Food Network Cooking: Fried Chicken

I had a couple of chicken breasts thawed out and was trying to decide what to make. I saw Guy Fieri make fried chicken on the Food Network a couple of weeks ago and had been wanting to try it. So, I went back to the Food Network website and started looking at Fried Chicken Recipes, intending to use Guy's. But, the idea of Paula Deen and Fried Chicken really just made the most sense. I couldn't resist trying her "Grandmother Paul's Fried Chicken". I think it was a sign.

Ryan's parents gave us a bunch of leftover's from Kevin's rehearsal dinner... mashed potatoes and green beans are a perfect compliment to Fried Chicken! Made this meal even more worth it to only have to cook the chicken! Thanks!

My grandmother (my dad's mom) made a mean fried chicken. She made fried chicken every time we came to visit--everyone's favorite! This is one of the recipes, like her chocolate chip cookies, that no matter how many times she showed us how she made it, our attempts were never quite the same.

Paula's Grandmother did not deep fry the chicken... she pan fried and steamed the chicken... basically frying in a little oil, with the lid on. I had to watch the video of the episode where Paula (yes, first name basis here) cooked this to make sure I understood. I'd suggest you do the same... its less than 3 minutes. All in all, it was a good recipe. The meat was a little dry... maybe I should try soaking the chicken in a brine like Guy's recipe calls for.

Grandmother Paul's Fried Chicken
By: Paula Deen
"My Grandmother Paul always said to season chicken and return it to the refrigerator and let it sit as long as time permits, at least 2 to 3 hours. And always use small chickens."

Salt and pepper, for seasoning chicken
Crisco shortening, for frying
3 eggs
1/3 cup water
2 cups self-rising flour
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 (2 1/2 pound) chicken, cut into pieces

Heat shortening in a cast iron skillet to 350 degrees F.

Beat eggs with water in a small bowl. In a shallow bowl, season flour with pepper. Dip chicken pieces in egg mixture and then coat well in flour mixture. Carefully add to hot shortening, in batches if necessary, place lid on top of skillet, and fry until brown and crisp. Remember that dark meat requires a longer cooking time (about 13 to 14 minutes, compared to 8 to 10 minutes for white meat.)