Hillbilly Fried Chicken

For extra flavor, season the flour mixture with additional spices like paprika, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper.

Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding the chicken to prevent it from becoming greasy.

Let the fried chicken drain on a rack instead of paper towels for extra crispiness.

For a spicy kick, you can add hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the beer marinade.

Try different types of beer to find your favorite flavor combination.

Consider marinating the chicken in beer overnight for maximum flavor infusion.

What kind of beer should I use for this recipe?

You can use any type of beer for this recipe, but a light lager or pilsner works well to provide flavor without overwhelming the dish.

Can I use boneless, skinless chicken for this recipe?

You can use boneless, skinless chicken pieces if you prefer, but keep in mind that the skin adds flavor and crunch to the dish and boneless chicken will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time as needed.

What is the purpose of soaking the chicken in beer?

Soaking the chicken in beer helps to tenderize the meat and adds a subtle flavor to the dish.

Can I use a different oil for frying instead of lard?

You can use vegetable oil or peanut oil as a substitute for lard if desired.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

While fried chicken is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken up to the frying stage and refrigerate it (leave it uncovered) until ready to cook. This will help save time when you're ready to serve.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?

The chicken is cooked through when the juices run clear and the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

How can I store and reheat the leftovers?

Store the leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven (375 degrees F) or air fryer until heated through.

Shallow Bowl: For soaking the chicken in beer before coating with flour and cornmeal for frying. Make sure the bowl is shallow enough to easily turn and coat the chicken pieces.

Paper or Zip-Top Plastic Bag: For combining the ingredients for the seasoned coating for the chicken. The bag makes it easy to shake and coat the chicken evenly without creating a mess.

Cast Iron Skillet: For frying the chicken. Make sure the skillet is deep enough to hold the hot lard and the chicken pieces while allowing them to cook evenly.

Brown Paper or Paper Towels: For draining the excess oil from the fried chicken and preventing it from becoming soggy. Alternatively, a cooling rack can be used to keep the chicken crispy by allowing air to circulate around it.

Knife or Poultry Shears: For cutting the whole chicken into serving pieces.

Cooking Thermometer: Helpful for monitoring the temperature of the lard to make sure it reaches and maintains 350 degrees F.

Tongs: For removing the chicken pieces from the beer marinade and transferring them to the seasoned flour mixture for coating. Tongs also make it easy to place the coated chicken into the hot lard for frying.

Cornbread Muffins: the sweet cornbread muffins will provide a nice contrast to the savory and salty flavors of the fried chicken.

Pickles: the acidity and crunch of pickles will cut through the richness of the fried chicken.

Creamy Coleslaw: the creaminess of coleslaw will add a cool and refreshing element to your meal.

Mashed Potatoes: because nothing says "comfort food" like fried chicken and mashed potatoes - it's a match made in Southern heaven. Don't forget the gravy.

Hot Sauce: drizzle some spicy hot sauce over your fried chicken for an extra kick of flavor.

Honey: a sweet drizzle of honey over your fried chicken will create a beautiful sweet and savory flavor combination.

Wine Pairings
Sauvignon Blanc: This light and refreshing white wine with its citrus and herbal notes can cut through the richness of the fried chicken, offering a crisp contrast to the savory flavors.

Zinfandel: A bold Zinfandel, with its hints of blackberry and spice, can stand up to the hearty flavors of the fried chicken.

Riesling: If you prefer a touch of sweetness, a Riesling with its acidity and subtle sweetness can balance the salty and savory fried chicken. Look for one with apple and peach notes.

Other Alcohol Pairings
IPA: Embrace the hoppy bitterness of an IPA to contrast the fatty goodness of the fried chicken. The citrusy and piney notes can stand up to the flavorful dish.

Bourbon: A classic choice to accompany fried chicken, the caramel and vanilla notes in bourbon can enhance the savory flavors of the dish. Sip on the rocks or in a classic cocktail like a Bourbon Sour.

Hard Cider: With its crisp apple flavors and refreshing bubbles, a hard cider can provide a nice contrast to the greasy fried chicken.

Non-Alcoholic Pairings
Sweet Tea: Serve up some southern-style comfort with a tall glass of sweet tea to wash down your fried chicken. The sweetness of the tea can balance the salty fried chicken, offering a classic pairing for a reason.

Cold Milk: Keep it traditional with a glass of milk to sip alongside your fried chicken. The creamy milk can cut through the richness of the dish.

Lemonade: For a refreshing and citrusy option, grab a glass of lemonade to complement the saltiness of the fried chicken. It doesn't get much more classic than this.