Perfect Southern Fried Chicken

Step 1

Soak chicken in water and salt at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.

Step 2

Mix buttermilk, eggs and Season All and dip chicken pieces in this mixture.

Step 3

Combine 1 cup flour, 2 tbsp corn meal, 2 tsp dried oregano, and 2 tsp Season All in a bag.

Step 4

Drop two pieces of dipped chicken in the bag at one time.

Step 5

Shake to coat.

Step 6

Place on wire rack to rest.

Step 7

(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.

Step 8

Place the chicken in the pan, trying not to crowd the pieces.

Step 9

Cover for the first five minutes.

Step 10

Check the chicken.

Step 11

When golden brown, turn.

Step 12

Cover for the next five minutes.

Step 13

Remove cover and cook uncovered, turning occasionally, as needed for a total of an additional 20 minutes or until cooked through.

Step 14

Watch carefully, and don't allow it to get too dark.

Step 15

If it's frying too fast, reduce heat slightly.

Step 16

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.