Fried chicken is a staple of family dinners, but the biggest problem is the smell inside your house and the mess it makes. What if I told you there was a way to deep fry fried chicken outside in the open air without a commercial deep fryer?

In recent years, Blackstone flattop grills have become more popular than ever and there is a way to cook fried chicken that you have to try. It’s Labor Day so many people are having get-togethers and in south Louisiana that revolves around food. This video of two guys making fried chicken has gone viral.

It's a simple way (with easy cleanup) to make a Southern classic. See the recipe below.

Ingredients:

For the chicken:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken pieces of your choice
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • Vegetable oil, for cooking

For the coating:

  • 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the Chicken:
    • In a bowl, combine the buttermilk, salt, black pepper, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
    • Place the chicken pieces in the buttermilk mixture, making sure they are fully submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
  2. Prepare the Coating:
    • In a separate bowl, mix together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder to create the coating mixture. Set aside.
  3. Bread the Chicken:
    • Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
    • Dredge each chicken piece in the coating mixture, pressing the flour mixture onto the chicken to adhere well. Shake off any excess flour.
  4. Preheat the Flat Top Grill:
    • Preheat your flat-top grill to medium-high heat. You can test the heat by sprinkling a few drops of water onto the surface – they should sizzle and evaporate quickly.
    • Place an aluminum pan directly on the grill top and add enough vegetable oil to ensure the chicken will be partially submerged.
    • Bring it to a temperature of 350°.
  5. Cook the Chicken:
    • Carefully place the breaded chicken into the hot oil. Be cautious not to overcrowd the grill; cook in batches if necessary.
    • Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown and crispy.
  6. Drain and Serve:
    • Once the chicken is cooked, carefully remove it from the grill and place it on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
  7. Serve:
    • Serve the fried chicken hot with your favorite side dishes like coleslaw, potato salad, cornbread, or french fries.

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