Norah Jone's Fried Chicken

Crazy Cooking Challenge #11: Fried Chicken

I was on the search for a fried chicken recipe but did not know where to start my search. So I sat down last Sunday to read the Chicago Tribune and clip coupons. Well to my surprise in the Parade magazine section I came across a fried chicken recipe!!! Norah Jones wrote the article about her fried chicken recipe that she has spent years perfecting.

So Friday for lunch, I headed down to my dad's outdoor cooking station to fry my chicken. The oil could have possibly fried the chicken with out any additional heat because in the Illinois we are experiencing record breaking heat (104 degrees). This was my first time frying chicken so I called on my mom to help. The first batch was kind of burnt and not cooked thoroughly. The next 3 batches turned out really good! The fried onion rings we quite tasty to snack on while the chicken was cooking.

Fried Chicken and Onions by Norah Jones

INGREDIENTS:

• 10 chicken legs and thighs
• 1 large vidalia onion, sliced into rings
• 4 cups buttermilk
• Onion powder
• Garlic powder
• Cayenne pepper
• 4 shakes hot sauce (like Valentina) though I prefer Franks Hot Sauce
• Salt
• 2 cups flour
• 1 tsp black pepper
• Vegetable oil
• 1 Tbsp chopped parsley

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, combine chicken, onion, buttermilk, 1/2 tsp onion powder, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/2 tsp cayenne, hot sauce, and salt to taste.

2. Cover and set aside for at least 30 minutes.

3. In a paper grocery bag, combine flour, black pepper, and a dash each of onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne, and salt.

4. In a large, heavy skillet, heat oil over medium-high until very hot. It should be deep enough to cover chicken halfway.

5. Drain chicken and onion rings. Shake them in grocery bag until coated with flour mixture.

6. Transfer chicken and onion rings to skillet. Be careful not to overcrowd.

7. Fry, turning occasionally, for 10 to 14 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove onion rings earlier to avoid overbrowning.

8. Drain chicken and onion rings on a wire rack. Sprinkle with parsley.

Norah's Tips:

• Put music on while you cook. "I always listen to Neil Young when I’m making food."
• "Be sure to have a fire extinguisher nearby when frying!"
• "Onion rings cook faster than chicken and burn easily, so watch them carefully."
• "Set out honey and ranch dressing or hot sauce, and serve with corn bread."