Ritz® Southern Fried Chicken

Your family will know it's a special occasion when this spicy Southern fried chicken is on the menu.

Recipe Ingredients:

3 cups buttermilk
1 broiler-fryer chicken (about 2 1/2 pounds), cut up
25 RITZ Crackers, finely crushed (about 1 cup)
2/3 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon ground red pepper (or black, if desired)
2 cups vegetable oil

Cooking Directions:

1. Pour buttermilk over chicken in shallow dish or resealable plastic bag; cover and refrigerate one hour to marinate. Remove chicken from marinade; discard marinade.
2. Add chicken to combined cracker crumbs, flour, salt and red pepper in shallow dish, turning to evenly coat all sides.
3. Heat oil in large saucepan to 350°F (175°C). Add half of the chicken; cook 15 minutes or until chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from oil; drain on paper towels. Repeat with remaining chicken.

Makes 5 servings.

Recipe and photograph provided courtesy of www.ritzcrackers.com; through ARAcontent.