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Ingredients for Southern Fried Chicken Wings

I take pleasure in making Southern Fried Chicken Wings in my kitchen. This classic meal is perfect for any type of gathering. To prepare this recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Chicken wings
• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Milk
• Egg
• Hot sauce
• Peanut oil
• Paprika
• Buttermilk
• Garlic
• Lemon
• Seasoning (a blend of onion powder, garlic powder, oregano, kosher salt, and cayenne)
• Corn starch
• Baking powder

When it comes to the chicken, I prefer using wings because they have a good balance of meat and skin. You can use any part of the chicken that you prefer, but I find that wings work best for this recipe.

For the coating, you’ll need a mixture of all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and the seasoning blend. I like to add a bit of corn starch and baking powder to the mixture to make the coating extra crispy.

To make the batter, you’ll need milk, egg, and hot sauce. The hot sauce gives the chicken a nice kick of flavor.

Finally, you’ll need peanut oil for frying. Peanut oil has a high smoke point, which makes it ideal for frying.

Overall, these ingredients come together to create a delicious and crispy Southern Fried Chicken Wing.

Preparing the Chicken Wings

To make delicious Southern fried chicken wings, you need to start with the right ingredients and preparation. Here’s how I prepare my chicken wings:

1. Clean the chicken wings: Rinse the chicken wings with cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Remove any excess fat or skin.
2. Marinate the chicken wings: Marinate the chicken wings in a buttermilk marinade for at least 2 hours or overnight. The buttermilk marinade helps to tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
3. Prepare the flour mixture: In a bowl, mix together all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. This seasoning blend adds flavor to the chicken wings.
4. Coat the chicken wings: Dip the marinated chicken wings in the flour mixture, making sure they are coated evenly. Then, dip the chicken wings in an egg mixture, which helps the flour mixture stick to the chicken wings.
5. Fry the chicken wings: Heat up oil in a deep fryer or a large pot to 375°F. Fry the chicken wings in batches until they are golden brown and crispy. Make sure the chicken wings are cooked all the way through.
6. Drain and serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the chicken wings from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve the chicken wings hot with your favorite dipping sauce.

By following these steps, you can make flavorful and tender Southern fried chicken wings that are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Frying the Chicken Wings

To achieve the perfect crispy texture and juicy center for your Southern fried chicken wings, proper frying technique is essential. Here are the steps to follow:

1. Heat the oil: Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point, such as peanut oil, to fill a Dutch oven or deep fryer with at least 2 inches of oil. Heat the oil to 350°F to 375°F using a deep-fry thermometer.
2. Prepare the chicken wings: While the oil is heating up, pat dry the chicken wings with paper towels. Season them with salt and pepper or your preferred seasonings. Dredge the wings in a mixture of flour, cornstarch, and spices.
3. Fry the chicken wings: Carefully place the wings in the hot oil, making sure they are fully submerged. Fry them for 10 to 12 minutes or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the internal temperature of the wings has reached 165°F.
4. Drain and serve: Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove the chicken wings from the oil and place them on a wire rack or paper towels to drain off excess oil. Serve them hot and enjoy!

Remember to never overcrowd the Dutch oven or deep fryer, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in greasy, soggy wings. Fry in batches if necessary.

By following these simple steps, you can achieve perfectly fried Southern chicken wings with a crispy exterior and juicy interior.

Serving Suggestions

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ga6eqNdmRGM&embed=true

When it comes to serving Southern fried chicken wings, there are a variety of options to choose from. Here are some of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Collard Greens: A classic Southern side dish, collard greens are a great choice to serve with fried chicken wings. The bitterness of the greens pairs well with the savory flavor of the chicken. You can cook them with bacon or ham hocks for added flavor.
• Ranch Dressing: Ranch dressing is a popular choice for dipping fried chicken wings. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor complement the crispy skin of the wings. You can also try making your own ranch dressing at home for a fresher taste.
• Honey Mustard: Another popular dipping sauce for fried chicken wings is honey mustard. The sweetness of the honey and the tanginess of the mustard create a delicious contrast to the savory chicken. You can make your own honey mustard by mixing honey and Dijon mustard together.
• BBQ Sauce: If you’re in the mood for something smoky and sweet, try serving your fried chicken wings with BBQ sauce. The sauce adds a layer of flavor to the wings and can be a great way to mix up your usual dipping sauce routine.
• Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic Southern bread that pairs perfectly with fried chicken wings. The sweet and savory flavors of the cornbread complement the chicken and make for a filling and satisfying meal.

Overall, there are many different options when it comes to serving Southern fried chicken wings. Whether you prefer a classic side dish like collard greens or a unique dipping sauce like honey mustard, there are plenty of ways to enjoy this delicious dish.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

As a fan of southern fried chicken wings, I know how important it is to store and reheat them properly to maintain their flavor and texture. Here are some tips on how to do it:

Storage

To store leftover fried chicken wings, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them as soon as possible. This will help prevent bacteria growth and keep them fresh for up to four days.

Reheating

There are several ways to reheat fried chicken wings, but my favorite method is using an air fryer. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
2. Spritz the wings with oil and nestle them in the basket, making sure they aren’t crammed in there or they won’t reheat evenly.
3. Heat wings in the air fryer for up to 10 minutes but check on them every few minutes or until they reach an internal temp of 165°F.

Another way to reheat fried chicken wings is in the oven. Here’s how to do it:

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Allow the cold wings to reach room temperature.
3. Place the wings in a single layer on a baking sheet pan lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
4. Arrange the wings so there is ample space between them all to allow the hot air to circulate.
5. Bake the wings for 15-20 minutes or until they reach an internal temp of 165°F.

FAQs

Q: Can I store leftover fried chicken wings at room temperature?

A: No, it’s not safe to store leftover fried chicken wings at room temperature because bacteria can grow rapidly in the danger zone (between 40°F and 140°F).

Q: How long can I store leftover fried chicken wings in the fridge?

A: You can store leftover fried chicken wings in the fridge for up to four days.

Q: Can I freeze leftover fried chicken wings?

A: Yes, you can freeze leftover fried chicken wings for up to three months. To reheat, thaw them in the fridge overnight and then follow the reheating instructions above.

Q: Can I reheat fried chicken wings in the microwave?

A: Yes, you can reheat fried chicken wings in the microwave, but they may become soggy. To prevent this, place a damp paper towel over the wings and microwave them in 30-second intervals until they reach an internal temp of 165°F.

Alternative Cooking Methods

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuZBkMEcerw&embed=true

If you don’t have a deep fryer, or you’re looking for a healthier way to cook your chicken wings, there are some alternative cooking methods that you can try.

Air Fryer

An air fryer is a popular cooking appliance that uses hot air to cook food, giving it a crispy texture similar to deep-frying, but with less oil. To cook chicken wings in an air fryer, simply season them with your favorite spices, and place them in the air fryer basket. Cook them at 400°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking.

Cast Iron Skillet

If you don’t have a deep fryer, you can still achieve crispy chicken wings by using a cast iron skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken wings and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Large Skillet

Another alternative to deep frying is using a large skillet. Heat the skillet over medium-high heat and add enough oil to coat the bottom of the pan. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken wings and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Overall, there are many different ways to cook chicken wings, and each method has its own unique advantages. Whether you’re using a deep fryer, air fryer, cast iron skillet, or large skillet, the key to making delicious chicken wings is to season them well and cook them until they are crispy and golden brown.

Variations of Southern Fried Chicken Wings Recipe

I love experimenting with different flavors and spices when making Southern fried chicken wings. Here are some variations that you can try to add some excitement to your classic Southern fried chicken wings recipe:

• Garlic Parmesan Wings: For a cheesy and garlicky twist, add grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, and Italian seasoning to your flour mixture. Dip your fried wings in melted butter and sprinkle with more Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
• Spicy Wings: If you like your wings hot and spicy, add cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, and chili powder to your flour mixture. For an extra kick, toss your fried wings in a mixture of hot sauce and melted butter.
• Honey Mustard Wings: For a sweet and tangy flavor, mix honey, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar in a bowl. Dip your fried wings in the mixture and sprinkle with chopped chives.
• Barbecue Wings: For a smoky and sweet flavor, mix your flour with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and brown sugar. Brush your fried wings with your favorite barbecue sauce and sprinkle with chopped cilantro.
• Ranch Wings: For a creamy and herby flavor, mix ranch seasoning with your flour mixture. Dip your fried wings in ranch dressing and sprinkle with chopped scallions.

You can also experiment with using different parts of the chicken, such as drumettes or thighs, to make your Southern fried chicken wings. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly.

Overall, Southern fried chicken wings are a versatile and delicious dish that can be customized to your taste. Try out these variations or come up with your own to make your next batch of wings even more flavorful.