How many servings does this recipe make?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

What ingredients do I need for Kefir-Battered Cast-Iron Fried Chicken ?

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 1 1/2 cups organic plain whole-milk kefir, 1 cup kosher salt, 1 whole organic chicken (about 3 pounds), 1 1/2 cups grapeseed oil, and more.

Is Kefir-Battered Cast-Iron Fried Chicken suitable as meat & poultry?

Yes, Kefir-Battered Cast-Iron Fried Chicken falls under the Meat & Poultry category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

How do I store leftover Kefir-Battered Cast-Iron Fried Chicken ?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

Kefir-Battered Cast-Iron Fried Chicken Recipe

Name: Kefir-Battered Cast-Iron Fried Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups organic plain whole-milk kefir; 1 cup kosher salt; 1 whole organic chicken (about 3 pounds); 1 1/2 cups grapeseed oil; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, crushed; 1/2 cup organic whole wheat flour; 1 tablespoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper; Pinch of Maldon sea salt

Kefir-Battered Cast-Iron Fried Chicken

Eats Now Editorial Team · 284 kcal · Meat & Poultry

1
In a bowl, mix the kefir with 1/2 cup of the kosher salt. Set aside.
2
Trim and cut the chicken into 10 pieces: 2 drumsticks; 2 thighs; 2 wings; and 2 breasts, each cut in half (leave the breasts on the rib cage). Pat all the pieces dry with a paper towel, then add the chicken to the kefir mixture. Cover and let sit overnight in the refrigerator. When ready to cook, pull the bowl out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes prior to cooking.
3
Preheat the oven to 425u00b0F. Set a wire rack in a rimmed baking sheet near the stove.
4
Place a 9-inch cast-iron pan on the stovetop and pour in the grapeseed oil. Begin warming the oil over medium-high heat. In a bowl, mix together the panko, flour, paprika, black pepper, cayenne, and remaining 1/2 cup kosher salt.
5
Remove one piece of chicken at a time from the kefir marinade and dredge it in the panko/flour mixture, making sure that all surfaces are covered. Lift the piece of chicken up, gently shake it off, and place on a plate. Repeat until all chicken pieces are coated.
6
Take a small amount of the panko/flour mixture and place it in the hot oil in the cast-iron pan. It should bubble up around the sides and brown slowly. If it browns too quickly, turn the heat down and wait a few minutes and try again. If it does not bubble at all, turn the heat up, wait a few minutes and try again.
7
Once the oil is at the right temperature, place about half of the chicken pieces in the pan, leaving room between the pieces. You should be able to fry all the chicken in two batches. When one side of a piece of chicken is brown, 7 to 10 minutes, gently flip it in the pan using tongs or a slotted spatula. Repeat on the other side until golden brown. Remove each piece from the pan once browned and place on the rack in the baking sheet. Repeat until all pieces are browned. Place the baking sheet pan in the oven and bake for about 15 more minutes. Remove from the oven and sprinkle each piece with a touch of sea salt.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

Kefir-Battered Cast-Iron Fried Chicken

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

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