Crisco-Fried Chicken: A Slam-Dunk Southern Specialty

Ah, fried chicken: that sizzling southern treat that seems to have been around since the dawn of time. But have you ever wondered what gives fried chicken that amazing flavor and crunch? The answer is simple: Crisco! That’s right, Crisco is the secret ingredient behind some of the tastiest fried chicken out there.

What Is Crisco?

Crisco is a type of pure vegetable shortening, made from non-hydrogenated vegetable oil and other premium ingredients. Over the years, it has become well known for its ability to keep fried foods moist without making them greasy.

Why Use Crisco?

Crisco is ideal for use in cooking and baking, as it creates delicious and fluffy cakes, pies, and other baked goods. When used in frying, Crisco can keep food crunchy while also giving it an unbeatable flavor. It also resists burning, so you can make perfectly golden fried chicken every time.

The Perfect Crisco Fried Chicken Recipe

Now, let’s get to the good stuff: the Crisco fried chicken recipe. In order to make this tasty southern treat, you’ll need a few things:

  • 4 chickens, skinned and cut into pieces

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour

  • 3 teaspoons seasoned salt

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon baking powder

  • 1 cup Crisco shortening

  • Oil for deep-frying

Instructions:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together flour, salt, paprika, and baking powder.

  2. Melt Crisco shortening in a skillet over medium-high heat.

  3. Dip each piece of chicken in the flour mixture and then place in the hot Crisco in the skillet. Fry the chicken until golden brown, turning as necessary.

  4. Carefully transfer chicken pieces to a paper towel-lined plate. Blot with paper towels to remove excess oil.

  5. Fill a deep-fryer with oil and heat to 375 degrees.

  6. Fry chicken pieces in batches until golden brown on the outside and cooked through, about 8 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Serve warm.

Tips and Tricks:

  • Make sure that your oil is always at the correct temperature (375 degrees) before frying each batch of chicken. If the oil is too hot, the chicken will burn on the outside and be undercooked on the inside.

  • If you like spicy food, feel free to add a little cayenne pepper or chili powder to your flour mixture.

  • Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings and spices to create your own unique flavor. Try adding garlic powder or garlic salt, oregano, or even a dash of nutmeg.

  • For a guilt-free version of Crisco-fried chicken, you can use a combination of olive oil and butter instead of Crisco.

Conclusion

So as you can see, Crisco is a great way to add flavor and crunch to fried chicken. Give this recipe a try next time you get a craving for that Southern-style fried chicken flavor. Bon appetit!