Fried Chicken (Chicken Parmesan)

There is nothing like homemade food, and if you include your children helping then you make amazing memories too. Plus when they see what is exactly in the food then there is buy in. Start young and then when they get older they feel comfortable in the kitchen and you will have a confident child that doesn't ask you for every little thing. They will get for themselves. Plus being a good cook is always a good thing when in a relationship. Everybody loves a good cook.

Today I am going to show how I make my fried chicken and then turn it into Chicken Parmesan. This is a great comfort food and really tasty for even the pickiest of people. Brings back fond memories of winter when my mother would make "food that warms your inside."

First I start with fresh chicken breast boneless and skinless. Normally I use chicken legs but this is going to be turned into Chicken Parmesan so legs won’t work.

Then you must soak in buttermilk (at least 2 hours) its better overnight. This will not only tenderize the meat but also remove any blood. I use a Ziploc bag to marinate the chicken but you can use a dish, just make sure it is covered and that butter milk is all over the chicken.

Once the chicken is done soaking overnight and it is ready to cook, pour vegetable (or Crisco, or lard) into a cast iron skillet until it will cover half a piece of chicken. If you don’t have cast iron, then you might want to get one according to my mom, it really does make the best fried chicken. Heat the oil once you see little bubbles the oil is ready for frying

Take a piece of chicken out of the buttermilk and hold it over the bag until is stops dripping. Then dredge in your favorite coating. Gently place into oil and it will bubble up immediately.

This is a good time to go over fire safety. Remember cover or smother oil fires, NEVER pour water on them. Dump baking soda on them is another good choice, the sodium bicarbonate puts it out very quickly. But also every house should have three fire extinguishers (ABC or AB type). One should be located in your garage, kitchen and master bedroom. The one in your bedroom is only to clear a path to get outside.

Let the chicken cook about 6-7 min per side then put on a cookie rack. (if you are not going to bake in the oven and are just making fried chicken then I would say 8 min per side will be better) If the chicken isn't done completely the oven will finish it off (better not to overcook it). I know some put it on paper towels but I think that lets the chicken soak in its own oil and gets soggy on the bottom.

After the chicken has cooled a bit it’s time to top with your favorite marinara sauce. I like Classico (I bet you thought I made my own, nope). Then Mozzarella and Parmesan cheese to seal it in.

Into the oven at 350 degrees for about 15 min. Let rest for 5 min and enjoy. It goes good with a bed of pasta or mashed potatoes. And I love this dish with fresh steamed (or grilled with olive oil) asparagus. But salad or peas work as well.

*Tip of the day * Clean as you go!!! When the chicken is in the oven is a good time to tackle the stove and grease that splatters. My favorite cleaner is Clorox Cleanup (you just have to be careful because it will ruin your clothes)

Don’t forget to sit down together, pray and give thanks and enjoy the food and company!

  

The family recipe for the seasoning that goes into the flower is so tasty and has 9 different ingredients. If you want my great grandma’s recipe (she spent her whole life Savannah, Georgia) leave an email or comment below and I will send it to you. It is to die for.