Ingredients:
- 2 1/2 pounds chicken parts, rinsed and patted dry
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 3/4 cup flour
- 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon celery salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
- 4 cups vegetable oil, for frying
For the Pepper Sauce: (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 red pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 green pepper, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne
- 1 1/4 cups no-salt or low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Directions:
Place chicken in large glass bowl or dish; pour buttermilk over it. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.
In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, cornmeal, salt, celery salt, pepper, paprika, and cayenne. Dredge chicken pieces in flour, two at a time, turning to coat all sides thoroughly. Set chicken on a rack and let sit for 30 minutes.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, warm butter. Stir in onion, red pepper, and green pepper. Stew peppers until soft, about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in flour and cayenne. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring often. Gradually stir in chicken broth. Bring sauce to simmer; reduce heat to low and let cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add salt; remove from heat and set aside until needed.
In a large cast-iron skillet, add oil to fill 3/4-inch deep. Over medium-high heat, warm oil to 350 degrees F using kitchen thermometer to test oil temperature.
Carefully place chicken, skin-side-down, in oil. Reduce heat to medium and cook chicken for 15 minutes until nicely browned. Turn chicken and cook for an additional 10 minutes, until internal temperature registers 180 degrees F on a thermometer. Remove chicken and drain on paper towels. Cook the remaining chicken in the same manner until done. Before serving, reheat the sauce and pass it separately.
