Florida State Fried Chicken

4.7

(3)

2 Reviews

Honey-drizzled fried chicken is a favorite during football season.

By

Ann Taylor Pittman

Published on August 2, 2023

Southern Living Florida State Honey Fried Chicken on a plate to serve — Photo:
Victor Protasio; Food Stylist: Chelsea Zimmer; Prop Stylist: Christina Dailey

Active Time:

50 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs 50 mins

In the early 1990s, Florida State University’s chef John Wiggins started a Friday tradition of serving fried chicken to players in their dining hall. Wiggins’ special twist was finishing the golden, crunchy pieces with a drizzle of honey. The athletes went nuts for the chicken, and it’s now available on campus at two other dining venues. Drumsticks make for easy one-handed eating since they come with their own “handles,” but don’t forget to provide extra napkins.

Ingredients

1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1 1/2 tsp. onion powder
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. garlic powder
1 tsp. black pepper
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
8 (5- to 6-oz.) chicken drumsticks
Canola or vegetable oil, for frying
2/3 cup (about 2 7/8 oz.) all-purpose flour
3 Tbsp. honey

Directions

Season and chill chicken:

Stir together salt, onion powder, paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, and cayenne in a small bowl. Rub generously all over drumsticks. Place drumsticks on a wire rack set inside a baking sheet; refrigerate, uncovered, for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.
Heat oil:

Preheat oven to 200°F. Pour oil into a large cast-iron skillet to a depth of 1 1/2 inches. Heat oil over medium-high to 350°F.
Fry chicken:

Place flour in a large ziplock plastic bag. Add drumsticks to bag; seal bag, and shake well to coat drumsticks. Remove drumsticks from bag, shaking off excess flour. Place 4 drumsticks in hot oil; return remaining drumsticks to wire rack. Fry drumsticks until a thermometer inserted in thickest portion of meat (not touching bone) registers 165°F, adjusting the heat as needed to maintain oil temperature, about 15 minutes, turning drumsticks over after 8 minutes.
Finish the chicken:

Using tongs, transfer drumsticks to a clean ovenproof wire rack fitted over a baking sheet; place in preheated oven to keep warm. Repeat frying process with remaining drumsticks. Arrange cooked drumsticks on a platter; drizzle with honey, and serve warm.

Florida State Fried Chicken

Ingredients

Directions

Season and chill chicken:

Heat oil:

Fry chicken:

Finish the chicken:

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