Iconic Bill Miller Fried Chicken Recipe with Crispy Perfection

Bill Miller fried chicken transforms ordinary poultry into a sizzling Southern sensation that captures the heart of comfort cuisine.

Crispy golden layers crackle with robust spices, promising an explosion of flavor in every bite.

Generations of culinary artisans have carefully crafted this legendary recipe, infusing each piece with deep-rooted Southern charm.

The secret lies in the harmonious blend of perfectly seasoned breading and expertly fried technique.

Tender meat nestled beneath a crunchy exterior creates a textural symphony that dances across your palate.

Spices whisper tales of home kitchens and time-honored traditions, inviting you to savor a slice of authentic Southern cooking.

This recipe promises to become your new comfort food obsession, delivering pure culinary bliss straight to your plate.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 26 minutes

Calories: 400 kcal

Servings: 8

Ingredients to Make Bill Miller Fried Chicken

• Chicken Pieces: Select fresh, high-quality cuts with consistent thickness for even cooking.
• Garlic Powder: Choose fragrant, fine-ground powder for robust flavor penetration.
• Seasoned Salt: Opt for balanced blend without excessive sodium content.
• Black Pepper: Select freshly ground pepper for maximum aromatic intensity.
• Onion Powder: Look for pure, unadulterated powder without added fillers.

• All-Purpose Flour: Select unbleached flour for smoother, more consistent coating.
• Baking Powder: Ensure fresh, active powder for optimal rising and crispiness.
• Baking Soda: Choose aluminum-free variety for cleaner taste profile.
• Water: Use filtered or spring water for pure, clean liquid base.

• Vegetable Oil: Select high smoke-point oil like canola or peanut for deep frying.
• Kosher Salt: Pick coarse-grain salt for perfect final seasoning.
• Sheet Tray: Use wire rack to ensure crispy chicken without soggy bottom.
• Pan Lid: Select heavy lid that fits securely for controlled cooking environment.

Essential Tools for Bill Miller Fried Chicken

• Large Heavy-Bottomed Pan: Deep, sturdy pan for maintaining consistent oil temperature during frying.
• Deep Fry Thermometer: Precise tool to monitor oil temperature at 375°F for perfect crispy chicken.
• Large Mixing Bowls: Two separate bowls for seasoning chicken and creating batter mixture.
• Wire Rack: Essential for draining excess oil and keeping fried chicken crisp.
• Sheet Tray: Placed under wire rack to catch oil drips and provide stable surface.
• Measuring Cups: For accurately measuring water and dry ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Hands: To mix batter and ensure smooth consistency.
• Tongs: Safe utensil for carefully placing and flipping chicken in hot oil.
• Pan Lid: Helps control oil splatter and manage cooking temperature.
• Kosher Salt Shaker: For seasoning chicken immediately after frying.

How to Prepare Bill Miller Fried Chicken at Home

• Whip Up Seasoning Mix

Blend a powerful flavor punch by combining garlic powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, and onion powder in a large mixing bowl.

• Create Magical Batter

Combine flour, baking powder, and baking soda in another bowl. Gradually add water and mix with your hands until the batter reaches a silky, slightly runny consistency that’ll make your chicken crispy and delightful.

• Prepare Hot Oil Bath

Heat vegetable oil in a deep pan until it sizzles at 375°F, creating the perfect golden-brown playground for your chicken pieces.

• Coat and Dunk Chicken

Thoroughly massage the seasoning mix into each chicken piece, then lovingly dip and swirl each one in the dreamy batter, ensuring a complete flavor-packed coating.

• Fry to Crispy Perfection

Gently lower battered chicken into the hot oil, covering with a lid to trap the magic. Cook for about 7 minutes, then flip and continue cooking for an additional 7-9 minutes until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F.

• Finish and Serve

Rescue your golden beauties from the oil, letting them rest on a wire rack to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with a final touch of kosher salt for an irresistible crunch that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Serving Bill Miller Fried Chicken with Style

• Serve with Tangy Dipping Sauces
• Pair crispy fried chicken with homemade ranch, zesty hot sauce, or honey mustard for an explosion of complementary flavors that elevate each delicious bite.
• Create a Comfort Food Platter
• Accompany the golden chicken with classic southern sides like creamy mashed potatoes, buttermilk coleslaw, or fluffy buttermilk biscuits to complete the hearty meal.
• Present on Casual Gathering Spread
• Arrange the crispy chicken pieces on a large wooden board with pickles, fresh herbs, and lemon wedges for a rustic, inviting centerpiece that encourages shared dining and conversation.
• Add Fresh Garnish Touch
• Sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley over the hot chicken to introduce a bright, fresh element that cuts through the rich, crispy coating and adds visual appeal.

Planning & Storage Tips for Fried Chicken by Bill Miller

• Extend Freshness: Store leftover fried chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Crisp Reheating: Revive cold chicken by warming in a preheated oven at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, ensuring crispy exterior and hot interior.
• Freezer-Friendly Method: Wrap individual pieces in plastic wrap, then place in freezer bags. Frozen chicken stays delicious for up to 3 months when properly sealed.
• Quick Meal Prep: Batch cook chicken pieces ahead of time, allowing easy weeknight meal solutions and saving precious cooking time for busy families.

Ways to Customize Bill Miller Fried Chicken

Explore exciting ways to elevate this classic fried chicken recipe.

Experiment with different herb and spice combinations like smoked paprika, cayenne, or dried herbs to create unique flavor profiles that match your taste preferences.

Swap water with buttermilk or beer for extra richness and tenderness. Cold liquid helps create a crispier coating that locks in moisture and delivers maximum crunch.

Use a digital thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature between 365-375°F. Fluctuations can lead to greasy or undercooked chicken, so monitor carefully during frying.

Marinate chicken pieces overnight in buttermilk or seasoned brine for deeper flavor penetration. Refrigerate prepared batter separately to save time during meal preparation.

Ultimate Bill Miller Fried Chicken Recipe

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4.6 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 26 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Southern-style Bill Miller fried chicken brings crispy, golden perfection to your dinner table. Seasoned flour coating and buttermilk marinade create irresistible flavor you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 pieces chicken breasts (split down the middle)
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 ½ cups water (more or less)
• 2 ¼ tsps baking powder
• 2 tsps garlic powder
• 1 ½ tsps seasoned salt
• 1 ½ tsps black pepper
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp baking soda
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• Oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Oil Preparation: Heat a robust pot with 3 inches of oil to 375°F, creating an ideal frying environment for crispy chicken.
2. Seasoning Blend: Massage chicken pieces with garlic powder, seasoned salt, black pepper, and onion powder, ensuring thorough and uniform coverage.
3. Batter Creation: Whisk flour, baking powder, and baking soda together, then gradually introduce water to form a silky, slightly runny batter that clings delicately to the chicken.
4. Coating Technique: Submerge each seasoned chicken piece into the batter, allowing excess to cascade off, generating a gossamer-thin, even layer.
5. Frying Process: Gently lower battered chicken into the sizzling oil, maintaining strategic spacing to guarantee maximum crispness and golden-brown perfection.
6. Cooking Progression: Cover the pan and fry for 14-16 minutes total, flipping midway, until chicken achieves a deep golden exterior and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
7. Finishing Touch: Transfer chicken to a wire rack, letting excess oil drain, and immediately sprinkle with kosher salt for enhanced flavor profile.

Notes

• Maintain Precise Oil Temperature: Keep oil consistently at 375°F for perfect golden-brown crispiness; use a digital thermometer to monitor heat throughout cooking.
• Seasoning Technique Matters: Ensure chicken is thoroughly coated with dry seasonings before battering to guarantee maximum flavor penetration and even taste distribution.
• Batter Consistency is Crucial: Aim for a slightly runny pancake batter texture; too thick creates heavy coating, too thin results in weak coverage.
• Drain Smartly for Crispiness: Use a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent soggy bottom, allowing excess oil to drip and maintaining crisp exterior.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 16 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg