Parmesan Herb-Crusted Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

For the Chicken:

• 8 pieces of chicken (thighs, drumsticks, breasts, etc.)
• 2 cups buttermilk
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Coating:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 eggs, beaten

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   • Rinse the chicken pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
   • Place the chicken in a large bowl and pour the buttermilk over it, ensuring all pieces are submerged. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to marinate.
2. Prepare the Coating:
   • In a shallow dish or bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, chopped thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute the ingredients.
3. Set up the Breading Station:
   • In a separate shallow dish, place the beaten eggs.
4. Coat the Chicken:
   • Remove the chicken from the buttermilk marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
   • Dredge each piece of chicken in the Parmesan herb-crumb mixture, pressing gently to coat the chicken evenly. Ensure the coating adheres to the chicken.
5. Rest the Chicken:
   • Let the coated chicken pieces sit for about 15-20 minutes at room temperature to allow the coating to set.
6. Heat the Oil:
   • In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the chicken pieces to 350°F (175°C) over medium-high heat.
7. Fry the Chicken:
   • Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time, without overcrowding the pan. Fry the chicken for about 12-15 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C). Fry the chicken in batches if necessary.
8. Drain and Serve:
   • Once cooked, transfer the Parmesan herb-crusted fried chicken to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
9. Serve Warm:
   • Parmesan herb-crusted fried chicken is best served hot, offering a flavorful blend of cheese and herbs. Serve it with your preferred sides such as roasted vegetables, pasta, or a green salad.

This Parmesan herb-crusted fried chicken recipe provides a deliciously savory and aromatic twist to traditional fried chicken. Adjust the seasoning and herb quantities according to your preferences for a delightful dish.