Best Fried Chicken in Georgia

[frenchtowner]

Where do you go to get incredibly good fried chicken in Georgia? You don't have to have tried every fried chicken place in the state, but who's do you like best? [besides Aunt Essie's]

[downhome]

Some of the best fried chicken I've ever had was at a place in the North Georgia mountains called The Dillard House. The whole place is a real trip. It's like going to Grandma's house. They serve you family style out of big bowls, and you get whatever it is they are serving that day. I think the fried chicken is always on the menu though.

[max]

I've been to the Dillard House and they do a good job, but they cannot touch Mrs. Wilkes Boarding House in Savannah.

[LanasCountry]

Hi folks, Since we are talking about my area, I decided to join in!

My family and friends eat at the Dillard House regularly and their
food is wonderful..However, MY CHICKEN is much better.

And the recipe is

My Best NE Ga. Southern Fried Chicken (try it)

Ingredients
1 teaspoon salt
2 eggs
1 1/2 cups buttermilk
1 (2 1/2-3 pound) broiler-fryer, cut up (prefer VERY fresh)
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3 cups vegetable oil
1/4 cup bacon drippings (optional, but very good!)

Preparation
Wash chicken very well and pat dry. Use approximately the (first) 1 tsp. salt on the chicken
prior to breading it.
Note:
I find that chicken fresh from the store (or farm) is much better than chicken that has
been frozen.
Mix buttermilk and eggs and lightly beat the two together.
Put each piece of chicken individually into the egg mixture.

Combine remaining salt/pepper and flour in a large freezer bag. Place 2 pieces of chicken in bag; seal. Shake to evenly coat. Remove chicken, and repeat procedure with remaining chicken, 2 pieces at a time.

Combine vegetable oil and bacon drippings in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet or chicken fryer; heat to 360°. Add chicken, a few pieces at a time, skin side down. Cover and cook 6 minutes; uncover and cook 9 minutes.

Turn chicken pieces; cover and cook 6 minutes. Uncover and cook 5 to 9 minutes, turning pieces during the last 3 minutes for even browning, if necessary. Drain on paper towels.
Serve as soon as possible, but is also delicious cold.

Note: For best results, keep the oil temperature between 325° to 350° as you fry the chicken.
Makes 4 servings
Additional notes that I always make:
You should have some crispy pieces in the bottom of the pan after you pour up your grease.
Would any of you like to know how I make my chicken gravy, or even Ga. white gravy?
I love to discuss cooking and especially country and farm type cooking. If anyone else
likes to, please post and if there is a Southern recipe you need..it is probably 'in my
head'.
You should try my STRAWBERRY COBBLER with fresh whipped cream.

This is the recipe that my Grandmother and Aunts used when I was growing up.

The chicken has a fairly 'thick' crust.

Lana P.- N.E. Ga. Mountains

[frenchtowner]

Lana,

Welcome to Frenchtowner. That recipe sounds incredible. Do the bacon drippings really add to the flavor, and who told you that would work?

FT

[LanasCountry]

Hey there FT.. I LOVE what you are doing here!

The small amount of bacon drippings DO enhance the flavor.

A FYI and opinion, if cholesterol and heart problems are a
concern, I would leave the bacon drippings out. (they are optional).

As to the 'who told me' I have cooked for over 50 years. I have
always lived in rural areas and farm communities, and probably
picked it up from relatives, church social..I am NOT even sure!
I do NOT always use it, and it is just as delicious. The buttermilk
is extremely important.
I use buttermilk in quite a few recipes, as it IS a very healthy food.
I do not like the texture to drink it, however.

Thank you for a very nice and informative board.

I will give more information in the future on my area, and perhaps,
Fl., Tenn., Al., N & S Carolina.

[LanasCountry]

In the city of Atlanta 2 very highly rated chicken restaurants are:

(believe it or not)

Popeyes Chicken and Biscuits 515 Lee St SW -4.75 stars

Grammy's Buffet in Sandy Springs, right off Roswell Rd. (my pick)

[downhome]

Popeyest makes great chicken. Its hot, spicy and there red beans and rice is some of the best I ever had.

[frenchtowner]

Lana and Homey,


There's a Popeyes Chicken here in New Jersey that makes the best fried chicken I have ever had in my life. You can't find a bigger fan of Popeyes than me. We have been to other locations however that just don't measure up to this one. We love the managers and the employees there too. We love gourmet food and high end fancy places, but this place delivers more consistently than almost any place we know of.

I say all of that to note that it is entirely possible that a Popeyes makes some of th best fried chicken in Atlanta too.

FT

[LanasCountry]

I have not had any Popeye's Chicken (in a few YEARS)!!
Does anyone know if they make a not-so-spicy version for us
sensitive tummies??