By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on October 2, 2023 | Last Updated on October 2, 2023
Fried chicken is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed by families for generations. And when it comes to fried chicken, no one does it better than Brenda Gantt. Her famous fried chicken has been passed down through her family and continues to be a favorite among many.
This delectable dish combines the tanginess of buttermilk with the crispiness of flour to create a mouthwatering coating that makes every bite of chicken juicy and flavorful.
With just a few simple ingredients and some careful preparation, you can recreate this beloved recipe in your own home. Get ready to delight your family and friends with the irresistible taste of Brenda Gantt’s fried chicken.
What is Brenda Gantt Fried Chicken?
Brenda Gantt fried chicken is a well-known dish that has been perfected by Brenda Gantt over the years. This dish combines marinated chicken with a crispy flour coating, resulting in tender and flavorful fried chicken.
The secret to its delicious taste lies in the use of tangy buttermilk, which helps to tenderize the chicken and adds a unique flavor to the dish. It’s a simple yet satisfying recipe that has been enjoyed by many for generations.
Why You’ll Love This Brenda Gantt Fried Chicken?
- One of the reasons why you’ll love this fried chicken is its simplicity. With just a few basic ingredients, you can create a mouthwatering dish that will impress your guests and satisfy your taste buds.
- Another reason to love this recipe is the versatility it offers. You can easily adjust the level of seasoning or add your favorite herbs and spices to make it your own.
- Plus, it’s a perfect dish for any occasion and can be served with various sides depending on your preference. So whether you’re hosting a family dinner or a backyard BBQ, this fried chicken will be the star of the show.
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The Ingredients
- Buttermilk: This tangy, creamy dairy product is the secret to tender and juicy fried chicken. It helps to tenderize the chicken and adds a delicious flavor to the meat.
- Whole Chicken: Use two whole chickens or cut them into smaller pieces for this recipe. Make sure to remove excess fat and skin before frying.
- Cold Water: Adding cold water to the buttermilk helps thin it out and makes it easier for the chicken to absorb.
- Salt: Seasoning is essential for any dish, and salt brings out the flavor in this fried chicken recipe. Adjust the amount of salt according to your preference.
- Cooking Oil: Use a neutral-tasting oil like vegetable or canola oil for frying. You’ll need enough to fill a large skillet or Dutch oven with about 2-3 inches of oil.
- Flour: Flour is used to create a crispy coating on the chicken. All-purpose flour works well, but you can also use seasoned flour for added flavor.
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1
Marinate the Chicken
- In a shallow dish, mix together the buttermilk and cold water.
- Add the chicken pieces to the mixture, making sure they are fully submerged.
- Cover and refrigerate for 2-4 hours or overnight.
Step 2
Prepare the Coating
- In a separate shallow dish, mix together the flour and salt.
- Remove each piece of chicken from the buttermilk mixture and coat it in the flour mixture.
Step 3
Fry the Chicken
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat enough oil to cover the bottom by about 2 inches over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot (around 375 degrees F), carefully add the chicken pieces in batches without overcrowding the pan.
- Fry for about 6 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Remove from the oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 4
Serve and Enjoy
- Let the chicken cool for a few minutes before serving.
- Garnish with your favorite herbs or serve with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For a spicier flavor, you can add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the buttermilk mixture.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the flour coating to create your own unique twist on this.
- For a healthier option, you can also bake the chicken instead of frying it. Simply place the coated chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Nutrition Information
How to store Brenda Gantt Fried Chicken?
To store Brenda Gantt fried chicken, always make sure to cool it completely before storing it in an airtight container. You can keep the leftover fried chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Before reheating, make sure to bring it to room temperature.
If you want to freeze the chicken, place them on a baking sheet and freeze until firm. Then transfer them to a freezer-safe container and store them for up to 3 months.
To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in the oven at 350 degrees F for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
Variations
- For a Southern-style twist, add some spices like paprika and garlic powder to the flour mixture.
- To add some heat, try adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the buttermilk marinade.
- For those who are gluten-free, you can use cornmeal instead of all-purpose flour for the coating.
Brenda Gantt Fried Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- bowl
- large skillet
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 whole chicken
- Cold water
- Salt to taste
- Cooking oil
- 1/2 cup all-purpose Flour
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken- In a shallow dish, combine the tangy and creamy buttermilk with cold water to create a marinade worthy of our succulent chicken pieces. Immerse the chicken in the mixture, ensuring each piece is fully submerged and coated for maximum flavor infusion. Seal the dish and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours. For optimal results, marinate overnight to really enhance the taste and tenderness of the chicken.
- Prepare the Coating – In a separate shallow dish, blend together our carefully selected flour and salt. This will create the perfect base for our crispy coating that will elevate your fried chicken experience.
- Fry the Chicken- Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven with enough oil to cover the bottom by approximately 2 inches over medium-high heat. Once the oil reaches a scintillating temperature of around 375 degrees F, carefully add your chicken pieces in batches to prevent overcrowding. Fry each side for approximately 6 minutes or until golden brown and cooked to perfection.
- Serve and Enjoy- Let the fried chicken cool for a few moments before serving. For an extra touch, garnish with your favorite herbs and spices or pair with your preferred sides.
Notes
- For a spicier flavor, you can add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the buttermilk mixture.
- Experiment with different herbs and spices in the flour coating to create your own unique twist on this.
- For a healthier option, you can also bake the chicken instead of frying it. Simply place the coated chicken pieces on a greased baking sheet and bake at 375 degrees F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
FAQs
Can I use boneless chicken for this?
Yes, you can use boneless chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I use a different type of milk instead of buttermilk?
While buttermilk is the traditional choice for this, you can use regular milk mixed with lemon juice or white vinegar as a substitute. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes before using.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before frying. You can also fry the chicken and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before reheating and serving.
What can I serve with Brenda Gantt Fried Chicken?
You can serve this fried chicken with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or cornbread. Get creative and find your perfect pairing!
Wrapping Up
Brenda Gantt’s fried chicken is a simple yet delicious recipe that has been passed down through generations. With its tangy buttermilk marinade and crispy flour coating, it’s no wonder this dish continues to be a favorite among many.
So next time you’re in the mood for some comfort food, give this recipe a try and experience firsthand why it has stood the test of time.
Thank you for reading this article on Brenda Gantt’s famous fried chicken. We hope that through this guide, you have learned how to make this mouthwatering dish and have also discovered some helpful tips and variations.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
