Dolly Parton’s Famous Fried Chicken

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Have you ever tried Dolly Parton’s Dollywood famous fried chicken? We tried it, from home (not Dollywood), and it DID NOT disappoint! Side note, I hope to visit Dollywood with the fam in the future. I've heard the Dreammore Resort is nothing short of wonderful!

It's no surprise that this recipe is amazing, just like Dolly herself. I found her recipe extremely straight forward and easy to follow. I only did a couple things differently, starting with brining my chicken. 

Dolly''s recipe calls for a whole chicken, sectioned. I used her recipe to fry five pounds of Evan's Meats and Seafoods chicken wings instead.

I started by brining the chicken in a simple sweet tea+kosher salt brine for four hours before I got to frying. There are multiple options when it comes to choosing a brine. Lemonade+kosher salt, pickle juice+sugar, and I could go on. Additionally, you can customize your brine by adding garlic cloves, herbs, and seasonings.

So, what exactly does a brine do and is it necessary? No, it's not a must, but it will seal moisture into your chicken and keeps bone-in chicken from bleeding out during the frying process. 

Now that our chicken has brined, let's get to breading it! I love Dolly's recipe because the breading process is one step. Most breading processes are three steps (dredge in flour, dip in egg, and coat with breading).

This recipe easily coated five pounds of meaty chicken wings. I use a shallow dish or pie plate to dredge my chicken wings in. Then, I place my coated wings onto a tray covered in wax paper. 

Now, let's get our fry on. I usually fry things outside in my Presto electric skillet. I also have all tools on deck (literally), like tongs, a spider, and a sheet tray with a wire rack to put my chicken on once it's finished frying. Hot grease is not something you want to walk away from to get a tool. 

All fried up and ready to go, let's eat! It tastes so delicious plain because the breading makes the flavor pop. If you like to sauce-up your chicken, consider a drizzle of Alabama-style white sauce, honey mustard, or a thick bbq sauce. Checkout Dolly's Dollywood Famous Fried Chicken recipe below. I hope you'll try it! 

-XOXO-

Sally 

P.S. Dolly, you are and continue to be an inspiration!! 

To make Dollywood’s famous fried chicken at home you’ll need these ingredients:

  • 2 cups flour

  • 1 tablespoon salt

  • 1 tablespoon pepper

  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder

  • 1 teaspoon paprika

  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper

  • 1 whole chicken, sectioned or 5lbs of chicken wings

  • 3 cups oil (if using a traditional fryer; no oil if using an air fryer)

Then, follow these step-by-step instructions:

  • Brine your chicken for at least 4 hours 

  • Heat your oil or an air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.

  • Combine all dry ingredients using a whisk. Place mixed dry ingredients in a shallow dish.

  •  Rinse the chicken in ice cold water, drain, and pat dry. Dredge each piece in the flour mixture until completely coated.

  • Once coated, gently shake off excess breading. Place pieces of chicken into the fryer.

  • Cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

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