Indulge in the soulful flavors of New Orleans with our homage to the iconic Dooky Chase's Restaurant. This Dooky Chase-style fried chicken recipe promises a crispy, golden-brown exterior and tender, juicy meat inside. With just the right blend of spices and a touch of Southern charm, this dish is bound to become a family favorite. So, grab your apron and let's get cooking!
Ingredients:
- 3 pounds of chicken pieces
(drumsticks, thighs, or your choice)
- 2 cups of buttermilk
- 2 cups of all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons of paprika
- 2 teaspoons of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne
pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to
taste
- Vegetable oil for frying
1. Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large bowl,
place the chicken pieces and pour the buttermilk over them.
- Ensure the
chicken is fully submerged in the buttermilk.
- Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In a separate
bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder,
dried thyme, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Mix the dry ingredients thoroughly to create a well-seasoned coating.
3. Dredge the Chicken:
- Remove the
marinated chicken from the refrigerator.
- One piece at a
time, remove it from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
- Dredge each piece in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring an even coating. Press the flour onto the chicken to help it adhere.
4. Heat the Oil:
- In a large,
heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to
350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the temperature.
5. Fry the Chicken:
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, one by one, ensuring they don't overcrowd the pan.
- Fry the chicken
in batches if necessary to maintain the oil temperature.
- Fry each batch
for about 12-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden
brown and cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Using a slotted
spoon or tongs, remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a plate
lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Let the chicken
rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve your DookyChase-style fried chicken hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired.
- Pair it with
your favorite Southern sides like collard greens, cornbread, or mashed potatoes
for the ultimate comfort meal.
