Extra Crispy Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken {or the parts you desire} cut up
• Vegetable shortening, about 8 TO 10 cups (or the amount required by your fryer)

Brine

• 5 cups water
• 1/4 cup salt
• 2 tsp. MSG (Accent Flavor Enhancer)

Coating

• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 2-1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 3/4 tsp. MSG
• 1/2 tsp. poultry seasoning

Directions

1. Trim any excess skin and fat from the chicken pieces. Preheat the shortening in a deep fryer to 350 degrees F.

2.combine the water, salt and 2 tsp. MSG for the brine in a large bowl. Add the chicken to the bowl and marinate for 2 hours. Turn the chicken a couple of times as it marinates.

3.combine the beaten egg and milk in a medium bowl. In another medium bowl, combine the remaining coating ingredients (flour, salt, pepper, paprika, 3/4 tsp. MSG, and poultry seasoning)

4. When the chicken has marinated in the brine, transfer each piece to paper towels so that the excess liquid can drain off. Working with one piece at a time, first coat the chicken with the dry flour mixture, then the egg and milk mixture, then back into the flour. Toss the chicken around in the breading to build up a heavy coating on each piece. Stack the chicken on a plate or cookie sheet until each piece has been coated.

5. Drop the chicken, one piece at a time, into the hot shortening. Fry half of the chicken at a time (4 pieces) for 7 to 10 minutes, or until it's golden brown. You should be sure to stir the chicken around halfway through the cooking time so that each piece cooks evenly.

6. Remove the chicken to a rack to drain for about 5 minutes before eating.

Serves 3 to 4 (makes 8 pieces of chicken)

TIDBITS: MSG is monosodium glutamate, the solid form of a natural amino acid found in many vegetables. It can be found in stores in the spice sections and as the brand name Accent Flavor Enhancer. MSG is an important component of several KFC items.

Editor's Note: Some people are allergic to MSG and the recipe should work fine without it.

By Connie from Mountain Home, AR

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