- Marinate Chicken:
- In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and hot sauce. Season the chicken pieces with salt and pepper, then submerge them in the buttermilk mixture. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight for best results.
- Prepare Flour Mixture:
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Fry Chicken:
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Fry the chicken in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Cook for about 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown, crispy, and cooked through. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to keep the chicken crispy.
Crawfish Fry
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds crawfish tails, peeled
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Lemon wedges and tartar sauce, for serving
Instructions:
- Prepare Crawfish:
- Soak the crawfish tails in buttermilk for about 30 minutes.
- Prepare Breading Mixture:
- In a shallow dish, combine cornmeal, flour, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
- Fry Crawfish:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Remove crawfish from buttermilk and dredge in the cornmeal-flour mixture.
- Fry the crawfish in batches until golden and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Drain on paper towels.
Serving the Combo
Serve the fried chicken and crawfish on a large platter, accompanied by lemon wedges and tartar sauce for dipping. This combo is best enjoyed hot and crispy, straight from the fryer. The contrast of textures and flavors between the succulent crawfish and the crispy chicken creates a truly memorable meal that’s a testament to the joy of Southern cooking.
Pair this combo with sides like coleslaw, cornbread, or a simple green salad to balance the richness of the fried foods. Whether it’s a casual family dinner, a festive gathering, or a special occasion, this Fried Chicken with Crawfish Fry Combo is sure to be a crowd-pleaser, offering a taste of Southern hospitality and culinary tradition.