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Weekend Meal | Joanna Gaines Fried Chicken

Full disclosure : The Magnolia Cookbooks are a staple in my kitchen. I have consumed the Magnolia magic, and am a complete Chip & Joanna fan. This recipe is from Joanna's first cookbook : Magnolia Table. I can't wait for the third cookbook to come out in May!


I took inspiration from her Fried Chicken recipe and made a delicious weekend meal. If you prefer to purchase the cookbook directly, check out the Magnolia site.

My family loves chicken legs and thighs. I made half of the recipe from the cookbook because we are a family of four with two young kids.

To me, this is the perfect Sunday meal. The recipe suggests the chicken marinades overnight, so I started this process on Saturday afternoon. This was my second time making this recipe, and the first time I skipped this step. Truthfully, I didn't read the recipe and neglected to realize it needed to marinade overnight. Let me tell you, it made a big difference in the moisture and flavor of the chicken.

Our salt and pepper cellars are from West Elm, we've had them forever. Pottery Barn has a similar salt cellar. Amazon also has a similar option. We love having salt and pepper cellars, and use them daily.


If you were making the full recipe, you would need an extra-large Ziploc (or similar) bag. With making half of the recipe, I fit everything in a gallon size bag.

TIP : make sure you store the bag in a bowl or plate that would be able to keep the chicken up-right. The bag would leak if it tipped over.


A few departures for me :

  • Our youngest child is particularly clingy. Loves to be picked up, especially when I am in the kitchen (any other moms relate?) so if I feel like I can edit, I will. I didn't attempt the jam, as suggested in the cookbook. Let me know in the comments if you feel I really missed out.

  • Second. I had just returned from a work trip to Florida, and bought this spice blend for my husband. The spice blend is delicious! Looking at the website, you can order a range of spice blends for your culinary adventures. If you have a favorite, let me know in the comments! I'm always looking for great Father's Day gifts or stocking stuffer ideas.

  • A little 'Easter egg' : our Motiv8 Foundation cutting board. We received this at an event a few years ago and use it daily.

Fry that chicken! Using a proper thermometer was key during this step. I didn't use this the first time I made this recipe, and it made a huge difference. Knowing the temperature of your oil allows you to be in control. I only placed two pieces of chicken in the oil at a time. I also preferred to use my dutch oven to heat the oil - I felt like this was going to allow for more control over a metal pot.

We love our Le Creuset dutch oven - this was a wedding gift. I've heard that Staub is equally loved. Amazon has a more cost effective option. A dutch oven is a must for the kitchen - it's worth the investment.


Sides : I made a basic mashed potato and sautéed green beans. Simple!

I lined a cookie sheet with paper towels - and then my family patiently waited for delicious fried chicken. I wasn't sure how our four-year-old would enjoy the chicken...she had three pieces.


Enjoy your weekend (or weekday!) Magnolia Fried Chicken.


Looking for wine pairings?



Visit your local wine shop and ask for an Italian Lambrusco. Delicious.


If you need a more generic wine suggestion :

Sparkling | crisp and dry. If you prefer sweetness in your wine, add spice to your flour mixture.

White wine | lively acids, and again - dry. I like Dry Rieslings for this pairing, Grüner Veltliner is another great option.

Red wine | higher tannin structure, medium acidity. Try a Tempranillo or Lambrusco.


Cheers.

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