Honey-Peppered Buttermilk-Fried Chicken by: Hannah

Ingredients


1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons Essence, recipe follows

ESSENCE Creole Seasoning (also referred to as Bayou Blast):
· 1 1/2 tablespoons paprika
· 1 1/2 tablespoons salt
· 2 tablespoons garlic powder
· 1 tablespoon black pepper
· 1 tablespoon onion powder
· 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (if you don't like spice as much only put 1/2 TBS)
· 1 tablespoon dried oregano
· 1 tablespoon dried thyme

1/3 cup honey
1 lemon, zested
2 cups buttermilk
8 chicken breast (or a mix of thighs and breasts)
1 cups all-purpose flour (if make more then 8 pieces of chicken you may need 2 cups instead of 1 cup)
1 tablespoon black pepper
Peanut oil, for frying


Directions


Combine 1/4 cup of the Essence, the honey and the lemon zest in a large plastic container or non-reactive stockpot. Whisk in the buttermilk and stir until salt is dissolved and honey is fully incorporated. Immerse chicken and refrigerate for at least 3 hours and up to 24 hours.


Combine flour, remaining 2 tablespoons Essence and black pepper in a large plastic or doubled brown paper bag; shake to combine. Drop 1/2 of the chicken pieces into flour mixture and shake excess flour from each piece. Repeat coating with remaining chicken pieces. Place coated chicken pieces on a large wire rack, set over a sheet tray and let rest, at room temperature for 10 minutes.


Heat 4 inches of oil in a large cast iron skillet or Dutch oven. Adjust oven rack to middle position and set a second wire rack over a second baking sheet. Place baking sheet in oven and preheat oven to 200 degrees F. Line 2 large plates with a double layer of paper towels.
Fry the chicken in batches, until golden brown, about 8 minutes. Turn pieces over and continue to fry until chicken pieces are golden brown on second side, about 8 to 10 minutes longer.



Remove and drain on paper towels. Using tongs, transfer to oven while you cook the remaining pieces till cooked all the way through.

prep time: 10-15 min
cooking time: 30-45 min
cooking level: medium

Personal Comments:
My hubby loved this and so did I. It was full of flavor and i loved the spice I'd give this a 5 stars out of 5 stars.