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce. Divide amont 4 small bowls or ramekins (optional- I just put it in one bowl and share with my husband).
• Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Spread the flour on a plate, beat the eggs in a shallow bowl until blended, and spread the bread crumbs on another plate. One at a time, dredge each chicken breast in the flour, dip in the eggs, and then coat evenly with the crumbs. Set aside on a rack or baking sheet.
• In a large frying pan, heat the oil over medium-high heat until very hot but not smoking. Add the chicken breasts and reduce the heat to medium. Cook, turning once, until the crumbs are golden brown and the chicken breasts feel firm when pressed in the centers, about 4 minutes on each side. Adjust the heat as needed so the crumbs don't burn. Transfer to a cutting board.
• Cut each chicken breast across the grain into wide strips. Slide a knife under the strips and transfer to warmed individual plates. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce.