The Year of Kentucky Food was 2018 but we’re not letting the march of time stop us from continuing to celebrate some deliciousness! While each region has their signature dishes that help distinguish them, one thing they all have in common is a passion for fried chicken. Here, the folks from Kentucky Tourism were kind enough to share one of their famous recipes with RealFoodTraveler.com readers:

Prepare to lick your fingers. Lebanon, KY has 40-plus eateries, several of which serve up crispy Southern-style fried chicken. Photo: Lebanon Tourist & Convention Commission.

Here’s some Kentucky Fried Chicken Heaven to make at home!

Southern Fried Chicken

Ingredients:

1 (1 to 2 1/2-pound) chicken, cut into pieces

1 cup salt

1 teaspoon pepper

1/3 cup water

1/4 cup black pepper

1/4 cup garlic powder

2 cups self-rising flour

3 eggs

About 1 cup hot red pepper sauce (recommended: Texas Pete)

Oil, for frying, preferably peanut oil

Directions:

In a medium size bowl, beat the eggs with the water. Add enough hot sauce so the egg mixture is bright orange. In another bowl, combine the flour and pepper. Season the chicken with the house seasoning. Dip the seasoned chicken in the egg, and then coat well in the flour mixture.

Heat the oil to 350 degrees F in a deep pot. Do not fill the pot more than half full with oil.

See the full recipe and picture at www.kentuckytourism.com/southern-fried-chicken.

Chicken and waffles is on the menu at Local Feed, where scratch cooking pairs with an ever-growing bourbon list and craft cocktail menu. Photo: Georgetown Tourism.

The nearly century-old Beaumont Inn is a James Beard Foundation America’s Classic award recipient once given as shout-out by pioneering food critic Duncan Hines for its 2-year-old country ham, cornbread, beaten biscuits, pound cake, yellow-leg fried chicken and corn pudding. Photo: Beaumont Inn. Read more about the Beaumont Inn from a recent article on RealFoodTraveler.com, here.

From an outstanding preparatory school from 1825 until 1939 to an outstanding restaurant in the finest Kentucky tradition, Shelbyville’s Science Hill Inn serves entrées, including fried chicken, reminiscent of Mom’s home cooking. Photo: Visit ShelbyKY.

— Story by Kathy Witt

Hungry for more? Find out what some of the other iconic dishes of Kentucky are plus all of the fun things to do there, besides eat! And drink bourbon! Celebrate the Kentucky Derby with a “virtual” Party with this DIY guide featuring traditional recipes.

 Please note: This is a sponsored post in conjunction with the four regions in Kentucky. 

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