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Deep-fry? In the middle of summer? We know, but fried chicken holds great childhood memories of picnics by the sea or under the stars watching the Fourth of July fireworks. Cut up the chicken and marinate it overnight; the next day you can fry it (and heat up the kitchen) early in the day before it gets warm. Then you are good to go until the cooler evening hours.

This easy make-ahead fried chicken recipe is perfect for picnics and makes a great display at any meal.

This easy picnic basket fried chicken is perfect for a picnic and makes a great display for any meal.

Fried Chicken Recipe Ingredients

2 pounds chicken pieces (breasts, legs, and thighs)

3 cups buttermilk

4 cups vegetable shortening, for frying

Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper

4 eggs, beaten

3 cups flour

Easy Fried Chicken Recipe

Fried Chicken Recipe Directions

  1. With a cleaver or heavy knife, split the chicken breasts, then cut each breast half in half again.
  2. Place the chicken pieces in a shallow container skin side down and pour the buttermilk over them.
  3. Cover with plastic wrap and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight if possible.
  4. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  5. Remove the chicken from the buttermilk and season both sides with salt and pepper.Best Fried Chicken Recipe
  6. Place the beaten eggs and flour in separate shallow bowls.
  7. Dredge the chicken pieces first in the flour, then the egg, and then the flour again.
  8. In a 12-inch saute pan with deep sides, melt enough shortening so that it is 2-inches deep and heat the pan until the oil begins to smoke.
  9. Fry the chicken for 2 minutes on each side, until the skin is golden brown.
  10. Transfer to a baking sheet and bake the chicken for 15 minutes, or until cooked through.
  11. Serve warm immediately, or store in the refrigerator for the next day’s picnic.

Easy Picnic Fried Chicken Recipe

You can find more recipes like this one in my Dinnertime Survival cookbook and find your favorite. No matter which recipe you love the most, it will surely impress your friends and family.

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