The smell of freshly fried chicken wafting through the air has been a beloved regional tradition in Maryland for centuries. Its crispy coating and juicy goodness cannot be replicated anywhere else. It has a unique taste which owes much to the cultural influences and cooking methods of the area. Today, I am going to share with you my family’s recipe for Maryland Fried Chicken. It is both traditional and delicious, and a great way to try a local favorite.

Maryland Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 pounds of boneless chicken thighs or breasts cut into small pieces
  • 1 cup of buttermilk
  • Oil for frying

Instructions:

  • In a medium bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  • In a second bowl, pour in the buttermilk. Add the cut chicken pieces and mix to coat.
  • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and transfer it to the bowl of dry ingredients. Toss to coat.
  • In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces, being sure not to overcrowd the skillet. Fry for 4-6 minutes, flipping the pieces over halfway through.
  • Continue to fry the chicken in batches until all of the chicken is cooked. Remove the pieces with a slotted spoon and let any excess oil drip away before transferring the chicken to a plate lined with a paper towel.
  • Serve the chicken hot, with your favorite sides.

As with all fried chicken recipes, Maryland Fried Chicken is a crowd pleaser. It has a distinctive taste thanks to its distinct seasoning blend, as well as the crispy outer coating that comes from frying the chicken in oil. The combination of smoky paprika and garlic powder in this recipe gives it a satisfying flavor that can’t be replicated anywhere else.

If you are looking for a classic Maryland Fried Chicken experience, I can’t recommend this recipe enough. The traditional flavors and cooking method come together to produce something truly special. Of course, there are many other versions of this dish, as well as other Maryland favorites like Chesapeake Crab Cakes and Baltimore-style Crab Soup. However, this recipe is perhaps the most traditional – and delicious. Try it out and let me know what you think!