Crispy Paula Deen Fried Chicken Recipe

It was a warm summer afternoon, and I was invited to a friend’s place. It was a barbecue day, and the backyard was set up. It was then that I tasted Paula Deen’s fried chicken for the very first time. 

I was completely hooked by the sight of juicy chicken pieces marinated in hot sauce and seasoned to perfection. The self-rising flour gave it an extra crispy crust and golden finish. As soon as I took the first bite, that crusty texture melted magnificently in my mouth and was pure comfort.

Fast-forward a few weeks, and I could not help but stop thinking about that fried chicken. I craved it so much that I was not ready to wait for another barbecue invite. It was at that moment that I decided to try this recipe by myself.

Not only was it easy to make, but it also tasted delectable. I felt proud that I was able to make an exceptional dish with a unique blend of house seasoning, flour, and milk. This gave the chicken a delicious, well-rounded flavour without being too overpowering.

This recipe is also perfect for many occasions like Christmas, Thanksgiving, Easter, and Labour Day. Moreover, it can be paired with various sides. So, let us now embark on the journey of making this comfort that manages to make every meal feel like a special occasion. 

Equipments Required 

• Dutch Oven: I personally use a heavy-bottomed frying pan or Dutch oven because it holds the heat well and gives my chicken a crispy finish. 
• Tongs: You will need a pair of tongs to flip the chicken while frying. 
• Meat Thermometer: I advise you to keep a meat thermometer handy to check whether your meat is cooked properly.
• 3 Mixing Bowls: You will need one mixing bowl for the flour mixture, one for the chicken, and another to mix the egg with the hot sauce. 
• A Wire Rack: I recommend you to use a wire rack to drain the chicken after it is fried. 
• A Paper Towel: You will also require a paper towel to keep the chicken on them after it is fried. This will remove the excess oil from the chicken. 

Preparation And Cooking Time 

Preparation time	Cooking time	Total time
10 minutes	10 minutes	20 minutes

How To Make Paula Deen Fried Chicken At Home

1. Place washed chicken in a bowl and mix it with Paula Deen’s house seasoning. 
2. In another bowl, pour the beaten eggs and mix it with red hot pepper sauce. 
3. Now, place 2 cups of rising flour next to the chicken and egg mixture. 
4. Then, dunk the chicken in the egg mixture and coat it with flour.
5. Next, take a frying pan and heat the oil in it for frying. 
6. Put those marinated chicken in the frying pan and fry for 8-10 minutes until they become light brown and crisp. 
7. Take the fried chicken out of the pan and put it on a wire rack to drain the excess oil.
8. Your crispy and delicious Southern fried chicken is ready to be enjoyed. 

FAQs About Paula Deen Fried Chicken

Nutritional Information Per Serving

Paula Deen fried chicken may not be a healthy option to consume on a daily basis, but it definitely is a mouth watering treat. It is not only high in calories due to frying but also rich in fats. 

Take a look at the nutritional content of this recipe in the table given below. 

Calories	214 Kcal
Total fats	7 g
Cholesterol	134 mg
Sodium	79 mg
Carbohydrates	25.1 g
Dietary fibers	4.2 g
Total sugars	2.4 g
Protein	15.3 g
Vitamin D	11 mcg
Calcium	62 mg
Iron	3 mg
Potassium	398 mg

This recipe can be consumed by non-vegetarians. But the good news is that it can also be modified to make it suitable for other diets. So, let me tell you how you can do that in the next section.

Recipe Variations For Different Diets

• Vegan: I tried a variation to make this recipe vegan by substituting the chicken with tofu or tempeh. In the marination, I used soy sauce, garlic powder, and smoked paprika instead of the egg and flour. I also used cornstarch for crispiness and shallow-fried it. Trust me, it was amazing. 
• Vegetarian: When I served this recipe to my vegetarian friends, I simply used tofu instead of chicken. 
• Keto-Friendly: I prefer my fried chicken to be keto-friendly, so instead of self-rising flour, I use almond flour seasoned with garlic powder, paprika, and salt. In place of peanut oil, I use avocado oil.
• Low-fat: For a low-fat variation, you can bake the chicken instead of frying it. You can also use whole wheat flour instead of self-rising flour to reduce the fat content. 
• Gluten-Free: If you want to make a gluten-free version of fried chicken, simply use gluten-free flour, like almond flour, with gluten-free breadcrumbs for coating. 

Storing And Reheating This Recipe

Storing

• Refrigerator: Whenever I have extra fried chicken, I wrap the individual pieces in aluminumfoil or wax paper and keep them in an airtight container. This keeps my fried chicken safe in the refrigerator for up to three days. 
• Freezer: For freezing, I allow the chicken to come to room temperature. Then, I transfer the chicken to an airtight freezer-safe container. It goes straight into the freezer to be preserved for up to 2 months.

Reheating 

• Oven: To reheat your chicken to maintain the same texture and crispiness, preheat your oven to 190°C and bake it for 15- 20 minutes on a baking sheet. 
• Air Fryer: I like to reheat my fried chicken in an air fryer. All I do is preheat the air fryer at 190° C and place the chicken in the basket. I make sure not to overcrowd the basket, place the chicken in a single layer, and then reheat it for about 7 minutes until it is crispy.
• Microwave: Whenever I need a quick fix, I microwave my yummy fried chicken on a microwave-safe plate, covering it with a microwave-safe lid. Then, I heat it, and within 30 seconds, my fried chicken is ready. However, I use this method only when I’m short on time because the chicken doesn’t stay crispy in a microwave. 

What To Serve With This Recipe 

I like to pair my fried chicken with creamy mashed potatoes and tangy coleslaw on the side. However, whenever I’m in the mood for something light, I serve it with fresh garden salad. The vegetables, mixed and drizzled with a zesty vinaigrette, complement the spicy flavors of the chicken. 

If you wish to make your meal healthier, you can use fried chicken with steamed broccoli or green beans. 

Printable Version

Other Paula Deen Recipes That You Can Try 

Conclusion 

Making Paula Deen fried chicken at home was a wonderful experience for me. From getting the right equipment to preparing the simplest of the ingredients, it is that kind of recipe that is as rewarding as it is tasty. 

I also picked some life-changing tips and tricks along the way, which I have shared above. So, if you follow the steps carefully, I am sure you will be able to make this recipe as perfect as Paula Deen’s. 

Till then, see you next time with another awesome recipe. Do not forget to write your experience in the comment section below.