Cornmeal Batter Fried Chicken
Crispy cornmeal battered fried chicken offers a flavorful, crunchy exterior with tender meat inside, perfect for comforting meals and gatherings with family and friends.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Skin chicken if desired.
- Rinse and lightly salt chicken.
- In saucepan, cover chicken with water; bring to boiling.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes.
- Drain the chicken; dry with paper towels.
- In a bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder, garlic salt, poultry seasoning, and ground red pepper.
- In a separate bowl, beat the egg and mix in the milk.
- Dip the chicken pieces into the egg mixture, then coat with the cornmeal batter mixture.
- Heat cooking oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the coated chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 10-15 minutes per side.
Tips & Substitutions
For a crunchier texture, consider adding a bit of cornmeal to the flour mixture or using buttermilk instead of regular milk for a richer flavor. If you don't have garlic salt, you can use regular salt and add minced garlic to the batter. Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that golden brown color without making the chicken greasy.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the crispy cornmeal batter fried chicken with a side of coleslaw and cornbread for a classic Southern meal. It also pairs beautifully with mashed potatoes or a fresh salad. For a fun twist, use the chicken in a sandwich or try it with a side of the 'Souper Baked Chicken' for a comforting dinner.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the chicken in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 15-20 minutes to restore its crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make the coating soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cornmeal Batter Fried Chicken contains roughly 367 calories, with 13g protein, 63g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (70% of the Daily Value), calcium (51% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (40% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 623mg per serving (27% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use skinless chicken for this recipe?
While the traditional recipe calls for skin-on chicken for added flavor and moisture, you can use skinless pieces. Just be mindful that skinless chicken may require a shorter cooking time to avoid drying out.
What can I substitute for cornmeal?
If you don't have cornmeal, you can use fine breadcrumbs or crushed crackers as an alternative. This will still provide a crispy texture, although the flavor will differ slightly from the traditional cornmeal.
How can I make this dish spicy?
To add heat, increase the amount of ground red pepper in the batter or include cayenne pepper. You can also marinate the chicken in a spicy sauce before coating it, giving it an extra kick that spice lovers will enjoy.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).