It’s Memorial Day weekend and if you’re like me that means another excuse to eat lots of FOOD! I pulled out one of my tried and true recipes and gave it an F Word twist because this week is also the debut of Gordon Ramsay’s new show The F Word on Fox.

 

 

The F Word pits food families from across the US against each other in an hour-long food competition. It’s based on Gordon’s UK show of the same name and I have no doubt it will feature his blunt culinary genius as well. In addition to impressing Gordon, each team must win over the hearts and taste buds of the diners, celebrities and VIP guests whom they’re serving.

I’ve been invited to watch The F Word on its debut night LIVE at Fox Studios. So to celebrate this and Memorial Day cookouts around the country, I made my favorite F Word dish, French Fried Chicken and it is just as heavenly as it sounds. I used French’s Fried Onions and Dijon mustard to make it French!  This recipe is an easy, last-minute fried chicken delight that you can whip up for pool parties or BBQ’s.  Or you can make it for dinner while you watch The F Word LIVE May 31st 9/8c on Fox. And look for me in the audience!

Heather’s French Fried Chicken:

1 whole skin-on chicken, cut into 8 or 10 pieces (can also try with skinless breasts)
1 3/4 cups buttermilk
1 1/2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons sea or kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne
3 1/2 cups  all-purpose flour
1 cup cornmeal
1 cup crushed French’s Onion Strings
2 teaspoons each of salt and pepper
Oil for frying
1. Massage (or marinate if you have time) the chicken with the buttermilk, Dijon mustard, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, Dijon, buttermilk and cayenne. 
2. Mix together the flour, cornmeal, French’s Fried Onions, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Remove the chicken pieces from the buttermilk mixture and coat them with the flour mixture, working a few pieces at a time, making sure the pieces are thoroughly coated. Gently shake off some of the excess flour and set them aside or over a baking sheet.
3. In a large, heavy skillet, such as cast iron, heat about 1 1/4-inch of cooking oil (your choice!) If using a deep-fry thermometer, the temperature should read 350ºF when ready to fry.
4. Carefully place as many pieces of the chicken as will fit in the pan without crowding it, skin side down. The temperature will decrease but try to keep the temperature of the oil around 325ºF as you fry.
5. Fry the chicken until each side is crispy and golden brown.  The chicken will take about 20 to 25 minutes to cook.
6. As the chicken is done, remove the pieces and set them aside for cooling.

I’m country so I like to serve my friend chicken with mashed potatoes, coleslaw and grilled corn. But this will be a tangy yummy treat no matter what you serve it with. And speaking of serving, let’s not forget the men and women we honor this Memorial Day weekend and their service to our country. Thank you for your service and happy Memorial Day everyone!