Ingredients:
For the Fried Chicken:
- 🍗 6 bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks or thighs)
- 🧂 1 tsp salt
- 🫙 ½ tsp black pepper
- 🌶️ 1 tsp paprika
- 🧄 1 tsp garlic powder
- 🧅 1 tsp onion powder
- 🥛 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk + 1 tbsp vinegar)
- 🥚 1 egg
- 🌾 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 🌽 ½ cup cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- 🧂 Additional salt & pepper (for flour mix)
- 🛢️ Vegetable oil for frying
For the Creamy Mashed Potatoes:
- 🥔 2 lbs potatoes (Yukon Gold or Russet)
- 🧂 Salt for boiling
- 🧈 4 tbsp butter
- 🥛 ½ cup milk or heavy cream
- 🧄 1–2 cloves garlic (optional, for garlic mash)
- 🧀 Optional: ¼ cup sour cream or cream cheese for extra creaminess
- 🌿 Chopped chives or parsley for garnish
Instructions:
1. Prep the Chicken:
- Rinse and pat dry the chicken pieces.
- Season them with salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- In a bowl, mix buttermilk and egg. Soak the chicken in this mixture for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for best results.
2. Prepare the Coating:
- In a separate bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and a little paprika (optional).
- Remove chicken from the buttermilk mixture and dredge thoroughly in the flour mix. Press the coating onto the chicken.
3. Fry the Chicken:
- Heat oil in a deep pan or skillet to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry chicken in batches (don’t overcrowd) for 12–15 minutes, turning halfway, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
4. Make the Mashed Potatoes:
- Peel and cube potatoes. Boil in salted water until fork-tender (about 15 minutes).
- Drain, then mash with butter and milk (or cream). Add sour cream or cream cheese for richness.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix until smooth and fluffy.
5. Serve:
- Plate the mashed potatoes, top with a pat of butter and herbs.
- Add the crispy fried chicken on the side.
- Optionally serve with gravy or hot sauce.