Indulge in the mouthwatering delight of Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken, a recipe that has captivated taste buds and earned accolades for its crispy perfection. Follow this simple yet flavorful recipe to recreate the famous dish at home.
If you’ve ever craved the mouthwatering, award-winning fried chicken from Willie Mae’s Scotch House, you’re in for a treat. This recipe allows you to recreate the legendary fried chicken in your own kitchen, delivering crispy, flavorful results that will impress your taste buds.
Follow these simple steps to make this iconic dish at home.
Why this Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken is so Delicious?
Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken is renowned for its incredible flavor and crispiness. The secret lies in the unique brining process, which infuses the chicken with a perfect balance of garlic, hot sauce, and brining liquid, ensuring juicy and tender meat.
The seasoned flour mixture, featuring a blend of kosher salt, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Spanish paprika, and cayenne pepper, creates a flavorful, crispy crust. Frying at the right temperature seals in the moisture while delivering a golden, crunchy exterior, making each bite irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients for Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken Recipe
- 8 to 12 chicken thighs (about 2 lbs)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 4 cloves garlic, peeled and sliced
- 4 teaspoons mild hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Spanish paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 cups all-purpose flour or self-rising flour
Equipment & Tools Required
- 2 stainless steel bowls
- Deep frying pan
- Meat thermometer
- Wire rack
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
How to Make Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken?
Step-01: Season the chicken thighs with kosher salt, ensuring they are evenly coated. In a separate bowl, mix the sliced garlic cloves, hot sauce, and your preferred brining liquid.
Step-02: Add the chicken pieces to this mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours.
Step-03: In a stainless steel or metal bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Spanish paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create a uniform blend of spices.
Step-04: Remove the chicken pieces from the brining mixture and let any excess liquid drip off. Dip each piece into the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly coated.
Gently shake off any excess flour.
Step-05: Fill a deep frying pan or pot with peanut or olive oil (about 2 inches deep) and heat over medium-high heat. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, ensuring it reaches between 350°F and 375°F before frying.
Step-06: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step-07: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach at least 165°F in the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil. Enjoy with your favorite sauce or serve with Publix Buffalo Chicken Dip.
Creative Serving Ideas for Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken
1. Classic Southern Style: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes, rich gravy, and buttery cornbread for a classic Southern meal. Add a side of collard greens or green beans for a complete experience.
2. Comfort Food Feast: Pair the fried chicken with mac and cheese, coleslaw, and baked beans. The creamy, tangy, and sweet flavors complement the crispy, savory chicken perfectly.
3. Picnic Basket: Pack the fried chicken with a variety of picnic-friendly sides like potato salad, deviled eggs, fresh fruit, and pickles. Perfect for an outdoor meal.
4. Chicken and Waffles: Serve the fried chicken atop fluffy waffles, drizzled with maple syrup and a dollop of butter. The combination of sweet and savory is irresistible.
5. Sandwich Delight: Create a fried chicken sandwich with a soft brioche bun, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato slices, and a spread of spicy mayo or aioli. Add pickles for extra crunch.
6. Southern BBQ Platter: Serve the fried chicken with a side of BBQ ribs, cornbread, coleslaw, and baked beans. It’s a hearty, finger-licking-good feast.
7. Fresh and Light: Pair the fried chicken with a fresh garden salad, featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette. It balances the richness of the chicken.
8. Taco Twist: Shred the fried chicken and use it as a filling for tacos. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, cheese, and a drizzle of ranch or spicy sauce.
9. Brunch Spread: Include the fried chicken in a brunch spread with scrambled eggs, bacon, fresh fruit, and biscuits. It’s a versatile addition that adds a savory punch.
10. Southern-inspired Buffet: Offer the fried chicken alongside other Southern favorites like gumbo, jambalaya, hush puppies, and dirty rice. Perfect for a themed dinner party or gathering.
Tips on Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken Recipe
1. Use Fresh Chicken: Ensure your chicken thighs are fresh for the best flavor and texture. Fresh chicken will yield juicier and more tender results.
2. Brine Time: For maximum flavor, brine the chicken for at least 4 hours, but overnight brining will yield even better results. The brine infuses the chicken with flavor and moisture.
3. Consistent Coating: Make sure the flour mixture evenly coats each piece of chicken. Pat the flour mixture onto the chicken to ensure it sticks well and provides a crispy crust.
4. Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to keep the oil temperature consistent between 350°F and 375°F. This ensures the chicken cooks evenly and achieves the perfect crispiness without being greasy.
5. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the chicken in batches if necessary. Overcrowding the pan lowers the oil temperature and can result in soggy chicken.
6. Turn Frequently: Turn the chicken pieces frequently while frying to ensure they cook evenly and develop a golden brown crust on all sides.
7. Rest on a Wire Rack: After frying, place the chicken on a wire rack to drain excess oil. This helps maintain the chicken’s crispy texture, unlike paper towels, which can make it soggy.
8. Check Internal Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. This guarantees the chicken is cooked through without being overdone.
9. Seasoning Adjustments: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the flour mixture to suit your taste. Add a bit more cayenne pepper for extra heat or more garlic powder for a deeper flavor.
10. Serve Fresh: Fried chicken is best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve it immediately after frying for the best texture and flavor. If you need to keep it warm, place it in a single layer on a wire rack in a low oven (200°F) until ready to serve.
Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 to 12 chicken thighs about 2 lbs
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 4 cloves garlic peeled and sliced
- 4 teaspoons mild hot sauce
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon white pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Spanish paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 3 cups all-purpose flour or self-rising flour
Instructions
- Season the chicken thighs with kosher salt, ensuring they are evenly coated. In a separate bowl, mix the sliced garlic cloves, hot sauce, and your preferred brining liquid.
- Add the chicken pieces to this mixture, ensuring they are fully submerged. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 4 hours.
- In a stainless steel or metal bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, kosher salt, white pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, Spanish paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well to create a uniform blend of spices.
- Remove the chicken pieces from the brining mixture and let any excess liquid drip off. Dip each piece into the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring it is thoroughly coated. Gently shake off any excess flour.
- Fill a deep frying pan or pot with peanut or olive oil (about 2 inches deep) and heat over medium-high heat. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature, ensuring it reaches between 350°F and 375°F before frying.
- Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, being cautious not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 15 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken. It should reach at least 165°F in the thickest part of the meat without touching the bone.
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towel to drain excess oil.
Video
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How to Store and Reheat this Fried Chicken?
To store leftover Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), place the chicken on a baking sheet, and heat for 15-20 minutes until crispy and warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crispy texture.
Common queries on Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken Recipe
These commonly asked questions and their short answers will give you an better understanding of this Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken Recipe
1. Who is the owner of Willie Mae’s Fried Chicken?
Willie Mae’s Scotch House was originally founded by Willie Mae Seaton in 1957 in New Orleans. Today, her great-granddaughter, Kerry Seaton Stewart, continues to preserve and share Willie Mae’s legacy and recipes.
2. What is the secret to frying chicken?
The secret to perfectly fried chicken lies in the brining process, maintaining a consistent oil temperature between 350°F and 375°F, and ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with a well-seasoned flour mixture. Frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding also helps achieve crispy, evenly cooked chicken.
3. Why is Chinese fried chicken so crispy?
Chinese fried chicken is often extra crispy due to the use of cornstarch or a combination of cornstarch and flour in the batter, which creates a lighter, crispier coating. Additionally, the chicken may be double-fried, first at a lower temperature to cook the chicken through, then at a higher temperature to achieve a crisp exterior.
4. How to keep crispy fried chicken?
To keep fried chicken crispy, place it on a wire rack over a baking sheet after frying to allow air circulation and prevent sogginess. If you need to keep it warm, place it in a single layer in a low oven (200°F) until ready to serve. Avoid covering the chicken with foil, as this traps steam and makes it soggy.
5. Can I use boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken thighs or breasts for this recipe. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, as boneless pieces may cook faster than bone-in chicken.
6. What type of oil is best for frying chicken?
Peanut oil is often preferred for frying chicken due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. You can also use other oils with high smoke points, such as canola oil, vegetable oil, or sunflower oil.
7. How long should I brine the chicken?
For best results, brine the chicken for at least 4 hours. However, brining overnight will infuse the chicken with even more flavor and moisture.
8. What can I use as a substitute for buttermilk in the brine?
If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use a mixture of milk and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for a few minutes until it curdles slightly. Alternatively, yogurt or sour cream diluted with water can also work as a substitute.
9. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can make a gluten-free version by using gluten-free all-purpose flour or a mixture of rice flour and cornstarch for the coating. Ensure all other ingredients are also gluten-free.
10. How can I add more flavor to the fried chicken?
To add more flavor, you can enhance the brine with additional spices like bay leaves, thyme, or rosemary. You can also experiment with different spices and herbs in the flour mixture, such as smoked paprika, cumin, or dried oregano, to customize the flavor to your liking.
Now you have the simple steps and all the needed ingredients to recreate the famous Willie Mae’s Scotch House Fried Chicken Recipe at home and impress your taste buds! Enjoy this delightful dish and bring a piece of culinary history to your table.
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Came out great
great!!!