@BobbyHartCooking

Let’s be real, sometimes you crave that golden, crispy fried chicken goodness, but the thought of meticulously measuring out a dozen spices feels… daunting. That’s where the magic of store-bought fried chicken seasoning comes in. It’s the culinary equivalent of a superhero cape – quick, reliable, and guaranteed to deliver delicious results.

This isn’t a confession of laziness; it’s a celebration of efficiency. We’re embracing the convenience without sacrificing flavor, proving that incredible fried chicken is achievable, even on a weeknight.

Why Store-Bought Seasoning is Your Secret Weapon:

• Consistency: Those pre-blended mixes are formulated for consistent flavor every time. No more guessing if you added enough paprika or too much cayenne.
• Convenience: Simply open the packet, and you’re halfway to fried chicken heaven. No need to rummage through your spice cabinet.
• Variety: From classic Southern blends to spicy Cajun mixes, there’s a store-bought seasoning for every palate.
• Beginner-Friendly: If you’re new to frying chicken, these seasonings take the guesswork out of the equation.

How to Maximize Your Store-Bought Seasoning:

1. Choose Wisely: Read the labels! Look for seasonings with high-quality ingredients and minimal additives. Consider your taste preferences – do you prefer mild or spicy?
2. Buttermilk is Your Friend: Soaking your chicken in buttermilk before dredging adds tenderness and tang. Even if the store bought seasoning says you don’t need to, it is still a great step.
3. The Dredge is Key:
   • For a thicker crust, use a mixture of flour and your chosen seasoning.
   • Double-dredging (flour, egg wash, flour) creates an extra-crispy coating.
   • Ensure the chicken is fully coated.
4. Oil Temperature Matters: Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain a consistent oil temperature (around 350°F/175°C). Too low, and your chicken will be greasy; too high, and it will burn.
5. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry in batches to maintain the oil temperature and ensure even cooking.
6. Rest Before Serving: Let the fried chicken rest on a wire rack for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute and the crust to crisp up.

Beyond the Basics:

• Spice it Up: Even with a pre-made mix, you can add a personal touch. A pinch of extra cayenne or a dash of garlic powder can elevate the flavor.
• Sauce it! Store bought seasoning is a great base for sauced fried chicken. Toss the finished chicken in your favorite BBQ sauce, hot sauce, or honey mustard.
• Sides Matter: Pair your perfectly seasoned fried chicken with classic sides like mashed potatoes, coleslaw, or cornbread.

Embrace the Simplicity:

There’s no shame in taking a shortcut, especially when it leads to delicious results. Store-bought fried chicken seasoning is a game-changer for busy cooks and anyone craving a quick and satisfying meal. So, grab your favorite seasoning, fire up the fryer, and enjoy the crispy goodness!

Now, let’s get to the fun!

Preparing the Chicken Breasts

Let your chicken sit out for 20-30 minutes to bring it closer to room temperature so it cooks evenly

To make fried chicken using store-bought seasoning, begin by selecting your preferred cut of chicken, such as breasts, drumsticks, or thighs. Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. In a bowl, pour enough flour to cover the chicken fully. Now, beat one egg in a separate bowl with a splash of water. Finally, put your store-bought seasoning into a third bowl.

Now, dip each piece of chicken into the flour, then the bowl with the egg wash, then coat it thoroughly with the seasoning mixture in the third bowl, pressing gently to ensure it adheres well.

Cooking the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat about an inch of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until hot, then carefully add the chicken pieces setting them in away from you to prevent splashing, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the chicken for about 10-14 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil and enjoy your crispy, flavorful fried chicken!

Servings: 2

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil, enough to fill frying pan with 1 inch of oil
• 1 Cup of flour
• Egg wash (1 full egg beaten with some water)
• Fried Chicken seasoning (of your choice)

Instructions

1. Fill a bowl with enough flour to cover chicken pieces on all sides
2. Fill a separate bowl with egg wash
3. Fill a third bowl with store-bought seasoning
4. Dip the chicken in the flour first
5. Then dip the chicken in the egg wash
6. Finally, put the chicken into the bowl with the seasoning and pat seasoning into the chicken to adhere
7. Now, heat a frying pan with 1 inch of vegetable oil, heated to 350 degrees, being sure that the oil remains around that temperature throughout the total cook time (I use a candy thermometer for this)
8. Put your chicken into the hot oil being careful not to splash the oil onto yourself, and cook using the following methods:
   • For tenders, cook 3 minutes per side
   • For chicken breasts, cook about 10-14 minutes per side or until 165 degrees is reached
9. Transfer your chicken to a wire rack to drain excess oil for a few minutes
10. Enjoy!