James’ Southern Fried Chicken

Combine the milk, beaten egg, and salt and pepper in a large bowl and soak the chicken in it for about 20 minutes.

Using a cast iron skillet, pour a generous amount of oil or fat into the skillet to make sure your chicken will be deep fried. The fat/oil should cover the chicken at least half way. Heat until it reaches a medium-high temperature.

Put the flour into a large paper bag and add salt and pepper. Take each piece of chicken out of the milk and egg mixture, shake off the excess, and drop them into the paper bag. You can add several pieces at a time to the bag and shake, shake, shake until the chicken is completely covered in flour.

Add each piece of floured chicken to the hot oil and cook until golden brown, about 25 minutes total cooking time. Turn chicken pieces occasionally to brown/cook evenly.

Personal Notes: James Howard worked with our family for years and taught me his method for making the best Southern Fried Chicken ever! I think his secret was the paper bag and the long chicken soak. Make sure you serve Cream Gravy and Mashed Potatoes with the fried chicken to have the true Southern experience!