Melba’s fried chicken recipe is a delicious and crowd-pleasing dish that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. The crispy, juicy chicken is cooked in a flavorful coating of herbs and spices that makes it irresistible.
This classic southern comfort food is a favorite for many, and it’s easy enough to make for any occasion. If you’re looking for a delicious fried chicken recipe that will have everyone coming back for more, this one is sure to please.
What is Melba’s Fried Chicken Recipe?
Melba’s Restaurant, a beloved Harlem institution, specializes in Southern cuisine, offering a menu replete with comfort food classics such as fried chicken, catfish, and waffles.
Their fried chicken is made with a mixture of chicken, herbs, and spices that are coated in a crispy batter and fried until golden brown.
The chicken is then served hot and juicy, with a flavorful coating of herbs and spices that makes it irresistible. This dish is a favorite among those who love comfort food classics and is sure to be a hit at any gathering.
What Does it Taste Like?
Melba’s fried chicken recipe is a savory and flavorful dish that is sure to satisfy any palate. The chicken is cooked in a flavorful coating of herbs and spices, which gives it a delicious and complex flavor.
The coating is also crispy and crunchy, making it an irresistible treat. The chicken is juicy and tender, and the herbs and spices give it a unique and comforting taste.
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Ingredients
4 tsp Himalayan pink salt: Pink salt is used for seasoning and enhancing the flavor of the chicken. Its distinct taste adds depth to the dish.
1 tsp roasted garlic powder: Roasted garlic powder brings a rich, savory flavor to the chicken. It complements the other seasonings and adds a subtle, aromatic note.
Expeller-pressed peanut or sunflower oil for frying: This oil has a high smoke point, making it suitable for frying at high temperatures without burning or imparting a strong taste to the chicken. It helps achieve a crispy and golden exterior.
2 tsp freshly ground black pepper: Black pepper provides a mild heat and pungent flavor, balancing the other spices and adding a layer of complexity to the dish.
4 cups organic all-purpose flour: Flour acts as the coating for the chicken, creating a crispy texture when fried. It helps lock in moisture, keeping the chicken juicy on the inside.
6 tsp stone-ground brown mustard: Brown mustard adds tanginess and depth to the flavor profile of the chicken. It also helps in creating a flavorful crust when combined with the flour.
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2 free-range 3-pound chickens: The main protein source for the dish. Free-range chickens tend to have a richer flavor and firmer texture compared to conventionally raised ones.
4 cups cultured buttermilk: Buttermilk serves as a tenderizing agent, ensuring the chicken remains moist and tender after frying. It also imparts a subtle tangy flavor.
2 tsp smoked sweet Spanish paprika: Spanish paprika adds a smoky and slightly sweet flavor, enhancing the overall taste profile of the chicken.
4 tsp Goya Sazonador seasoning blend: Goya Sazonador is a seasoning blend that typically contains a mix of spices like garlic, cumin, coriander, and other savory elements, amplifying the overall flavor of the dish.
2 tsp artisanal poultry seasoning: Poultry seasoning is a blend of herbs like sage, thyme, and marjoram, designed specifically to complement poultry dishes. It adds depth and a distinct savory flavor to the chicken.
Directions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a spacious bowl, place the chicken pieces and pour in the cultured buttermilk, ensuring all chicken surfaces are thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 4 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Prepare the Seasoned Flour Mixture
Take another large bowl and combine the organic all-purpose flour, stone-ground brown mustard, Himalayan pink salt, roasted garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper, smoked sweet Spanish paprika, Goya Sazonador seasoning blend, and artisanal poultry seasoning. Mix all the dry ingredients thoroughly to ensure an even distribution of flavors.
Step 3: Coat the Chicken
Preheat a deep skillet or Dutch oven with expeller-pressed peanut or sunflower oil to 350°F (175°C). Retrieve the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Coat each piece evenly with the seasoned flour mixture, pressing it onto the chicken to ensure it adheres well.
Step 4: Fry the Chicken
Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the preheated oil, ensuring they are not overcrowded in the pan. The chicken should be fully submerged in the oil. Fry the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until they achieve a golden-brown color and are cooked through. This usually takes around 15-20 minutes, but check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
Step 5: Drain and Serve
Once the chicken reaches the desired golden-brown crispiness and is fully cooked, remove it from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain off excess oil. Allow the chicken to cool slightly before serving. For an ideal experience, serve the fried chicken while it’s still hot, alongside your favorite sides.
Tips
• Make sure the oil is hot enough before frying the chicken. If the oil is not hot enough, the chicken will not be crispy.
• Use high-quality chicken for the best results.
• If you want a crispier fried chicken, add a little more flour to the coating.
• Make sure to turn the chicken over once during the cooking process for even cooking.
• If the chicken is not cooked through, continue to cook for a few more minutes until it is done.
• Use a thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 piece of chicken
Calories: 204
Total fat: 10.8 grams
Saturated fat: 2.2 grams
Cholesterol: 102 milligrams
Sodium: 349 milligrams
Total carbohydrates: 8.9 grams
Protein: 20.3 grams
What to Serve with Melba’s Fried Chicken Recipe?
• Biscuits
• Mashed potatoes
• Coleslaw
• Macaroni and cheese
• Green beans
• Cornbread
• Corn on the cob
• Baked beans
• Salad
How to Store Leftover Melba’s Fried Chicken Recipe?
Leftover Melba’s fried chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. To reheat, place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake in a preheated 350 degree oven for 8-10 minutes until heated through.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Melba’s Fried Chicken Recipe?
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Almond flour
• Whole wheat flour
• Coconut flour
• Cornmeal
• Oat flour
• Quinoa flour
• Potato starch
Equipment
- Pan and bowl
Ingredients
- 4 tsp Himalayan pink salt
- 1 tsp roasted garlic powder
- Expeller-pressed peanut or sunflower oil for frying
- 2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups organic all-purpose flour
- 6 tsp stone-ground brown mustard
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- 2 free-range 3-pound chickens
- 4 cups cultured buttermilk
- 2 tsp smoked sweet Spanish paprika
- 4 tsp Goya Sazonador seasoning blend
- 2 tsp artisanal poultry seasoning
Instructions
- STEP 1 – Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces and cultured buttermilk. Ensure the chicken is fully coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight for best results.
- STEP 2 – Prepare the Seasoned Flour Mixture: In another large bowl, mix the organic all-purpose flour, stone-ground brown mustard, Himalayan pink salt, roasted garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper, smoked sweet Spanish paprika, Goya Sazonador seasoning blend, and artisanal poultry seasoning. Stir well to combine all the dry ingredients thoroughly.
- STEP 3 – Coat the Chicken: Preheat the expeller-pressed peanut or sunflower oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F (175°C). Remove the marinated chicken from the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off. Coat each piece of chicken thoroughly with the seasoned flour mixture. Ensure an even coating by pressing the flour mixture onto the chicken pieces.
- STEP 4 – Fry the Chicken: Carefully place the coated chicken pieces into the hot oil, a few at a time, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. The chicken should be fully submerged in the oil.
- Fry the chicken in batches, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. This should take approximately 15-20 minutes depending on the size of the chicken pieces. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) for safety.
- STEP 5 – Drain and Serve: Once cooked, remove the fried chicken from the oil and place it on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Allow the chicken to cool slightly before serving. Serve hot with your favorite sides and enjoy Melba’s Fried Chicken!
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the main ingredients in Melba’s fried chicken recipe?
A1. The main ingredients in Melba’s fried chicken recipe are chicken, all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper, eggs, and buttermilk.
Q2. How long should I fry the chicken for?
A2. The chicken should be fried for about 5 minutes, flipping once, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
Q3. How can I tell if the chicken is cooked through?
A3. The best way to tell if the chicken is cooked through is to use a thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Q4. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour for something else?
A4. Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour for a variety of other flours such as Panko breadcrumbs, almond flour, whole wheat flour, coconut flour, cornmeal, oat flour, quinoa flour, and potato starch.
Q5. Can I freeze the leftover fried chicken?
A5. Yes, you can freeze the leftover fried chicken. Place the chicken in an airtight container and store in the freezer for up to three months.
Q6. What can I serve with Melba’s fried chicken recipe?
A6. Some delicious sides to serve with Melba’s fried chicken recipe are biscuits, mashed potatoes, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, green beans, cornbread, corn on the cob, baked beans, and salad.
Q7. How long will the leftover fried chicken last in the refrigerator?
A7. Leftover fried chicken will last in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Conclusion
Melba’s fried chicken recipe is a classic southern dish that is sure to be a hit at any gathering. The flavorful coating of herbs and spices gives it a delicious and complex flavor, and the crunchy coating is irresistible. This dish is easy to make and sure to please all your guests. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy!