Fried chicken has an influence on many as a classic comfort food, but few recipes make an impact like the Dooky Chase-style fried chicken. This recipe honors the famous Dooky Chase restaurant in New Orleans known for its tasty and crispy fried chicken. This guide will help you to make this iconic dish at home, whether you cook often or .
Ingredients
To Marinate the Chicken
- 3 pounds of chicken pieces (legs, thighs, and wings)
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
To Coat with Flour
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
To Fry
- Vegetable oil (enough to fill your frying pan about 1/3 full)
Equipment
- Large mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Paper towels
- Large skillet or deep fryer
- Cooking thermometer
Instructions
1. Prepare the Chicken
- Mix Marinade Ingredients: Grab a big bowl and whisk buttermilk hot sauce smoked paprika garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper together.
- Soak the Chicken: Put the chicken pieces in the bowl. Make sure the marinade covers them . Cover the bowl and stick it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Leaving it overnight will give you the best flavor.
2. Prepare the Flour Coating
- Combine the Coating Ingredients: Take another large bowl and mix flour, paprika, cayenne pepper garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well.
3. Coat the Chicken
- Take Chicken Out of Marinade: Pull the chicken from the marinade and let extra liquid drop off.
- Put Flour on Chicken: Roll each chicken piece in the flour mix. Press the flour onto the chicken for good coverage. Shake off extra flour.
4. Get the Oil Hot
- Heat Up the Oil: Pour vegetable oil into a big skillet or deep fryer filling it about a third full. Heat the oil on medium-high until it hits 350°F (175°C). Check the heat with a cooking thermometer.
5. Cook the Chicken
- Cook in Batches: Put a few chicken pieces into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook the chicken in batches to keep the oil hot.
- Fry Until Golden: Cook the chicken for 12-15 minutes on each side. The coating should turn golden brown and crispy. The inside should reach 165°F (74°C). Change the heat as needed to keep a steady temperature.
- Remove Excess Oil: After cooking, move the chicken to a plate with paper towels. This helps to soak up extra oil.
6. Serve the Chicken
- Rest and Serve: Give the chicken a few minutes to rest before you serve it. This helps the juices spread out making sure the inside stays juicy.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve the hot chicken with sides you love such as coleslaw mashed potatoes, or cornbread.
Tips to Make Perfect Fried Chicken
- Use a Cooking Thermometer: Always check the oil temperature and the chicken’s internal temperature to avoid undercooking or burning it.
- Double Dredge for Extra Crispiness: To get an extra crispy coating, dip the chicken in the buttermilk again and then coat it in the flour mixture a second time.
- Drain Properly: Let the fried chicken sit on paper towels to get rid of extra oil and keep the coating crunchy.
Variations
- Spicy Version: Put more cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the flour mix to give it a spicier taste.
- Herb-Infused: Add dried herbs such as thyme, oregano, or rosemary to the flour mix for more flavor.
- Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour to make this recipe suitable for people who can’t eat gluten.
Common Questions
How can I make sure the chicken cooks all the way through?
Make sure the chicken’s temperature inside reaches 165°F (74°C). A cooking thermometer gives you the best way to check this.
Can I use other chicken parts?
You can use any chicken part, like breasts and drumsticks. Just change the cooking time based on how big the pieces are.
How do I keep leftover fried chicken?
Put leftover fried chicken in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To heat it up again, put it in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This will make it crispy again.
If you follow these steps, you’ll end up with Dooky Chase-style fried chicken that’s crunchy outside and soft inside. Gather your family and friends to enjoy this homemade classic. You’ll love the taste of this New Orleans favorite.
